Rochester, MN
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Rochester.
1,152
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Who Operates Out of Rochester
1,152 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Rochester. Here is how that base breaks down by fleet size — useful for judging whether you would be competing against owner-operators or against fleets with dedicated freight locked up.
591
Owner-operators (1 truck)
320
Small fleets (2-5)
106
Mid fleets (6-20)
28
Large fleets (20+)
51% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 45 are registered to haul hazardous materials.
Source: FMCSA Motor Carrier Census (active carriers, US physical addresses), retrieved 2026-07-18.
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.47 |
| Reefer | $2.83 |
| Flatbed | $3.05 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- Limited highway infrastructure — Spaulding Turnpike is the primary route.
- Winter weather significantly impacts operations.
- Distance from major interstates increases transit times.
- Some older industrial areas have tight dock access.
Opportunities
- Central location provides access to loads heading in every direction
- Massive intermodal and rail hub infrastructure in Chicago area
- Strong agricultural freight during harvest season
- Lower cost of living and operating costs improve net margins
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Harvest season (August-November) generates enormous grain and produce volume. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Winter weather (November-March) causes delays but also rate spikes. Spring flooding can disrupt river-adjacent routes.
Trucking in Rochester — FAQ
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