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Flatbed Earnings in Minnesota

How much can flatbed owner-operators earn in Minnesota (MN)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Midwest region.

Flatbed Earnings Overview — Minnesota

Rate Per Mile

$3.23

+7.7% vs national

Est. Gross Monthly

$24,225

-5.0% vs national

Est. Net Monthly

$14,533

After COL-adjusted expenses

Minnesota vs National Average

MetricMinnesotaNational AvgDiff
Rate/Mile$3.23$3.00+7.7%
Gross Monthly$24,225$25,500-5.0%
Est. Net Monthly$14,533$16,575-12.3%
Cost of Living108 (Above Average)100 (Baseline)+8%
Fuel Tax28.5c/gal~32c/galBelow avg

Cost of Living Impact in Minnesota

COL Index: 108Above Average cost of living

Minnesota has a roughly average cost of living (index 108). Flatbed rates of $3.23/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making MN a balanced market for flatbed owner-operators.

Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown

CategoryEst. Monthly% of Gross
Fuel$4,18617.3%
Insurance$9694.0%
Truck Payment / Lease$1,8007.4%
Maintenance & Repairs$1,2115.0%
Tires$3001.2%
Permits & Licenses$1620.7%
Food & Living$8643.6%
Phone / Software$2000.8%
Total Expenses$9,69240.0%
Net Take-Home$14,53360.0%

Expenses adjusted for Minnesota's cost of living index (108). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.

Fuel Cost Impact in Minnesota

28.5c/gal fuel tax

Minnesota's fuel tax of 28.5 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving flatbed carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $53/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with moderate freight volume, MN offers solid margin potential.

Top Flatbed Lanes from Minnesota

1Chicago IL → Indianapolis IN
2Detroit MI → Cleveland OH
3Minneapolis MN → Milwaukee WI
4Kansas City MO → Omaha NE

Flatbed Earnings — Minnesota vs Nearby States

StateRate/MileGross/MoFuel Tax
Minnesota (MN)$3.23$24,22528.5c
Illinois (IL)$3.35$25,12546.7c
Indiana (IN)$3.28$24,60033.0c
Iowa (IA)$3.02$22,65030.0c
Kansas (KS)$3.01$22,57524.0c

Maximize Your Flatbed Earnings in Minnesota

A good dispatch service works on the three levers that move your per-mile rate: load negotiation, reduced deadhead, and detention pay recovery.

Flatbed Earnings in Minnesota — FAQ

Based on our rate engine, flatbed owner-operators in Minnesota can expect approximately $3.23/mile, translating to ~$24,225 gross monthly. After estimated expenses of ~$9,692/month, net take-home is approximately $14,533/month. Actual earnings vary by lanes, experience, and negotiation skills.
Our model puts Minnesota at $3.23/mile for flatbed, against a baseline of $3.00/mile for that equipment class. The state's cost of living index is 108 (Above Average), and the fuel tax is 28.5c/gal. With moderate freight volume and an owner-operator friendliness score of 7/10, MN is a strong market for flatbed carriers.
The top expenses for flatbed operators in Minnesota are: fuel (~$4,186/mo), truck payment (~$1,800/mo), insurance (~$969/mo), and maintenance (~$1,211/mo). Minnesota's cost of living (above average) affects food, lodging, and living expenses. Total estimated monthly expenses: ~$9,692.
Top flatbed freight lanes in the Midwest region include: Chicago IL → Indianapolis IN; Detroit MI → Cleveland OH; Minneapolis MN → Milwaukee WI; Kansas City MO → Omaha NE. Minnesota's key freight corridors run along I-94 and I-35, connecting Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth. Securing consistent round-trip loads minimizes deadhead and maximizes net earnings.
Minnesota's fuel tax is 28.5 cents/gallon, which is near the national average of ~32c. For a flatbed averaging 5-6 MPG and running ~8,000 loaded miles/month, this translates to ~$427/month in state fuel tax alone.

Want to hit the top of these flatbed numbers in Minnesota?

Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying flatbed lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.