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Are you looking for a trucking company based in Minnesota to call home?
It’s important to find the best company for you that fits your needs, including getting you home when you need to go home and paying you a wage that allows you to support yourself and your family.
Maybe Minnesota is where you call home and you’d like to stay in the area, even if you’re an over-the-road driver who travels cross country. Maybe you just appreciate Minnesota values and want to work for a company based in the area.
I’ve worked for several Midwest-based companies throughout my tenure in the trucking industry and currently act as the vice president of van operations and driver recruiting at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS).
While these companies are based in Minnesota, keep in mind they may have other locations or terminals around the country.
9 Best Minnesota-Based Trucking Companies
If you’re looking for a great Minnesota-based trucking company to work for, here are nine great options in no particular order — with many of them specializing in different areas of the trucking industry:
- Koch Trucking
- Bay and Bay Transportation
- TA Dedicated
- Wilson Lines
- Kottke Trucking, Inc.
- Wayne Transport
- Admiral Merchants
- J&R Schugel
- Long Haul Trucking
Koch Trucking
Founded: 1978
Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN
Insight: Koch Trucking is a well-known transportation company based in Minnesota. It’s a subsidiary of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the world.
Koch Trucking specializes in providing a wide range of transportation and logistics services. They work with company drivers and move freight across various regions in the U.S. and Canada and have options for over-the-road (OTR), dedicated, local and super regional routes.
They handle a diverse range of cargo, including dry goods, temperature-sensitive goods and specialized freight. They also have a marine fleet. As an asset-based fleet, they have over 900 tractors and 2,000 trailers.
The company prides itself on its commitment to safety, efficiency and customer satisfaction. They maintain a modern fleet of trucks equipped with the latest technology to ensure timely and secure delivery of goods. Their team of professional drivers is trained to adhere to stringent safety protocols and provide top-notch customer service.
Koch Trucking has been in operation for several decades, establishing a reputation for reliability and excellence in the transportation industry. Over the years, they have built strong relationships with their clients and have expanded their services to meet the evolving needs of the market.
Bay and Bay Transportation
Founded: 1941
Headquarters: Eagan, MN
Insight: Bay and Bay Transportation, headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota, is a reputable trucking company that offers various transportation and logistics services — and has been doing so for over 75 years. Truck drivers love working for Bay and Bay for several reasons. They’ve established a positive reputation in the industry and are consistently rated as a top company to drive for.
Bay and Bay Transportation offers a range of services, including truckload transportation, LTL, refrigerated trucking, dry van freight, intermodal shipping and more. They serve various industries, including food and beverage, consumer goods and manufacturing.
Bay and Bay has options for company drivers, lease purchase drivers and owner-operators.
They take pride in their modern fleet of trucks and trailers, equipped with advanced technology and tracking systems, to provide real-time updates on the status and location of shipments. This helps customers stay informed and provides added security and visibility throughout the transportation process. The average age of a truck in their fleet is 2.5 years and trailers are on average 3.5 years.
TA Dedicated
Founded: 1984
Headquarters: Eagan, MN
Insight: TA Dedicated, headquartered in Eagan, is a dedicated truckload provider with a focus on creating custom supply chain solutions for customers. They’re a member of TFI International based in Quebec. While TA Dedicated doesn’t have an excess number of Minnesota-based jobs, they’re a great Minnesota-based company.
TA Dedicated serves a variety of industries, from food retailers to the automotive industry, to more specialized industries.
TA Dedicated has options for both solo and team drivers. They have an abundance of dedicated routes, so drivers have the opportunity to enjoy regular hometime and a more predictable lifestyle. They work with company drivers.
The TA dedicated team is committed to safety and innovation — utilizing a team of experienced professionals to provide support to drivers and customers alike. Drivers receive year-round safety training.
Wilson Lines
Founded: 1983
Headquarters: Newport, MN
Insight: Wilson Lines, a Minnesota-based transportation and logistics company, has been results-driven since 1983. The company specializes in refrigerated freight and provides services across the U.S. They also haul dry van freight and do LTL hauling.
As a driver with Wilson Lines, you can drive an OTR, regional or local route. There are options for company drivers and lease operators.
They have an excellent reputation among their customers and are looking for drivers who can uphold their standards of on-time service, safety and reliability. Customer service is crucial to them.
Wilson Lines encourages drivers to take ownership of their position. Drivers often work autonomously with the customer to make decisions. They even provide business coaching.
Kottke Trucking, Inc.
Founded: 1938
Headquarters: Buffalo Lake, MN
Insight: Kottke Trucking was founded in 1938 by Elton Kottke and it has remained in the family ever since. They have a long history in the transportation industry and have built a reputation for reliable and efficient trucking services. They primarily serve the U.S.
The company specializes in providing various transportation solutions, including OTR trucking, regional trucking and dedicated fleet services. They focus on transporting refrigerated goods and operate a fleet of modern trucks and trailers equipped with advanced temperature control systems to ensure the safe and timely delivery of perishable goods.
Being a family-owned company, Kottke Trucking is often known for its strong emphasis on family values and employee satisfaction. They’ve been named a finalist for the Best Fleets to Drive For in 2023 by the Truckload Carriers Association.
Wayne Transport
Founded: 1950
Headquarters: Rosemount, MN
Insight: Wayne Transport is a family-based trucking company that started in 1950 by specializing in the transportation of petroleum products. They’ve expanded into the transportation of asphalt, chemical, dry bulk (food grade and otherwise) and propane products. They serve the contiguous U.S. (the lower 48) and Canada. They’re one of the largest family-owned bulk transportation companies in the Midwest region.
Wayne Transport works with both company drivers and owner-operators. They dispatch around 500 trucks.
They’re known for having a great reputation and they aim to be the leading bulk hauler in the U.S.
Admiral Merchants
Founded: 1929
Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN
Insight: Admiral Merchants was founded in 1929 and has a long history in the transportation industry. The company started off with a small fleet of trucks but It has grown into a reputable and well-established trucking and logistics company over the years. In the 1960s, three truck companies merged and became what we now know as Admiral Merchants.
The company provides a range of transportation and logistics services, including truckload, LTL, intermodal and logistics solutions to various industries across the U.S. and Canada.
They have a comprehensive network of routes and service lanes. This flexible model has helped boost revenue growth year over year.
They’re currently looking for owner-operators with dependable equipment to join their team.
J&R Schugel
Founded: 1974
Headquarters: New Ulm, MN
Insight: J&R Schugel was founded in 1974 and has become a well-established trucking company with a history spanning several decades. The company started with 15 trucks and 20 trailers and now they have more than 600 tractors and 1,000 trailers.
The nationally recognized truckload carrier has been 100 percent employee-owned as of 2014. Having part ownership in the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) provides drivers with extra incentives and pride in the company. They’ve won awards for being a great carrier to drive for.
The company provides various transportation and logistics services, including truckload, refrigerated, dedicated fleet, intermodal and brokerage services to customers across different industries. They serve the continental U.S. (every state except Hawaii).
J&R Schugel works with students, solo drivers, team drivers, lease operators and owner-operators. They have a paid training program for new CDL-A truck drivers, making it a great place for new drivers to get their start. They also have options for certified trainers.
Drivers can choose from OTR, local and regional routes.
Long Haul Trucking
Founded: 1985
Headquarters: Albertville, MN
Insight: Long Haul Trucking, in operation for over three decades, prides itself on hiring the most professional and reliable drivers in the industry. They operate in the lower 48 and parts of Canada.
They’re strategically located, placing them within 40 hours of major shipping points across the country.
Long Haul Trucking has options for company drivers and owner-operators.
Drive For ATS, Another Minnesota-Based Company
If you’re a truck driver looking for the best Minnesota-based trucking company to work for, there are several excellent options to consider. These companies offer a variety of transportation and logistics services, serving various industries and providing opportunities for company drivers, lease operators and owner-operators.
With this range of reputable companies, Minnesota-based truck drivers (or drivers simply looking for a Minnesota-based company to drive for) have the opportunity to find a company that suits their preferences and goals, ensuring a rewarding career in the transportation industry.
Do you know who we didn’t put on the list? ATS! We couldn’t resist throwing our hats in the ring and letting you know we’re also a Minnesota-based trucking company (the largest trucking company in Minnesota, in fact) with options for company drivers, lease operators and owner-operators. ATS works with both teams and solo drivers. Drivers can haul freight in the dry van, flatbed, specialized, heavy haul or military freight (Department of Defense) division.
Learn more about all our driving options and fill out an application today.