10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Rochester, MN
After evaluating 26 trucking companies in Rochester, MN, based on pay, benefits, training opportunities, and work-life balance, we found that Fastenal Company ranks as the top company to work for in Rochester.
Top Trucking Companies in Rochester, MN
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Rochester:
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There's a reason we're one of the world's leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Rochester. Every Rochester trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies to work for in Rochester.
Fastenal Company
2001 Theurer Boulevard, Winona, MN, 55987- Salary range: $45,000 - $55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 659
- Trailers: 650
- Drivers: 995
- Revenue: $4,176,000
- Miles driven: 43,400,000 (2024)
Fastenal Company (DOT: 242294) is strategically based in Winona, Minnesota. While not explicitly stated, given the USDOT registration date, the company has been operational for a significant period, contributing substantially to the trucking industry. Fastenal Company transports a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, construction materials, general freight, liquids/gases, machinery, metal sheets/coils/rolls, and paper products. They recruit various drivers, offering opportunities for regional, OTR (over-the-road), and parcel drivers, emphasizing team driving opportunities.
Fastenal Company is known for its impressive benefits package, which includes direct deposit, health insurance encompassing dental and vision, life insurance, disability insurance, a retirement plan (401k), paid time off, and a gym membership. Employees appreciate the tuition reimbursement, safety bonuses, and the company’s dedication to safety standards demonstrated by their satisfactory safety rating. Furthermore, the company offers a truck lease purchase program, ongoing training development programs, and flexible scheduling. They foster driver satisfaction with offerings like guaranteed home time and positive work culture initiatives.
The company holds a Glassdoor rating of 3.6 and an Indeed rating of 3.3. Fastenal Company receives commendation for its competitive driver benefits and commitment to ongoing training. However, reviews suggest mixed feedback regarding work-life balance, with some drivers feeling that guaranteed home time can occasionally be unreliable. Moreover, the feedback highlights opportunities in operational areas like route management. Despite these challenges, Fastenal Company remains a reputable and trusted entity in the trucking sector, ensuring effective support for its drivers and staff.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 33
- Unsafe driving: 0.27
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.93
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 10
Lawrence Transportation Company
1515 Industrial Dr Nw, Rochester, MN, 55901- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 101
- Drivers: 99
- Revenue: $24,922,000
- Miles driven: 9,028,786 (2024)
Lawrence Transportation Company (DOT: 124408) was established in 1957 and is based in Rochester, Minnesota. As a carrier with a substantial fleet size of 202 units, Lawrence Transportation Company specializes in transporting general freight and refrigerated foods using dry van and flatbed trucks. They primarily recruit over-the-road (OTR) and regional drivers, as well as those specializing in flatbed and reefer driving.
The company offers several compelling benefits to its drivers, including a sign-on bonus, paid CDL training, and a robust benefits package featuring health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan. Lawrence Transportation Company also ensures guaranteed home time for its drivers, underlining its commitment to work-life balance. Additionally, they provide ongoing training and development programs, underscoring their focus on skill enhancement and safety.
While Lawrence Transportation Company does not currently display a Glassdoor or Indeed rating, the positive sentiment around its driver benefits is echoed in the industry. Employees often highlight the strong compensation package and excellent training opportunities as significant strengths. However, some feedback suggests that there may be room for improvement in enhancing flexible scheduling options. Nevertheless, the company's commitment to its workforce is evident through its employee-focused policies and benefits.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 2.4
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Hershey Transport
3221 Marion Rd Se, Rochester, MN, 55904- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 42,545 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Hershey Transport (DOT: 298144) operates out of Rochester, Minnesota. The founding date of the company isn't specified, but it holds an active USDOT status and an excellent safety record. Known for its specialized operations in the transportation industry, Hershey Transport hauls general freight, meat, and refrigerated food using a selection of dry van and flatbed trucks. The company primarily hires flatbed and reefer drivers, focusing heavily on OTR and regional driving routes.
Hershey Transport emphasizes driver satisfaction by offering comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, alongside a robust retirement plan (401k). Although they don't offer a sign-on bonus or guaranteed home time, they support their workforce through safety bonuses and paid time off. The benefits package is designed to support the well-being of the drivers and ensure high employee morale.
With an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, Hershey Transport is well-regarded by employees for its competitive pay and sound benefits. The most common positive feedback highlights the comprehensive health benefits and the supportive work environment. Conversely, some drivers mention their preference for more flexible scheduling and improved system organization. Despite these challenges, the company manages to maintain a positive reputation among its employees.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Valley Transportation Service, Inc.
73137 St Hwy 16, Grand Meadow, MN, 55936- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 203
- Drivers: 203
- Revenue: $98,000
- Miles driven: 15,400,000 (2024)
Valley Transportation Service, Inc. (DOT: 456821) was established in 1989 and is based in Grand Meadow, Minnesota. The company operates within the interstate transportation sector, carrying a wide range of cargos such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, machinery, metal products, fresh produce, oilfield equipment, paper products, and various types of general freight. They primarily utilize dry van and reefer trucks. Valley Transportation Service does not currently offer opportunities for regional, local, or team driving, nor do they employ OTR or dedicated drivers, focusing instead on driveaway and tow-away operations.
Valley Transportation Service stands out for offering safety bonuses and driver referral bonuses as part of their benefits package. Despite the lack of comprehensive benefits like health insurance or a retirement plan, the company emphasizes safety and incentivizes employees to maintain a secure operation environment. However, it does not provide a sign-on bonus or paid CDL training, and drivers do not receive guaranteed home time. It is also important to note that pets and passengers are not allowed, which may influence prospective drivers' decisions.
Valley Transportation Service has a Glassdoor rating of 2.5 and an Indeed score of 3.9. Employee feedback highlights reasonable compensation and a focus on safety as positive aspects of working at the company. However, criticism often points to the limited benefits and lack of flexibility in scheduling. Some employees mention that the company could improve on providing better opportunities for work-life balance and advancement. Despite these challenges, Valley Transportation continues to operate with a satisfactory safety rating, maintaining active status with USDOT.
Benefits
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 16
- Unsafe driving: 2.49
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Rochester City Delivery, Inc.
3101 40th Ave Nw, Rochester, MN, 55901- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 22
- Drivers: 31
- Revenue: $4,257,000
- Miles driven: 1,020,000 (2024)
Rochester City Delivery, Inc. (DOT: 116397) is located in Rochester, Minnesota. They specialize in transporting general freight and paper products. The company predominantly uses box trucks and dry vans for their deliveries. Although they do not offer team driving opportunities, Rochester City Delivery, Inc. focuses on hiring local drivers for their operations.
Despite certain limitations in their benefit offerings, Rochester City Delivery, Inc. provides essential benefits to its drivers, including health and dental insurance and paid time off. However, the company does not offer sign-on bonuses, retirement plans, or tuition reimbursement programs. It is worth noting that they prioritize direct deposit for their employees, ensuring timely and efficient payroll processes.
Rochester City Delivery, Inc. has a mixed employee satisfaction rating on Indeed, scoring 3.5 out of 5. Employees appreciate the health insurance and the opportunity to work locally, which allows them more time at home. However, some employees have noted concerns about the lack of guaranteed home time and the limited availability of more competitive benefits. Overall, Rochester City Delivery, Inc. is praised for its focus on steady work and consistent payroll practices, despite some areas where it could improve.
Driver Options
- Local
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.56
- Driver fitness: 0.2
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.63
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Throndson Transport
512 Portland Ct Ne, Rochester, MN, 55906- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Power units: 13
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 40,000 (2024)
Throndson Transport (DOT: 988555) is a reputable trucking company based in Rochester, Minnesota. The company is known for its reliable service and operations primarily focused on carrying general freight, liquids, and gases. Throndson Transport makes use of its fleet of 13 trucks and emphasizes employing both dry van and flatbed drivers, offering opportunities for over-the-road (OTR) and regional driving roles. While the exact founding date is not mentioned, the company maintains an active status in the trucking industry with an impressive history noted by a DOT age of 8321 days.
This company takes pride in offering a competitive range of benefits to its drivers. Throndson Transport provides health, dental, and vision insurance options, along with a 401k retirement plan. Although they do not offer sign-on bonuses, the salary range of $55,000 to $70,000 coupled with paid time off makes it an attractive option for potential drivers looking for stable employment. While they do not support team driving, they do emphasize hiring reefer and tanker drivers to accommodate various transportation needs.
Currently, detailed employee reviews on Glassdoor or Indeed aren't publicly available; however, their Google rating of 4.5 and Yelp rating of 4.0 indicate customer satisfaction and consistent service. Employees may appreciate the supportive work environment given the focus on employee benefits and the modern fleet averaging three years in age, though the absence of flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time might be points for future improvement. Despite these challenges, Throndson Transport remains committed to providing quality transport services and is a solid choice for drivers seeking a focused and reliable career path.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Doyle Conner Co
3741 Enterprise Dr Sw, Rochester, MN, 55902- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 8
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $7,432,000
- Miles driven: 50,000 (2023)
Doyle Conner Co (DOT: 1069195) was established in 1946 and is based in Rochester, Minnesota. The company operates primarily as a non-hazardous carrier, specializing in transporting building materials, construction items, and machinery large objects. Doyle Conner Co utilizes flatbed and dry van trucks for their operations and primarily employs local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, with a focus on flatbed drivers.
Doyle Conner Co offers a range of benefits to its drivers, including health insurance and paid time off. However, they do not provide dental or vision coverage, retirement plans, or a sign-on bonus. The company does not allow for rider or pet passengers and does not offer guaranteed home time or flexible scheduling options. They operate a modest fleet of 8 trucks, with an average fleet age of 3 years, and run less than truckload (LTL) as well as full truckload (FTL) services.
Employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, so it's challenging to assess the overall satisfaction of their workforce. However, the absence of specialized programs like ongoing training and development or driver referral bonuses might suggest areas for potential improvement in employee engagement and retention. While the specific ratings are unavailable, prospective employees may want to consider both the competitive salary range of $50,000 to $70,000 and the company's long history in the industry as key factors in their decision-making process.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- PTO
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 6.12
- Driver fitness: 2.3
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Eagle Transport Services, Inc.
2430 Marion Rd Se, Rochester, MN, 55904- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 38
- Drivers: 38
- Revenue: $831,000
- Miles driven: 2,829,288 (2024)
Eagle Transport Services, Inc. (DOT: 587147) is a well-established transportation provider located in Rochester, Minnesota. The company specializes in transporting general freight, household goods, and refrigerated foods, utilizing their fleet of dry van trucks. Though there isn't a specific founding date available, the company's significant industry presence and infrastructure demonstrate their commitment to the sector. They primarily hire drivers for over-the-road (OTR) operations, maintaining a total fleet size of 76 vehicles and employing 38 drivers for interstate delivery.
Eagle Transport Services offers an appealing compensation package with an average driver salary ranging between $50,000 and $70,000. Drivers benefit from full health insurance coverage, albeit without dental or vision insurance, and the company supports its employees with paid time off. Additionally, Eagle Transport embraces modern facilities, maintaining an average fleet age of just three years, ensuring reliable and efficient service. However, certain popular perks like a sign-on bonus, retirement plan contributions, or comprehensive driver bonuses are notably absent from their benefits package.
While formal ratings and reviews from platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed are not currently available, Eagle maintains a respectable online presence with a Google rating of 4.5 stars. Enthusiastic feedback often highlights the company's commitment to safety and vehicle maintenance, although certain critiques suggest areas for potential improvement, such as enhancing flexibility in scheduling and expanding more generous benefits for drivers. The company remains a solid choice for drivers seeking stability and a straightforward compensation structure within the transportation industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
Benefits
- Health insurance
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 3.07
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Todd Burt Trucking
4815 50th Ave Nw, Rochester, MN, 55901- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 30,000 (2022)
Todd Burt Trucking (DOT: 959369) is based in Rochester, Minnesota. Offering over two decades of service, the company specializes in transporting dry bulk commodities, general freight, agricultural and farm supplies, as well as grain, feed, hay, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. The company primarily hires flatbed drivers for over-the-road operations.
Drivers at Todd Burt Trucking benefit from paid time off and health and dental insurance packages. However, the company does not provide additional perks such as sign-on bonuses or retirement plans. Employee assistance programs through direct deposit ensure timely payments and a seamless administrative experience.
While Todd Burt Trucking's employee ratings on platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, what is known suggests room for improvement in overall benefits and employee incentives. Established for an extended period, the company maintains an active DOT status and focuses on creating a stable work environment for solo flatbed drivers. However, feedback could potentially highlight areas such as home time reliability and route management that need enhancements to meet driver expectations fully.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- PTO
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Crenlo Cab Products, Inc.
1600 4th Ave Nw, Rochester, MN, 55901- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 4
- Drivers: 2
- Revenue: $33,147,000
- Miles driven: 8,000 (2022)
Crenlo Cab Products, Inc. (DOT: 75560) was established in 1951 and operates out of Rochester, Minnesota. The company, known for its excellence in manufacturing, carries general freight, machinery, large objects, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls across interstate routes. Although it primarily focuses on its manufacturing operations, Crenlo Cab Products, Inc. hires a small team of drivers, with a total of two drivers and four trucks under its fleet.
Crenlo Cab Products, Inc. does not offer an array of typical driver benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, or sign-on bonuses, and unfortunately, it lacks perks like safety bonuses, ongoing training development programs, or flexible scheduling options. The company's primary industry focus is on manufacturing, which trickles down to its trucking and logistics operations, limiting any extensive benefits or additional incentives for drivers.
On employment review platforms such as Indeed and Glassdoor, Crenlo Cab Products, Inc. does not currently hold any employee ratings, possibly indicating a limited engagement or feedback from current or former employees. As a manufacturing-focused entity, the company appears to have room for improvement in enriching the work environment for its drivers by enhancing benefits and actively soliciting employee feedback to shape a supportive and rewarding workplace culture.
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.25
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in Rochester Trucking Companies
A fulfilling and prosperous career in trucking should start with selecting the best employer in Rochester, MN. When comparing companies, take these essential factors into account:
- Pay range & career growth: Beyond starting pay, think about how you can progress. Choose Rochester trucking companies that provide regular training, salary increases linked to new skills, and well-defined promotion opportunities with performance bonuses.
- Benefits: Comprehensive perks can make a big difference. Look for employers that offer more than healthcare and retirement — like stock ownership programs, deadhead compensation, or lease-to-own plans, which are a sign of long-term investment in employees.
- Culture: Seek out Rochester trucking companies that value personal time and well-being, with benefits such as rider and pet policies or consistent weekends off.
- Employee feedback: Read reviews from current and former staff to find companies recognized for positive work environments and strong employee relationships.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
Trucking companies in Rochester have a range of driver positions available, designed to fit different levels of experience and individual preferences:
- Long-haul: A fit for drivers who enjoy extended road time and seeing new parts of the country on longer routes.
- Regional: Allows drivers to work routes within Minnesota and nearby states, offering more home time compared to long-haul work.
- Local: Keeps drivers on familiar daily routes in Rochester and surrounding towns.
- Specialized: Focuses on hauling specific freight types such as tanker loads, refrigerated products, or dry goods in Rochester.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
When choosing the best trucking company in Rochester for your career, make sure to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Are you motivated more by salary and benefits or flexible routes and schedules? Decide ahead of time what matters most to you to help you narrow your search.
- Look at local companies. Check the trucking companies in Rochester, Minnesota, to see how they stack up in terms of pay, benefits, and industry reputation.
- Get input from drivers. Ask local drivers about their experiences with different companies in Rochester and check online employment sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for anonymous reviews.
- Think about your career goals. If you are more interested in getting your foot in the door, paid CDL training and ongoing education may be key to choosing a company to work for in Rochester. If you prefer staying with a company long-term, look for career advancement opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, and strong benefits packages.
How To Apply
Looking to launch your trucking career in Rochester? Follow these steps to apply with the best companies:
- Update your resume. Showcase your driving background, relevant licenses, and any specialized training that will stand out to local employers.
- Research companies. Check their websites to review open positions and get a feel for the workplace culture in Rochester.
- Submit your application. Send in your application through the employer’s site or trusted job platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. Reach out after applying to express your enthusiasm and learn more about the hiring timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Rochester:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Rochester?
A truck driving career in Rochester can be highly rewarding, especially with the growing demand for freight movers in the area. Drivers can earn competitive wages, enjoy job security, and find plenty of opportunities for career growth in the local trucking industry.
Which company in Rochester offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Fastenal Company is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Rochester?
Most trucking companies in Rochester are hiring for regional and local driving positions, with some also offering specialized roles for more experienced drivers.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Rochester?
Fastenal Company is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Rochester.