Minnesota has a very diverse set of robust industries within their state. This typically lends itself to a diverse set of trucking jobs available to CDL drivers.
The Top 5 Industries In Minnesota
1. Bioscience
The Mayo Clinic is located in Rochester, MN and that helps rank Bioscience as one of the state’s top industries. The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine was ranked in the top 10 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The state ranks first in sugar beets and oats production.
2. Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the second largest employer in Minnesota.
3. Wind Power
Minnesota ranks third in the nation in terms of wind-generated electricity (9.7 percent). Xcel Energy, headquartered in Minneapolis, buys more wind power than any other utility in the nation, and the largest wind turbine trucking company in the U.S. is also based here.
4. Data Centers
The state’s climate helps keep buildings cool naturally, saving data centers money on cooling. It might sound like nothing, but it really is a major cost. Also the state’s water is used in cooling technology, which lessens the cost of transport. Throw in some of the lowest energy costs in the country and now you know why Minnesota publicizes its data center hosting abilities. The infrastructure is already in place, too.
5. Animal Science
Minnesota is a national leader in livestock and livestock products.
SOURCE
Minnesota CDL Truck Driver Salary Information
For the almost 35,000 truck drivers in the state, things look pretty good. Taking a look at salaries, the median salary – 50% over and 50% under – is $41,340 for the overall US and $43,090 for Minnesota. When you look at different cities the median salary fluctuates as well:
- Minneapolis-St. Paul: $46,300
- Rochester: $45,850
- Duluth: $44,320
- St. Cloud: $39,800
The average salary for truck drivers in Minnesota is $44,500 and in that breakdown, the low is $30,660 and the high is $61,980. Depending on where you are in your truck driving career and what type of position you take your salary will be influenced accordingly.
Looking to the future there’s a 6% projected increase in the number of trucking jobs in the U.S. by 2024. The increase for Minnesota for that same time period is 4%.
Minnesota CDL License Information and Insights
Minnesota, like other states, must abide by Federal requirements for state licensing. All applicants must go through TSA screening and the appropriate medical tests.
License and Permits
- All applicants for a CDL regardless of class must have a Class D license with no motoring convictions in the last two years.
- Health checks are required to test eyesight and look for any medical conditions that may invalidate the application.
- Third party organizations offer training for applicants to learn to drive a CMV. Such courses are not mandatory but are highly recommended especially if you’re a new driver.
- Once the health checks and background security screening are complete you can apply for your CDL.
Age
- Applicants aged 18 to 20 may apply for an intrastate CDL (within state lines only)
- Applicants aged 21 and older may apply for an interstate CDL (to drive outside of Minnesota)
- Applicants must be 21 or over to apply for the hazmat endorsement
CDL Requirements for Minnesota Residents
- Proof of current home address is required. ID must be up to date.
- Social Security card
- Proof of insurance
- Fulfill TSA screening requirements
Minnesota CDL Requirements for Out-of-State Residents and Transfers
If you recently moved to Minnesota from another state in the US, you need to:
- Exchange your out-of-state license for a Minnesota license
- A straight swap is all that’s required if the license is current or expired less than two years ago
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Minnesota requires proof of current address and Social Security card
- Make authorities aware of any pre-existing medical conditions you may have and provide paperwork relating to treatment
- Any exemption paperwork should be made available for the application process
Medical and Physical CDL Requirements
- All applicants must undergo routine medical testing to ensure good health.
- Your medical records will be examined for pre-existing conditions such as seizures, epilepsy and heart defects.
- Pass a vision test
- Applicants who pass medical checks will receive a Medical Examination Report Form and a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. These are required for the final stages of the CDL application.
- At this point the Federal Medical Card is granted
- You may apply for restrictions if you fail the medical testing
Background Check for CDL Applicants
TSA screening is mandatory. Therefore, only citizens and permanent residents are eligible for CDL licenses. When an applicant needs an endorsement to drive Hazmat vehicles, fingerprinting and background checks are mandatory.
The sequence for the CDL application goes like this:
- Medical checks must be cleared (physical, vision, hearing, etc.)
- TSA screening
- Knowledge tests
- Driving Skills test
Knowing how to drive on ice and snow is obligatory due to rough Minnesota winters. Temperatures can be in the negative numbers and with the wind chill even lower. Also depending on the city snowfall can range from 36” to 70” (that translates from 3 feet to almost 6 feet. SOURCE
Trucking Companies Local to Minnesota
Koch
Koch is one of the top trucking companies in Minnesota. They are the recipients of many truck driver awards. Their drivers use an app that makes their day to day operations run smoothly. They can accept loads, chat with their dispatchers, check the weather, and more.
Copeland Trucking
Copeland Trucking is one of the companies that will train new truck drivers. Safety is their number 1 priority. They offer local, regional, and long haul truck services as well as warehousing and commercial and residential moving. Their on-time deliveries have given them the reputation of one of the most trusted trucking companies in Minnesota.
Bay and Bay
Bay and Bay trucking company was established in 1941 and is one of the most stable trucking companies in Minnesota. They offer refrigerated, dry van, tanker, flatbed, LTL, and intermodal services. They are a well-respected company in Minnesota due to having company trained drivers, modern equipment and advanced technology.
Eilen and Sons Trucking
Based in Hampton, MN, Eilen and Sons Trucking is a leading family-owned trucking business in Minnesota. This company began in 1985 with one man driving, dispatching himself and being his own mechanic. Today, the company as grown tremendously. Their equipment includes dry vans, dump trailers, flatbeds, liquid tankers, and step deck trailers.
Minnesota Trucking in the News
Minnesota trucking company, Dart Transit, is working to combat human trafficking. A Minnesota trucking company is leading the way to help fight human trafficking. Dart Transit, located in Eagan, is training its drivers and warehouse workers on what signs to look for when trucks and trailers that may be smuggling immigrants. Many times these immigrants become victims of human trafficking. Because truckers drive millions of miles on U.S. highways each year, they witness more than most.
Other trucking companies like Dart are using videos to train their drivers on what to look for. They should look for situations that seem out of place, like a young person getting out of a truck with an older person or situations that seem questionable.
Now the senate wants more trucking companies to hop on board with this training. MN Senator Amy Klobuchar wants the effort to be national. She authored a bill that’s headed to the Senate floor to create a position for a human trafficking prevention coordinator at the U.S. DOT. The bill would set a national standard so truckers know that the government and citizens stand behind them and that they are doing a service for immigrants and young people who may be victims.
Since truckers are on the road so much it’s kind of like their neighborhood. So if they all are aware of what to look for at waysides and truck stops, these men and women are a valuable asset for law enforcement to identify and rescue victims of trafficking (SOURCE).
Address:
101 PLYMOUTH ST
56340
Business Phone Number: (320) 746-9960
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2930 PILOT KNOB ROAD
55121
Business Phone Number: (651) 242-6346
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5865 NEAL AVE N #303
55082
Business Phone Number: (651) 775-3264
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2160 2ND AVE
55055
Business Phone Number: (651) 453-1300
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
13541 HEMLOCK LN N
55327
Business Phone Number: (763) 221-3999
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6540 156TH STR E
55033
Business Phone Number: (612) 309-1247
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
32888 LAPLANT RD
55744
Business Phone Number: (218) 326-1573
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
32888 LAPLANT RD
55744
Business Phone Number: (218) 326-1573
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9424 325TH AVE NE
55032
Business Phone Number: (651) 674-8700
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3554 JUNE AVE N
55422
Business Phone Number: (952) 201-9645
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3554 JUNE AVE N
55422
Business Phone Number: (952) 201-9645
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
15225 18TH AVE N #105
55447
Business Phone Number: (320) 282-7112
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1796 DUNBURY ROAD
55375
Business Phone Number: (612) 564-5466
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
210 1ST AVE SW
56334
Business Phone Number: (320) 634-4383
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8980 QUANTRELLE AVE NE
55330-4682
Business Phone Number: (763) 441-4487
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7700 PENN AVE S #341
55423
Business Phone Number: (612) 800-1618
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
348 1ST AVE S
55075
Business Phone Number: (651) 214-2836
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2111 ELLIOTT AVE S
55404
Business Phone Number: (612) 590-3581
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
867 WESTERN AVE N
55117
Business Phone Number: (763) 219-5633
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
867 WESTERN AVE N
55117
Business Phone Number: (763) 219-5633
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
13875 OTTAWA AVENUE SOUTH
55378
Business Phone Number: (612) 701-8674
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1405 EDMUND AVE
55104
Business Phone Number: (651) 340-5659
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2100 WOODALE DRIVE
55112
Business Phone Number: (651) 274-7948
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1750 HIGHWAY 75
56220
Business Phone Number: (507) 828-5169
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10143 3RD ST
55434
Business Phone Number: (612) 834-4601
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
31537 250TH AVE SW
56716-8811
Business Phone Number: (218) 281-5937
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3580 CENTERVILLE ROAD
55127
Business Phone Number: (651) 200-4174
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1912 EAST STATE HWY 210
56537
Business Phone Number: (218) 736-5132
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5660 MEMORIAL AVENUE N
55082
Business Phone Number: (651) 342-0973
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4179 149TH AVENUE NW
55304
Business Phone Number: (763) 422-0481
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7227 125TH AVE
56353
Business Phone Number: (763) 389-9955
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14209 21ST AVE NORTH
55447
Business Phone Number: (763) 559-5934
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30372 180TH ST
56586
Business Phone Number: (218) 826-6796
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6409 CITY WEST PARKWAY #103
55344
Business Phone Number: (612) 605-9194
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
902 ATLANTIC ST
55106
Business Phone Number: (651) 216-5328
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3150 COUNTY ROAD 42 WEST
55337
Business Phone Number: (952) 882-1904
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3150 COUNTY ROAD 42 WEST
55337
Business Phone Number: (952) 882-1904
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2525 EAST FRANKLIN AVENUE-SUITE 200W
55406
Business Phone Number: (612) 558-2463
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
412 SOUTH FRONT STREET
56001
Business Phone Number: (507) 316-7742
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1335 PINEVIEW LN N
55441
Business Phone Number: (763) 502-1414
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
RURAL ROUTE
56220
Business Phone Number: (507) 223-5020
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
RURAL ROUTE
56220
Business Phone Number: (507) 223-5020
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
502 SILVER STREET E
56065
Business Phone Number: (507) 524-4752
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25775 PILLSBURY AVE
55020
Business Phone Number: (612) 221-0882
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25775 PILLSBURY AVE
55020
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25775 PILLSBURY AVE
55020
Business Phone Number: (612) 221-0882
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25775 PILLSBURY AVE
55020
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2740 MINNEHAHA AVE S #130
55417
Business Phone Number: (612) 545-6082
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
39105 COUNTY RD 11
56331
Business Phone Number: (320) 241-3087
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9578 82ND ST SE
55319
Business Phone Number: (320) 743-5788
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
852 86TH LANE NW
55433
Business Phone Number: (202) 521-1493
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
33695 CSAH 30
56243
Business Phone Number: (612) 799-1859
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
727 1/2 CEDAR PT
55313
Business Phone Number: (763) 218-5287
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
PO BOX 20762
55420
Business Phone Number: (952) 447-5276
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3875 191ST AVE
55092
Business Phone Number: (612) 598-3194
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3875 191ST AVE
55092
Business Phone Number: (612) 598-3194
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
20275 NORTH SUGAR LAKE TRAIL
55721
Business Phone Number: (218) 326-4207
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4644 CHICAGO AVE
55407
Business Phone Number: (612) 806-3012
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5409 KINGS CIRCLE N
55443
Business Phone Number: (612) 366-6161
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4715 ALDER STREET NE
56601
Business Phone Number: (218) 751-3033
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
567 SHOREVIEW PARK ROAD
55126
Business Phone Number: (651) 486-0055
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2637 27TH AVENUE SOUTH
55406
Business Phone Number: (612) 333-5782
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
765 2ND AVE
56101
Business Phone Number: (507) 831-2328
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7618 HAMPSHIRE AVE N
55428
Business Phone Number: (763) 477-2376
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3122 130TH ST WEST
55379
Business Phone Number: (952) 233-3387
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
19949 ST FRANCIS BLVD
55303
Business Phone Number: (763) 753-5022
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
601 SOO LANE
55313
Business Phone Number: (763) 682-2358
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
501 BROOKSTON RD
55720
Business Phone Number: (218) 879-1730
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
501 BROOKSTON RD
55720
Business Phone Number: (218) 879-1730
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11980 MAYBERRY TRAIL NORTH
55047
Business Phone Number: (651) 433-5787
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
35628 710TH STREET
56167
Business Phone Number: (507) 676-2929
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
305 4TH ST SW
55397
Business Phone Number: (952) 467-6428
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1335 W RIVER ST LOT 32
55362
Business Phone Number: (763) 568-2619
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
185 ARCH ST SE
55350
Business Phone Number: (320) 296-9485
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
185 ARCH ST SE
55350
Business Phone Number: (320) 296-9485
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4228 DUPONT AVE N
55412
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4228 DUPONT AVE N
55412
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3525 CREEK ROAD
55318
Business Phone Number: (612) 702-9118
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2240 I VINING DRIVE
55125
Business Phone Number: (651) 726-4218
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
18381 STATE HWY 371
56401
Business Phone Number: (218) 828-8422
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
539 LOMIANKI LANE NE
55421
Business Phone Number: (763) 789-4786
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
22823 STATE HIGHWAY 91
56110
Business Phone Number: (507) 360-7351
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
22823 STATE HIGHWAY 91
56110
Business Phone Number: (507) 360-7351
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
22823 STATE HIGHWAY 91
56110
Business Phone Number: (507) 360-7351
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
22710 PINTO LANE
55044
Business Phone Number: (952) 469-1718
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
16297 13TH STREET NORTHWEST
56345
Business Phone Number: (320) 632-9453
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
26363 22ND ST
55398
Business Phone Number: (612) 205-9909
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9675 SUMMIT PLACE
55318
Business Phone Number: (952) 556-1118
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1779 S FRONTAGE RD
55033
Business Phone Number: (612) 636-6305
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
220 77TH AVE NE
55432
Business Phone Number: (763) 571-0300
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
220 77TH AVE NE
55432
Business Phone Number: (763) 571-0300
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4666 HAYWARD RD N
55128
Business Phone Number: (651) 583-4978
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
23875 221ST AVE
56347
Business Phone Number: (320) 760-8634
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3M CENTER BUILDING 225 5N-07
55144-0001
Business Phone Number: (651) 575-5729
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
609 E 138TH ST
55337
Business Phone Number: (952) 451-1369
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2710 W LINCOLN AVE
56277
Business Phone Number: (320) 523-1267
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2710 W LINCOLN AVE
56277
Business Phone Number: (320) 523-1267
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12083 97TH AVE NORTH
55369
Business Phone Number: (612) 875-0321
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
27115 535 AVE
55396
Business Phone Number: (507) 647-3152
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
57868 179TH ST
56001
Business Phone Number: (507) 341-4223
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers: