Truck Driving in Minnesota

Minnesota highway with cars and signs

State Overview

There are over 14,550 trucking companies in Minnesota and the industry employs 34,550 drivers. The highest paid truck drivers earn $51,510 ($24.77 hourly). The highest paying areas are Rochester with a Median Annual Salary of $45,850, the Southeast Minnesota non-metropolitan area ($41,770), and St Cloud ($39,800).

Pros and Cons of Truck Driving in Minnesota

GOOD: 

  • You can make good money, plenty of miles for all types of drivers
  • The drivers here tend to be more courteous, making local running better
  • Nice weather in summer. The winter snow is gone quickly

BAD: 

  • Long wait times at the container companies
  • Runs can be very heavy, so a lot of wear on your tires
  • The brutal winter seasons really force you to drive slowly

Truck Driving Tips for Minnesota

  • Stick with the smaller employers, they will keep your miles at 2,500 or more per week
  • Pays well if you have patience for those long wait times to get unloaded
  • Stay legal and always cover your self with documentation and accurate pre-trips
  • The construction can be confusing so invest in a good GPS
  • Learn how to drive and brake differently in winter

Fellow Truck Drivers in Minnesota Say:

“Minnesota drivers are some of the best in the country”

Tom G. – 35 years on the road

GOOD
Seeing the country and having personal freedom when behind the wheel, Minnesota drivers are some of the best in the country actually

BAD
Weather by far, winter driving takes a toll on drivers that the company does not always realize

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Don’t buy a truck right off the bat but get some experience before you elect to make this a permanent career

 

“You can make good time running through this state”

Matt J. – 4 years of experience

GOOD
Can use the interstates to get around make up good timing running through the state.

BAD
Weather in the winter you need to slow down it gets nasty!

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
To read his maps use the best route getting around in a truck.

 

“The weather is the best and worst part”

Tom G. – 35 years behind the wheel and 2 million miles driven

GOOD
The weather in the good seasons, the drivers here tend to be more courteous than other states making local running better

BAD
The winter

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Be sure of who you run for, make sure you’re not just another number and that your company appreciates you as a driver and an individual

 

“Lots of snow”

Mike S. – 37 years driving experience and 4 million miles

GOOD
We have lots of snow that is removed quickly. If it snows on Friday it’s gone on Saturday.

BAD
Our four wheelers aren’t truck friendly. They don’t know how trucks work.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Don’t work for nothing. Make sure you get paid.