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 in MN
Here are our picks for the top-tier Minnesota trucking companies to work for:
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves
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.
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc.
5739 Old Hwy 61, Duluth, MN, 55810- Salary range: $55,000 – $70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 285
- Drivers: 290
- Revenue: $16,434
- Miles driven: 26,900,000 (2023)
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 593718) is located in Minnesota and has a fleet size of over 50 trucks, offering its services since its inception. They are well-equipped to handle a broad range of cargo, including building materials, coal, construction items, general freight, grain feed, intermodal containers, large machinery, metal sheets, motor vehicles, and paper products. The company hires various drivers, including regional, local, OTR, and specialized drivers such as hazmat and flatbed drivers.
Kivi Bros Trucking provides numerous benefits for their drivers, including health, dental, and life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan (401k), and tuition reimbursement. Additionally, drivers can take advantage of sign-on bonuses, referral bonuses, and deadhead or detention pay. Employees on Indeed and Glassdoor have rated them positively with 4.0 and 3.6 scores respectively, citing compensation, benefits, and job security as strengths. Some common negative feedback includes challenges in work-life balance and occasional disorganization in route assignments.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 29
- Unsafe driving: 1.78
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.72
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
T.A. Dedicated, Inc.
1715 Yankee Doodle Rd Ste 100, Eagan, MN, 55121- Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 996
- Drivers: 1164
- Miles driven: 90,800,000 (2024)
T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (DOT: 183949) was established in 2022 and operates from Minnesota. Specializing in a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, and US mail, the company employs a diverse array of drivers such as regional, hazmat, OTR, flatbed, tanker, and dedicated route drivers.
The company offers numerous benefits for its drivers, including dental and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, gym memberships, a truck lease purchase program, flexible scheduling, and employee stock ownership. T.A. Dedicated also ensures safety and driver satisfaction with safety bonuses, direct deposit, paid time off, and deadhead detention/layover compensation.
On Glassdoor and Indeed, T.A. Dedicated receives mixed reviews with a Glassdoor rating of 2.8 and an Indeed score of 3.4. Positive feedback often refers to the solid compensation package and good health benefits, while negative comments mention challenges with work-life balance and occasional disorganization in route assignments.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- LTL
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
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Fastenal Company
2001 Theurer Boulevard, Winona, MN, 55987- Salary range: $45,000 – $55,000
- 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), located in Minnesota, operates as an interstate carrier and shipper. The company, with support dating back approximately 40 years, is dedicated to carrying a wide range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, construction materials, general freight, liquids/gases, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. They employ various types of drivers, including regional, parcel, OTR, and team drivers.
Fastenal offers numerous benefits to its drivers, such as dental, life, vision, and disability insurance, direct deposit, paid time off, flexible scheduling, gym memberships, and a robust retirement plan. They are well-rated by their employees on Glassdoor (3.6) and Indeed (3.3), with positive feedback highlighting excellent employee stock ownership and comprehensive health coverage. Negative reviews commonly mention challenges regarding route assignments and work-life balance.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
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
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Autumn Transport, Inc.
6550 Courtly Road, Woodbury, MN, 55125- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 140
- Drivers: 140
- Revenue: $3,744
- Miles driven: 14,000,000 (2024)
Autumn Transport, Inc. (DOT: 184150) was established in 1980 and is located in Minnesota. The company transports a range of cargo including coal/coke, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and grain feed hay, employing specialized, regional, LTL, OTR, parcel, intermodal, flatbed, reefer, and tanker drivers.
Autumn Transport offers numerous driver benefits, such as dental and health insurance, tuition reimbursement, a road assistance program, and disability insurance. They also provide direct deposit, life insurance, employee stock ownership, and pay advances, along with flexible scheduling, safety bonuses, gym memberships, special access to rest stops and lounges, and guaranteed home time.
Employee feedback on Glassdoor and Indeed highlights a strong reputation for compensation and job security. Positive comments frequently mention the comprehensive benefits package and supportive management, while some negative feedback includes concerns over occasional disorganization and limited home time.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
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
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 17
- Unsafe driving: 2.76
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.37
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Ramler Trucking, Inc.
400 13 Th St, Albany, MN, 56307- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 70
- Drivers: 70
- Revenue: $9,804,000
- Miles driven: 7,764,253 (2023)
Ramler Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 176097) is based in Albany, Minnesota. The company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, meat, refrigerated foods, and more. They employ various types of drivers, including OTR drivers, local drivers, flatbed drivers, and tanker drivers.
Ramler Trucking offers numerous driver benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, direct deposit, and tuition reimbursement. They also provide a sign-on bonus, paid CDL training, and participation in an employee stock ownership plan. Drivers appreciate the guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs.
On Glassdoor and Indeed, Ramler Trucking has high ratings, with employees praising the competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and supportive work environment. Common positive feedback highlights the company’s commitment to driver satisfaction and professional development, while the primary negative feedback points to occasional disorganization in route assignments and the need for better roadside assistance programs.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 3.21
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.64
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Lakehead Trucking, Inc.
6035 Lavaque Road, Duluth, MN, 55803- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000 annually
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 28
- Drivers: 33
- Revenue: $36,490
- Miles driven: 1,034,120 (2023)
Lakehead Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 116256) was founded in 1950 and is based in Duluth, Minnesota. They specialize in transporting a wide variety of cargo including building materials, construction items, dry bulk commodities, grain, logs, machinery, and metal sheets. They employ regional, dedicated, local, intermodal, and team drivers, along with flatbed and hazmat drivers, among others.
Lakehead Trucking offers several driver benefits such as dental and vision insurance, health screenings, paid time off, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time. Employees also appreciate the company’s direct deposit system, driver referral bonuses, and ongoing training programs. According to reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor, the company holds favorable employee ratings, with Indeed score of 4.5 and Glassdoor rating of 5.0. Positive feedback often highlights good compensation and job security, while some negative comments point to the need for better work-life balance and administrative inefficiencies.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Ats, Inc.
725 Opportunity Drive, Saint Cloud, MN, 56301- Salary range: $70,000 – $100,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 499
- Drivers: 398
- Revenue: $485
- Miles driven: 44,200,000 (2024)
Ats, Inc. (DOT: 606920) is based in Minnesota and has been in operation since its founding on a date not specified in the provided data. The company specializes in transporting a wide variety of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, household goods, intermodal containers, metals, motor vehicles, paper products, and US mail. Ats, Inc. employs hazmat, tanker, OTR (Over-the-Road), flatbed, regional, local, and dedicated route drivers.
Driver benefits at Ats, Inc. include dental and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, life and disability insurance, a truck lease purchase program, paid CDL training, ongoing training and development programs, and a comprehensive retirement plan with 401(k) options. The company is also noted for offering flexible scheduling, direct deposit, driver referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, per diem payments, and deadhead, detention, and layover compensation.
On Glassdoor, Ats, Inc. has a rating of 3.5 and Indeed reviews give it a 3.8. Employees frequently praise the robust benefits package, competitive pay ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, and the company’s commitment to safety and training. However, some employees have mentioned areas for improvement, such as work-life balance and occasional route assignment issues.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 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
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 58
- Unsafe driving: 1.69
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.31
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Wille Transport, Inc.
521 West Highway #2, Cohasset, MN, 55721- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 40
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $3,408
- Miles driven: 2,708,704 (2023)
Wille Transport, Inc. (DOT: 191404) was established in 1972 and is based in Deer River, Minnesota. They transport a variety of cargo including building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, metal sheets and coils, motor vehicles, oilfield equipment, paper products, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. The company employs a diverse range of drivers including hazmat, tanker, flatbed, dry van, specialized, and OTR drivers, but does not cater to team or regional drivers.
Wille Transport emphasizes strong benefits for their drivers, offering dental and life insurance, direct deposit, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and a retirement plan. Employees appreciate the quality of the benefits and training programs, with their Indeed rating at 5.0 and Glassdoor rating at 3.9. However, some negative feedback includes occasional discrepancies in home time guarantees and route assignment management.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.43
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.42
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.76
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
J & R Schugel
2026 North Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN, 56073- Salary range: $50,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 738
- Drivers: 683
- Revenue: $76,935,000
- Miles driven: 68,000,000 (2023)
J & R Schugel (DOT: 116455) is a reputable freight trucking company based in Minnesota, with an operating history dating back to its inception in 1983. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo including beverages, building materials, commodities dry bulk, fresh produce, general freight, machinery, large objects, paper products, and refrigerated food. They hire various types of drivers such as regional, local, parcel, LTL, OTR, intermodal, and dedicated route drivers, providing opportunities for flatbed, reefer, dry van, and hazmat drivers.
J & R Schugel stands out with robust driver benefits including dental, vision, life, and health insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, an employee stock ownership plan, flexible scheduling, a truck lease purchase program, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time. The company boasts a solid Glassdoor and Indeed rating of 3.5, with employees frequently praising the strong benefits package and supportive management. However, common concerns revolve around work-life balance and occasional route disorganization.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
BAY And Bay Transportation
2905 West Service Road Suite 2000, Eagan, MN, 55121- Salary range: $70,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 540
- Drivers: 516
- Revenue: $26,937,000
- Miles driven: 52,600,000 (2024)
BAY And Bay Transportation (DOT: 125630) is a Minnesota-based trucking and logistics company carrying an array of cargo types, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food, with their fleet of dry van, flatbed, and tanker trucks. The company hires a diverse range of drivers, including regional, hazmat, and team drivers, as well as owner-operators and those specializing in reefer operations.
BAY And Bay Transportation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, life, and disability insurance, direct deposit, flexible scheduling, and tuition reimbursement, along with sign-on bonuses, driver referral bonuses, and safety bonuses. Employees can also take advantage of per diem payments, retirement plans, and guaranteed home time. On Glassdoor, BAY And Bay Transportation holds a rating of 3.7, and on Indeed, it has a 3.8 rating, reflecting favorable compensation and benefits.
Employees generally praise the company for its competitive pay, supportive work environment, and strong benefits, but common criticisms include occasional issues with home time and route assignments. Despite these drawbacks, the company’s array of driver-centric benefits and overall positive feedback highlight its commitment to fostering a supportive work culture.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Local Trucking Companies In Minnesota
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
What To Look for in Minnesota Trucking Companies
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.
Is a truck driving career worth it in Minnesota?
Truck driving may be a good career to pursue in Minnesota. While trucking can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous occupation, drivers can earn an income in line with those demands. Trucking offers a high degree of job security, as well, since the industry is an essential component of the overall economy. And truck driving careers offer flexibility in scheduling and the ability to grow through ongoing training.
Which company in Minnesota offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Kivi Bros 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.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Minnesota?
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. is known for paid CDL training, as well as ongoing training programs, and offers competitive starting salaries.
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.