Trucking in Mississippi

In Mississippi, dry van rates average $2.25/mile, reefer rates average $2.55/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.75/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.

Mississippi scores 8/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has moderate freight volume with abundant truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Agriculture, Automotive, Poultry.

Key trucking regulations in Mississippi include: Lowest fuel tax in the region. Nissan/Toyota drive auto parts freight. Mississippi River flooding closes US-61. Rural roads have low weight limits. The state fuel tax rate is 18.4 cents per gallon.

The major freight highways in Mississippi are I-55, I-20, I-59, I-10, US-82. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Tupelo. No toll roads.

Truck driver earnings in Mississippi vary by equipment type and experience. Based on current Mississippi freight rates, a dry van owner-operator running 120,000 miles/year can expect to gross $230,000-$297,000 annually. After expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance), net take-home typically ranges from $69,000-$134,000. Reefer and flatbed operators often earn more — $2.55/mile and $2.75/mile respectively. Company drivers in Mississippi generally earn $55,000-$75,000 depending on the carrier and route type.

The primary freight corridors in Mississippi run along I-55, I-20, I-59, plus I-10, US-82. These routes connect major freight hubs like Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg and serve the state's top industries: Agriculture, Automotive, Poultry. Major shippers along these corridors include Nissan (Canton) and Toyota (Blue Springs). Freight volume on Mississippi corridors is rated moderate, making it important to pre-book loads to avoid deadhead miles.

Standard operations in Mississippi require a valid USDOT number, MC authority (for interstate), and MS base plates or IRP registration. For oversize/overweight loads, Mississippi requires permits — contact the Mississippi DOT for permit details. Standard FMCSA hazmat endorsements apply for dangerous goods. The state fuel tax is 18.4 cents/gallon, reported through IFTA for interstate carriers.

Major shippers and carriers operating in Mississippi include Nissan (Canton), Toyota (Blue Springs), Sanderson Farms, Walmart DCs, Ingalls Shipbuilding. These companies generate consistent freight across the state's top industries: Agriculture, Automotive, Poultry, Timber. For owner-operators, Mississippi's moderate freight volume means building direct shipper relationships is key to staying loaded. Key freight cities like Jackson and Gulfport are good places to establish regular lanes.

Compared to nearby states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi ranks favorably with a 8/10 owner-operator friendliness score. Mississippi has moderate freight volume and a fuel tax of 18.4 cents/gallon. Alabama has a fuel tax of 29.2 cents/gallon for comparison. Factors like abundant truck parking and mild winters also affect profitability.

Mississippi charges a diesel fuel tax of 18.4 cents per gallon on top of the federal 24.4 cents/gallon. This is below the national average, giving truckers a fuel cost advantage. Major truck stops along I-55 and I-20 offer competitive diesel pricing. For a truck averaging 6.5 MPG over 10,000 miles/month, monthly fuel expense in Mississippi varies based on current pump prices. IFTA-registered carriers file quarterly to reconcile fuel taxes across states. No toll roads.