Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Minnesota (April 2026)

• Salary range: $55,000 - $70,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 285
• Drivers: 290
• Revenue: $16,434
• Miles driven: 26,900,000 (2023)

• Glassdoor: 3.6 / 5
• Indeed: 4.0 / 5

Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 593718) is based in Duluth, Minnesota. Although the company's founding date is not specified, they have a commendable presence as an active broker and carrier. They specialize in transporting a diverse array of cargo, including building materials, coal/coke, construction materials, grain feed hay, intermodal containers, logs, and lumber, among others. Kivi Bros Trucking is renowned for hiring a variety of drivers, including regional, local, OTR, flatbed, and dedicated drivers, as well as offering team driving opportunities and welcoming owner-operators.

Kivi Bros Trucking offers competitive benefits to its drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, per diem payments, pay advances, and deadhead detention layover compensation. They also provide ongoing training and development programs to foster professional growth. The company places a strong emphasis on safety, evident from its provision of safety bonuses and a satisfactory safety rating.

On employee review platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, Kivi Bros Trucking receives a rating of 4.0 and 3.6, respectively. Employees often praise the company for its fair compensation packages and the benefits provided. However, some criticisms include the lack of guaranteed home time and disorganization with route assignments. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment is positive, reflecting a productive work culture and ample opportunities for advancement.

• Salary range: $50,000-$70,000 annually
• Routes: interstate
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Power units: 28
• Drivers: 33
• Revenue: $36,490
• Miles driven: 1,034,120 (2023)

• Glassdoor: 5.0 / 5
• Indeed: 4.5 / 5

Lakehead Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 116256) was established in 1950 and is located in Duluth, Minnesota. The company carries a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, coal, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, grain, logs, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They predominantly hire a variety of drivers such as regional, local, OTR, and flatbed drivers. Additionally, they offer team driving opportunities and employ hazmat, reefer, and intermodal drivers.

Lakehead Trucking stands out for its impressive driver benefits, which include sign-on bonuses, per diem payments, direct deposit, and safety bonuses. The company provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Additional advantages for drivers include guaranteed home time, paid time off, and deadhead detention and layover compensation. Furthermore, Lakehead Trucking supports its drivers with ongoing training and development programs, a new driver program, and allows for passengers and pets.

Employees rate Lakehead Trucking highly, with Glassdoor reviewers giving the company a perfect 5.0 score and Indeed reviewers averaging a 4.5 rating. Positive feedback frequently mentions the excellent compensation, comprehensive benefits, and supportive work environment. However, some negative feedback points to occasional concerns about work-life balance and scheduling flexibility. Overall, Lakehead Trucking is recognized for its commitment to driver satisfaction and maintaining a positive workplace culture.

• Routes: interstate
• Power units: 450
• Trailers: 575
• Drivers: 475
• Revenue: $15,121,000
• Miles driven: 33,400,000 (2023)

• Glassdoor: 4.3 / 5
• Indeed: 4.5 / 5

Admiral Merchants (DOT: 124813) is a well-established trucking company founded in 1929 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With nearly a century in the freight industry, the company has built a reputation for reliability and robust service offerings. Admiral Merchants operates a diverse fleet that carries an extensive range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, construction goods, general freight, intermodal containers, logs, lumber, machinery, metal sheets, motor vehicles, and oilfield equipment. Their range is supported by their interstate operation and a robust fleet of 1,475 vehicles. They employ a variety of drivers, including those specializing in dry van, flatbed, reefer, and owner-operator roles.

Drivers at Admiral Merchants benefit from competitive compensation and a range of perks. Notably, the company provides health insurance and a 401(k) retirement plan, with additional benefits such as direct deposit and fuel cards. Although they do not offer paid time off or guaranteed home time, Admiral Merchants is attractive to many due to their sign-on bonuses and regional driving opportunities. This focus on driver satisfaction is reflected in their strong recruitment strategies, although some drivers note the lack of flexible scheduling and training development programs as areas for improvement.

Admiral Merchants enjoys positive employee feedback, evident from their Indeed rating of 4.5 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.3. Employees express satisfaction with the robust compensation and benefits, but less favorable comments highlight the wish for better work-life balance and the improvement of organizational aspects relating to route assignments. The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating, attesting to a commitment to maintaining rigorous operational standards. Overall, Admiral Merchants is noted for its longevity, comprehensive service offerings, and commitment to the trucking community.