Truck Driver Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is a high-demand market for truck drivers with a metro population of 3.7M metro. Major employers in the area include Target Distribution, C.H. Robinson, XPO Logistics, Old Dominion. Key freight corridors like I-35W South Corridor keep loads moving consistently. Across Minnesota, there are approximately 38,000+ active truck drivers. Strong — Target investing $4B+ in supply chain modernization with new sortation centers across the metro. Amazon expanding same-day facilities in Shakopee and Woodbury. The Southwest Light Rail construction has generated massive construction freight demand.

Truck drivers in the Minneapolis area typically earn $56,000 - $85,000 annually, depending on equipment type, experience, and routes. The cost of living in Minneapolis is 5% above national average, meaning your take-home pay stretches further here. The statewide average for Minnesota is $52,000 - $75,000. Minneapolis's higher demand often pushes local rates above the state average. Typical weekly miles: Local: 600-1,000 | Regional: 1,800-2,400 | OTR: 2,600-3,200.

Major carriers and logistics companies hiring in Minneapolis include Target Distribution, C.H. Robinson, XPO Logistics, Old Dominion. These companies hire CDL-A, CDL-B, and non-CDL drivers for a variety of positions — from local delivery to OTR routes. Key industries driving freight demand include retail distribution and food processing. O Trucking connects you with loads from these carriers and many others, letting you choose which freight to haul.

Key freight corridors near Minneapolis include I-35W South Corridor, I-94 East-West Corridor, I-494/694 Metro Loop. These routes carry agriculture and manufacturing freight and provide consistent load availability for local, regional, and OTR drivers. Nearby trucking hubs include Rochester, MN (80 mi via US-52) and Eau Claire, WI (90 mi via I-94), giving you multiple directional options for outbound loads.

CDL training facilities near Minneapolis include 160 Driving Academy - Minneapolis and Interstate Trucking Academy. Most CDL-A programs take 3-7 weeks to complete and cost $3,000-7,000. Some programs offer financing or payment plans. Once you have your CDL, apply with O Trucking and start driving within 48 hours — no weeks of mandatory orientation.

No — your CDL works in all 50 states, and many drivers based elsewhere run loads into and out of Minneapolis. However, living near Minneapolis gives you access to local routes (home nightly) and lets you build relationships with area shippers and receivers. Minneapolis's cost of living is 5% above national average, which is worth factoring into your decision. If Minneapolis isn't your home base, we can still match you with freight that routes through the area.

The top equipment types for Minneapolis are: Dry van, Reefer, Box truck, Flatbed. Dry van — Target, Best Buy, and General Mills distribution. The agriculture sector drives specialized equipment demand. Tell us your equipment type and we'll show you what's available.

Good along the beltway — Pilot at I-94 Exit 213 (Rogers), Love's at I-35 Exit 56 (Elko New Market), and TA at I-494/Hwy 169 interchange in Shakopee. Inner-metro parking is scarce — downtown Minneapolis prohibits overnight truck parking. Minnesota diesel runs $0.05-0.10/gal above national average. Prices spike in winter due to demand for winterized blends. Best prices along I-94 west toward Rogers and I-35 south toward Elko New Market.

Minneapolis has a Truck Route Ordinance — trucks over 9,000 lbs GVWR restricted to designated routes only, with $200+ fines. I-35W downtown has HOV lane restrictions that cause confusion. Hazmat prohibited on the I-35W Mississippi River bridge. Winter weight restrictions on many county roads March-April. Always check local signage for recent changes, especially in construction zones.

This is one of the coldest major freight markets in the US — temperatures hit -20°F to -30°F in January, and diesel gelling without winterized fuel is guaranteed. Blizzards shut down I-94 and I-35 multiple times per season. Plug-in block heaters are not optional here. Spring flooding along the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers can close low-lying warehouse access roads. Plan your routes and schedule around these seasonal patterns for the best experience driving out of Minneapolis.