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Dump Truck Trucking in Montana

Complete dump truck owner-operator guide for Montana (MT) — estimated market rates, top freight lanes, key industries, and regulations affecting dump truck carriers in the Mountain West region.

Dump Truck Market Rates in Montana

Rate Per Mile

$3.65

+12.3% vs national avg

Est. Gross Monthly

$16,425

Est. Net Monthly

$10,676

After ~35% expenses

Montana vs National Average

MetricMontanaNational AvgDifference
Rate/Mile$3.65$3.25+12.3%
Fuel Tax27.75c/gal~32c/galBelow avg
Freight Volumelowmoderate-

Dump Truck Market Overview — Mountain West Region

Mountain West dump truck operations center on the region's booming metro areas — Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Boise — where rapid population growth drives residential and commercial construction. Mining operations across Colorado, Utah, and Montana create demand for overburden removal and aggregate hauling. Highway expansion projects in mountain passes are high-paying but seasonal (May through October). The longer distances between quarries and job sites compared to denser regions translate to higher per-load rates but fewer daily turns.

Top Dump Truck Freight Lanes

1Denver CO → Aurora CO
2Phoenix AZ → Mesa AZ
3Salt Lake City UT → Provo UT
4Boise ID → Meridian ID

Lanes are based on the Mountain West region where Montana is located. Actual lane availability varies by season and market conditions.

Industries Driving Dump Truck Demand in Montana

1Paper & packaging
2Beverage distribution
3Auto parts
4Retail distribution

Montana's major shippers including CHS Inc (grain) and ExxonMobil (Billings refinery) generate consistent dump truck freight. The state's low freight volume and 7/10 owner-operator friendliness score make it a strong market for dump truck carriers.

Top Freight Cities in Montana for Dump Truck

Billings, MT

Key hub on I-90 corridor

Missoula, MT

Key hub on I-90 corridor

Great Falls, MT

Key hub on I-90 corridor

Bozeman, MT

Key hub on I-90 corridor

Montana Regulations Affecting Dump Truck Operations

  • Long distances between services
  • Bakken oil field loads pay premium

Fuel tax in Montana: 27.75 cents/gallon. No toll roads. Severe winters; mountain passes dangerous; I-90 closures.

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Dump Truck Trucking in Montana — FAQ

Based on our market rate engine, dump truck carriers in Montana (mountain west region) can expect approximately $3.65/mile. This translates to an estimated gross of $16,425/month and net of $10,676/month after typical expenses. Rates vary by lane, season, and individual shipper negotiations.
The top industries driving dump truck demand in Montana include Agriculture, Oil (Bakken), Mining. Major shippers in the state include CHS Inc (grain) and ExxonMobil (Billings refinery). The state's low freight volume creates moderate opportunities for dump truck carriers.
Montana trucking regulations that affect dump truck operations include: Long distances between services. Bakken oil field loads pay premium. The state fuel tax rate is 27.75 cents per gallon. Always verify current regulations with MT DOT before dispatching.
Top dump truck freight lanes in the Mountain West region include Denver CO → Aurora CO; Phoenix AZ → Mesa AZ; Salt Lake City UT → Provo UT. Montana's key highways (I-90, I-15, I-94) connect the state's major freight cities: Billings, Missoula, Great Falls. Securing round-trip loads on these lanes minimizes deadhead miles.
Montana scores 7/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale with low freight volume and limited truck parking. The fuel tax of 27.75 cents/gallon is near the national average. Severe winters; mountain passes dangerous; I-90 closures. No toll roads.