When you’re looking for a trucking company to work for in Minnesota, there are a lot of things to consider. We’ve made your search a little easier by narrowing it down to the companies that have the best pay, benefits, and workplace culture, among other key factors.
Best Trucking Companies to Work For
Here are our picks for the top-tier Minnesota trucking companies to work for:
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There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Minnesota. Every Minnesota trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies to work for in Minnesota.
Stan Koch & Sons Trucking Inc
4200 Dahlberg Drive, Golden Valley, MN, 55422- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 1697
- Drivers: 927
Stan Koch & Sons Trucking Inc (DOT: 146060) is a reputable freight trucking company based in Minnesota, known for its diverse transportation and distribution services. Their offerings include carrying a variety of cargos such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, and large machinery, making them a versatile choice for many industries.
Despite having a significant number of drivers and power units, the company maintains a satisfactory safety rating with consistent performance. Koch Trucking also features dedicated routes, ensuring reliable and specialized services for specific freight needs, and has a fleet age averaging just 3 years. Additionally, they guarantee home time for their drivers, further emphasizing their commitment to a balanced work-life environment.
Driver Options
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Specialized
Benefits
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 77
- Unsafe driving: 0.83
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.87
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Ta Dedicated Inc
1715 Yankee Doodle Rd Ste 100, Eagan, MN, 55121- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 996
- Drivers: 1164
Ta Dedicated Inc (DOT: 183949) is a burgeoning trucking company in Minnesota, established in 2022, operating primarily in the trucking and supply chain solutions industry. With a fleet of 996 trucks and 1,164 drivers, they specialize in hauling a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, intermodal containers, paper products, and US Mail.
Ta Dedicated Inc also provides services for tanker and flatbed shipments, demonstrating their capability to handle a variety of freight types, including hazardous materials. Although they do not offer some common benefits like dental or life insurance, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating and an active USDOT status, ensuring reliability and compliance in their operations.
Driver Options
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- HAZMAT
Benefits
- Dedicated routes
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 79
- Unsafe driving: 1.25
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 26
Taylor Truck Line Inc
801 Hwy 3 N, Northfield, MN, 55057- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 402
- Drivers: 345
- Revenue: $64,763,000
- Miles driven: 37,500,000 (2024)
Taylor Truck Line Inc (DOT: 124500) has been a dependable player in the logistics and supply chain solutions industry since 1957. With a diverse portfolio, they efficiently manage and transport various types of cargo, including household goods, beverages, building materials, machinery, large objects, intermodal containers, and vehicles.
Taylor Truck Line Inc offers a solid fleet size of 402 trucks and employs 345 drivers, specializing in interstate operations. The company’s dedication to quality service is reflected in its satisfactory safety rating and the ability to handle agricultural, construction materials, and general freight. Despite not offering certain driver benefits, Taylor Truck Line Inc maintains a robust presence in the logistics industry.
Benefits
- Guaranteed home time
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 43
- Unsafe driving: 2.21
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.16
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Fastenal Company
2001 Theurer Boulevard, Winona, MN, 55987- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 659
- Trailers: 650
- Drivers: 995
- Revenue: $4,176,000
- Miles driven: 43,400,000 (2024)
Fastenal Company (DOT: 242294) is an active freight trucking company operating out of Minnesota. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, construction materials, general freight, large machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and liquids/gases.
Fastenal Company places a strong emphasis on employee well-being, offering a variety of benefits such as dental, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid time off, a retirement plan, and vision coverage. Additionally, they support employee development through ongoing training programs and provide perks such as gym memberships and flexible scheduling.
Guaranteed home time and a solid safety record underscore the company’s commitment to its drivers. With a sizable fleet of 670 trucks and 650 trailers, Fastenal ensures efficient and reliable service across its operations.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training}
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 33
- Unsafe driving: 0.27
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.93
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 10
J & R Schugel
2026 North Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN, 56073- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 738
- Drivers: 683
- Revenue: $76,935,000
- Miles driven: 68,000,000 (2023)
J & R Schugel (DOT: 116455) is a reputable trucking company operating with a solid fleet of 738 trucks and 683 drivers.
J & R Schugel specializes in carrying a variety of cargo including beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, machinery, refrigerated foods, building materials, and paper products. Their services include disability, dental, life, and health insurance, as well as a retirement plan, ongoing training development programs, paid time off, and guaranteed home time for drivers.
Despite not offering services like dedicated routes or lease purchase programs, the company ensures quality employment conditions with opportunities for employee stock ownership and team driving. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating and prioritize their drivers’ well-being and development.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 59
- Unsafe driving: 1.7
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.75
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Admiral Merchants
215 South 11 Th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55403- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 450
- Trailers: 575
- Drivers: 475
- Revenue: $15,121,000
- Miles driven: 33,400,000 (2023)
Admiral Merchants (DOT: 124813) is a well-established trucking company based in Minnesota, having been founded in 1929. The company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, construction supplies, general freight, intermodal containers, and agricultural products.
Admiral Merchants boasts a significant fleet of 450 trucks and 575 trailers, with 475 drivers operating primarily in interstate travel. Key services offered by the company include support for owner-operators, sign-on bonuses, and health insurance for employees.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- 401(k)
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 28
- Unsafe driving: 1.63
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.2
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.18
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
Valley Transportation Service Inc
73137 St Hwy 16, Grand Meadow, MN, 55936- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 203
- Drivers: 203
- Revenue: $98,000
- Miles driven: 15,400,000 (2024)
Valley Transportation Service Inc (DOT: 456821) has been a steadfast carrier in the trucking industry since 1989. Based in Minnesota, the company maintains a fleet of 203 trucks and offers services primarily in interstate operations.
Valley Transportation specializes in transporting a variety of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, heavy machinery, fresh produce, and oilfield equipment. Noteworthy offerings include driveaway/towaway services and the ability to handle large objects and metal sheets, coils, and rolls.
Moreover, Valley Transportation provides driver referral bonuses and safety bonuses to its employees. Although it does not offer some standard benefits like dental or vision coverage, the company maintains a satisfactory safety rating and strives to deliver reliable service.
Benefits
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 16
- Unsafe driving: 2.49
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Bay And Bay Transportation
2905 West Service Road Suite 2000, Eagan, MN, 55121- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 540
- Drivers: 516
- Revenue: $26,937,000
- Miles driven: 52,600,000 (2024)
Bay And Bay Transportation (DOT: 125630) is a well-established trucking company headquartered in Minnesota, specializing in interstate freight and logistics. The company boasts a substantial fleet of 540 trucks and employs 516 drivers, showcasing its extensive capacity for handling a diverse range of cargo.
Bay And Bay Transportation offers services for transporting beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, paper products, general freight, and refrigerated food. The company is noted for its commitment to safety with a “Satisfactory” safety rating and a history of zero crash fatalities.
Although they do not offer extensive employee benefits like dental insurance or retirement plans, Bay And Bay Transportation continues to maintain a solid reputation in the industry, supported by positive employee reviews on platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Reefer
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 45
- Unsafe driving: 1.79
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.66
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Polman Transfer Inc
63425 Hwy 10 West, Wadena, MN, 56482- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 62
- Drivers: 52
- Revenue: $15,587,000
- Miles driven: 3,820,319 (2024)
Polman Transfer Inc (DOT: 116195) is an established trucking company based in Minnesota, operating in the interstate freight services industry. Their fleet consists of over 62 trucks and they employ 52 drivers who specialize in transporting a wide variety of goods, including building materials, meat, fresh produce, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and utility items.
Polman Transfer Inc offers several employee benefits such as dental insurance, direct deposit, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and safety bonuses. They pride themselves on maintaining a satisfactory safety rating and providing guaranteed home time, ensuring their drivers’ well-being both on and off the road. Additionally, they have provisions for owner-operators and offer a truck lease purchase program.
Driver Options
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Lefebvre & Sons Inc
10895 171 St Avenue, Elk River, MN, 55330- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 77
- Drivers: 65
- Revenue: $3,106,000
- Miles driven: 4,560,816 (2024)
Lefebvre & Sons Inc (DOT: 213483), a Minnesota-based trucking company established in 1928, has built a reputable presence in the freight industry. With a fleet of 77 trucks and specialized heavy haul drivers, they transport a diverse range of cargo including agricultural supplies, building materials, machinery, motor vehicles, and paper products.
The company offers several employee benefits such as dental and life insurance, disability insurance, and vision coverage. Additionally, Lefebvre & Sons Inc. provides referral bonuses for drivers, ensuring that their workforce is rewarded for helping to bring in new talent.
Driver Options
- Flatbed
- Specialized
- Heavy haul
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.95
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.78
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in a Trucking Company
Choosing the right trucking company is crucial for your career satisfaction and growth. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating potential employers in Minnesota:
- Pay and benefits: Competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
- Work-life balance: Flexible scheduling and the ability to choose routes that fit your lifestyle.
- Company reputation: A strong reputation for treating drivers well and providing a supportive work environment.
- Career growth opportunities: Availability of training, mentorship, and pathways for advancement within the company.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
Trucking companies in Minnesota offer a variety of driving positions to suit different preferences and experiences:
- Long-haul driving: Ideal for those who enjoy cross-country routes and extended time on the road.
- Regional driving: Perfect for drivers who want to stay closer to home while still covering significant distances.
- Local driving: Best for those who prefer daily routes and the ability to return home each night.
- Specialized driving: Opportunities to drive tankers, flatbeds, refrigerated trucks, and more.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
Selecting the best trucking company for your career goals requires careful consideration:
- Assess your priorities. Determine what’s most important to you—whether it’s pay, benefits, route type, or company culture.
- Research companies. Look into each company’s reputation, employee reviews, and the benefits they offer.
- Talk to current employees. Get insights from current or former drivers about their experiences.
- Consider long-term growth. Choose a company that offers opportunities for career development and advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions truckers have when considering employment with trucking companies in Minnesota.
Which company in Minnesota offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Stan Koch & Sons Trucking Inc is known for offering outstanding benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Minnesota?
Most companies in Minnesota are hiring for long-haul and regional positions, with some offering specialized roles as well.
How To Apply
Ready to take the next step in your trucking career? Here’s how to apply to the top trucking companies in Minnesota:
- Prepare your resume. Highlight your driving experience, certifications, and any specialized skills.
- Research the companies. Visit their career pages to learn more about the job openings and company culture.
- Submit your application. Apply online through the company’s website or job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor.
- Follow up. After applying, follow up with the company to express your continued interest and inquire about the next steps.
Conclusion
Finding the right trucking company in Minnesota can set you on the path to a rewarding and fulfilling career. By considering the factors outlined above and applying to the companies that align with your career goals, you can make an informed decision and take the next step in your professional journey. Explore more job resources or get in touch with recruiters to learn more about the opportunities waiting for you in Minnesota.
