Truck dispatch in Minnesota
Minnesota pairs a big distribution market in Minneapolis–St. Paul with farm freight and the largest port on the Great Lakes. Its weight rules change with the seasons, and we plan loads around them.
First load free · then a % of each load · no contractAt a glance
- Duluth-Superior is the largest port by tonnage on the Great Lakes
- Minnesota ranks No. 1 in U.S. turkey production
- In 2026, spring load restrictions ran from March 3 to May 15, by zone
- For-hire loads inside Minnesota need a MnDOT certificate
Where the freight is in Minnesota
Main corridors
The interstates most of our Minnesota loads run on: I-94, I-35, I-90, US-10, US-52, MN-23.
I-94 crosses the state from Wisconsin through the Twin Cities to Moorhead. I-35 runs from Iowa through Minneapolis–St. Paul to Duluth, and I-90 crosses southern Minnesota.
Freight and seasons
Food and consumer goods, turkey and other farm products, grain and machinery lead Minnesota. Sugar beets, carrots and potatoes move from the start of harvest into the fall, and grain harvest runs roughly September through November. Winter storms can close roads, and spring load restrictions cut weights from March into May.
Minnesota rules to know
Every interstate carrier needs a USDOT number, MC authority, UCR and, for most semis, IRP plates and an IFTA license. On top of that:
Spring load restrictions
MnDOT lowers allowed weights on many state highways while the ground thaws, zone by zone. In 2026 they started March 3 in the Metro, South and Southeast zones and ended May 15 in the North zone. Dates are announced at least three days ahead. Source
Winter load increases
When the ground is frozen, Minnesota raises weight limits by 10% on dates MnDOT sets for each zone. On interstates, a permit is still required to go over 80,000 lb gross or 20,000 lb on a single axle. Source
Harvest weight increase
From the start of harvest to November 30, trucks hauling sugar beets, carrots or potatoes from the field to the first unloading point can get a permit for 10% more weight. Source
Speed limit
Minnesota uses the same limits for trucks and cars: 70 mph on rural interstates and 65 mph on interstates in urban areas over 50,000 people. Source
Intrastate authority
Carriers hauling for pay inside Minnesota need a Motor Carrier of Property certificate of registration from MnDOT, a USDOT number and a Form E insurance filing before they run. Source
Cities we cover in Minnesota
How we dispatch here
- From March into May we check MnDOT's load limit dates before booking heavy loads off the interstates.
- Reefers: turkey and food plants in west-central Minnesota ship all year.
- The Twin Cities are our main Minnesota reload market.
- In winter we watch I-94 and I-35 closely and build in weather time.
Pricing
a percentage of the load's gross, quoted for your truck and lanes, charged only on loads we book. No contract and your first load is free. See full pricing.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with FMCSA, the IRS or your state before you file.
Questions carriers ask
Do I need Minnesota authority?
Not to haul interstate. Only for-hire loads that stay inside Minnesota need a MnDOT certificate of registration.
Can I haul more than 80,000 lb in a Minnesota winter?
Minnesota raises limits 10% during winter load increases, but on interstates you still need a permit to go over 80,000 lb.
When are Minnesota's spring load restrictions?
They move with the thaw. In 2026 they ran from March 3 in the south to May 15 in the north. MnDOT posts the dates at least three days ahead.