I ranked the top dry van carriers in Minneapolis based on verified broker and shipper reviews collected on CarrierSource. Minneapolis sits at the center of one of the most active freight corridors in the country: it's a natural hub for upper Midwest distribution, a gateway to cross-border Canada moves, and a major origin point for outbound freight heading to Chicago, the coasts, and the Pacific Northwest. When a load needs to move in this market, the carriers on this list are the ones showing up and delivering.
To qualify for this list, a carrier had to be headquartered within 50 miles of Minneapolis, carry active operating authority, and have a minimum of five verified reviews. I ranked them by star rating, with review volume used as a tiebreaker. The result is a list where the ratings reflect real patterns across real freight relationships, not a handful of cherry-picked experiences.
These are the eight carriers I'd put in front of a shipper who needs dry van coverage out of the Twin Cities. If you'd prefer to run your own search and filter by lane, equipment type, or other criteria, you can browse the full list on CarrierSource.
"Carrier was very approachable. Both driver and dispatcher kept good and consistent communication. Equipment was in good condition (clean and dry). Tracking was also consistent and rate was fair based on the market. Would like to work with this carrier again." — Verified Broker, IN
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.95/5 (7 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
298 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Clearwater, MN |
| 📋 DOT Number |
282451 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Long Haul Trucking has been operating out of Clearwater, just northwest of Minneapolis, with a foundational philosophy around driver quality that shows up directly in their reviews: communication is consistent, equipment is clean and dry, and the team stays approachable through the full life of a load. With 48 common and contract carrier authorities and operations into both Ontario and Quebec, they're a strong call for shippers with cross-border needs on top of domestic dry van lanes. At nearly 300 power units, they have real capacity to back it up.
Best for: Shippers and brokers running dry van freight from the Minneapolis metro into the upper Midwest, with particular strength for cross-border Canada moves and loads where clean, dry equipment is a hard requirement.
"Justman Freight Lines ran a dry van load for us and did a great job. Dispatch was in communication with us, the driver accepted electronic tracking. Equipment was reliable. Delivery was on time. Great job by a professional carrier." — Verified Broker, FL
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.94/5 (9 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
43 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Eagan, MN |
| 📋 DOT Number |
261153 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Justman Freight Lines is based in Eagan and has built a track record of near-flawless execution on dry van loads. Review after review from brokers across the country calls out the same things: on-time pickup and delivery, driver tracking that works throughout the haul, and a dispatch team (specifically Jim and Russell, who come up by name in reviews) that stays communicative and reliable. One broker summarized it well: "Highly recommended carrier for Midwest and upper Midwest loads." That's exactly the geography Justman runs best. This is a 43-truck operation, so they don't have the pure scale of some larger carriers on this list, but the execution quality is exceptional.
Best for: Midwest and upper Midwest dry van lanes where consistent communication and on-time performance are priorities. Strong fit for brokers running repeat freight who want a dependable team they can rely on load after load.
3. Bayle Transport LLC: Owner-Operator Quality Where It Counts
"Ran a load with 5 total stops, and they were on time for every one! Could not ask for a better carrier." — Verified Broker, OH
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.91/5 (5 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
1 truck |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Apple Valley, MN |
| 📋 DOT Number |
2597031 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Bayle Transport is a single-truck operation based in Apple Valley, and at 4.91 stars, they're punching well above their weight class in this ranking. Owner-operators at this rating level tend to be fiercely accountable: there's no dispatch layer to absorb the blame when something goes wrong, which means the person behind the wheel is personally invested in every load they take. For shippers and brokers who value that kind of direct accountability, Bayle Transport is worth knowing about.
Best for: Brokers looking for a dedicated, accountable owner-operator for dry van freight in the south Twin Cities metro. Best suited for loads where the direct relationship with a single driver is a feature, not a limitation.
"Amazing work! Carrier was always checking in for work and seeing where we had freight. We look forward to working with them in the future." — Verified Broker, OR
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.90/5 (8 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
360 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Eagan, MN |
| 📋 DOT Number |
125630 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Bay and Bay has been operating since 1941, and eight reviews averaging 4.90 stars suggest they haven't coasted on that history. Reviewers describe a team that runs freight by the book, maintains strong on-time scores, and brings real professionalism to every load. They run both dry van and refrigerated equipment, which gives them flexibility across freight types. One broker who has worked with them for years noted: "They are a quality company with great people. They always do a great job." At 360 power units out of Eagan, they have the scale to absorb volume without sacrificing service.
Best for: Shippers and brokers with regular dry van freight out of the Twin Cities who want the reliability of a large, established carrier with a long track record and real fleet depth.
5. Farit Logistics LLC: Dependable Communication, Every Load
"Farit Logistics has been a great freight partner for us on dry van loads. Always courteous with our shippers, good communication and driver tracking. On time at the shipper and receiver. We always have a great experience with them." — Verified Broker, FL
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.87/5 (5 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
12 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
New Brighton, MN |
| 📋 DOT Number |
2438693 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Farit Logistics is a 12-truck operation out of New Brighton, and the pattern in their reviews is clean and consistent: courteous with shippers, solid on tracking, on time at both ends of the load. For a mid-size owner-operator fleet, those are exactly the qualities that build long-term broker relationships. They're not the biggest name on this list, but the execution is there.
Best for: Brokers running dry van freight in and out of the northern Twin Cities metro who want a mid-size carrier with strong communication habits and a track record of respecting appointment windows.
6. Central Trucking LLC: Food-Grade Ready and Expedite Capable
"Central Trucking helped us out on a food-grade dry van shipment. They sent in clean equipment and were in communication throughout the trip. Great job by this carrier." — Verified Broker, FL
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.86/5 (6 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
20 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Bloomington, MN |
| 📋 DOT Number |
2475747 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Two things jump out in Central Trucking's reviews: clean equipment for food-grade shipments, and a team that has yet to fail a load on expedite moves. That combination is harder to find than it sounds. Running food-grade dry van requires a different level of trailer care, and expedite freight has zero tolerance for late arrivals. Central Trucking's 4.86 rating across six reviews reflects a carrier that takes both of those requirements seriously. Based in Bloomington with 20 trucks, they have enough capacity to handle volume without being too large to stay sharp on the details.
Best for: Food-grade dry van shipments and expedite moves out of the Minneapolis metro. A particularly strong fit for brokers who need clean equipment and can't afford a miss on a time-sensitive load.
7. United Bro LLC: A Consistent Dry Van Partner Across the Region
"United Bro LLC has been a great freight partner for us on dry van loads. Always courteous with our shippers, good communication and driver tracking. On time at the shipper and receiver. We always have a great experience with them." — Verified Broker, FL
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.84/5 (5 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
20 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
River Falls, WI |
| 📋 DOT Number |
2380693 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: United Bro LLC is based just across the border in River Falls, Wisconsin, about 35 miles from Minneapolis. Their review profile reads like a reliable freight partner: courteous with shippers, strong tracking, on time at both the shipper and receiver. At 20 trucks and 4.84 stars, this is a solid mid-size carrier that has quietly built a reputation for doing the basics right on dry van loads across the region.
Best for: Brokers with dry van freight originating in or near the Twin Cities who want a consistent regional carrier comfortable operating across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
"Taylor Truck Line is great. Lisa and Benny ran a dry van load with us. They responded to our check calls. Communication was there every step of the trip. Driver accepted electronic tracking and was on time." — Verified Broker, FL
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.82/5 (10 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
402 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Northfield, MN |
| 📋 DOT Number |
124500 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Taylor Truck Line is one of the larger carriers on this list at over 400 power units, based in Northfield about 35 miles south of Minneapolis. Their 10 reviews average 4.82 stars, with brokers calling out responsive dispatch, reliable tracking, and clean on-time execution. One note worth flagging: one reviewer identified a fraudulent actor attempting to impersonate Taylor Truck Line using an unofficial Gmail address. When booking, verify you're working through Taylor's official contact channels. That's a broader industry issue, but it's worth flagging when you're dealing with a carrier at this size and visibility level. The legitimate operation is well-regarded.
Best for: Shippers and brokers who need a high-capacity dry van option in the southern Twin Cities corridor, particularly for loads moving to and from the Chicago market and other major Midwest lanes where Taylor's fleet size provides real coverage.
Additional Top-Rated Carriers with Terminals in Minneapolis
These carriers aren't headquartered in Minneapolis, but they operate terminal locations within 50 miles of the city, giving them a real local presence for pickups and deliveries in the market. They meet the same review volume and rating thresholds as the carriers above.
| Carrier |
⭐ Rating (out of 5) |
🚛 Fleet Size |
Overview |
| Mercer Transportation Co Inc |
4.87 (15 reviews) |
1605 |
A Louisville-based national carrier with one of the largest flatbed, heavy-specialized, and dry van fleets in the country, backed by over 300 transportation professionals and a local terminal presence in the Minneapolis market. |
| ATS Inc |
4.55 (6 reviews) |
318 |
A Saint Cloud, Minnesota-based carrier with a 318-truck fleet and terminal presence in Minneapolis, offering dry van service across regional and national lanes. |
| Venture Transport LLC |
4.55 (6 reviews) |
1151 |
An Indianapolis-based logistics and trucking company with over 1,100 power units and a local terminal in the Minneapolis market, offering full truckload and supply chain solutions. |
| Meyer Logistics Inc |
4.39 (5 reviews) |
465 |
A Jasper, Indiana-based carrier with 465 trucks and a terminal serving the Minneapolis area, focused on delivering fast, flexible, and reliable truckload service. |
How I Picked These Carriers
I pulled carrier data directly from the CarrierSource database, filtering to companies with dry van authority headquartered within 50 miles of Minneapolis. To make this list, a carrier needed at least five verified reviews from real brokers and shippers and at least one active operating authority (common or contract). I ranked the results by star rating, with review count used as a tiebreaker when ratings were close.
The review data comes from CarrierSource's network of brokers and shippers who have actually moved freight with these carriers. That distinction matters: anyone can collect general testimonials, but the reviews on CarrierSource are tied to verified freight relationships, which is what makes the ratings meaningful.
For the terminal carriers section, I ran a separate query looking for carriers headquartered outside the 50-mile radius but with a terminal location inside it. These carriers have operational presence in the market even if their main office is elsewhere. They went through the same review count and rating filters as the ranked carriers.
FAQ
What should I look for when booking a dry van carrier in Minneapolis?
Prioritize carriers with verified reviews from brokers and shippers who have actually moved freight on similar lanes. Look for consistent communication habits: do dispatchers respond quickly, do drivers accept electronic tracking, do they hit their appointment windows? Fleet condition matters too, especially for food-grade or sensitive dry van shipments where a clean, dry trailer is non-negotiable. A carrier's review volume tells you whether their rating reflects a reliable pattern or just a handful of lucky loads.
What kinds of freight move on dry van in the Minneapolis market?
Minneapolis is a major Midwest distribution hub with a diverse freight mix. Common dry van commodities include packaged food and consumer goods moving through the region's large distribution centers, paper and printing products, retail merchandise, and industrial components. The market also sees significant inbound freight from the coasts and outbound moves to Chicago, the upper Midwest, and Canada, given Minnesota's proximity to the border.
How do I vet a dry van carrier I haven't worked with before?
Start by checking their verified review history on CarrierSource: pay attention to whether reviews come from brokers and shippers running similar lanes and freight types. Confirm their active operating authority and that their DOT number matches what's on the paperwork. Before the load, ask about their tracking capabilities (Macropoint, FourKites, or similar), get direct dispatcher contact information, and verify trailer condition requirements match your shipper's needs. A carrier with 10 or more consistent reviews on a specific truck type is far lower risk than one with a handful of older or unverified ratings.
What are typical transit times for dry van loads out of Minneapolis?
Transit times from Minneapolis depend heavily on destination. Chicago typically runs one day. The Twin Cities to the Pacific Northwest is generally two to three days. East Coast deliveries are usually three to four days. Northern Minnesota and the upper Midwest can often be serviced same-day or next-day. Minneapolis carriers are also well-positioned for Canadian cross-border moves into Ontario and Manitoba, though those loads require carriers with proper cross-border authority and documentation.
Are there seasonal capacity considerations for dry van in Minneapolis?
Yes. Winter weather in the Twin Cities can affect equipment availability and transit times, particularly for carriers running regional lanes across the upper Midwest and into the Dakotas. Capacity typically tightens in the fourth quarter as consumer goods shipments peak. Spring and summer generally offer the most balanced capacity, though agricultural shipping seasons can pull carriers toward regional grain and commodity freight. Locking in relationships with reliable carriers before Q4 is a practical hedge for shippers with predictable lane volume.
Find the Right Carrier for Your Lane
The carriers on this list represent the best-reviewed dry van options in the Minneapolis market, ranked by real freight relationships and verified performance data. If your freight has specific requirements, whether that's food-grade equipment, expedite capability, cross-border authority, or just a carrier that picks up the phone, use CarrierSource to filter by the criteria that matter most to your lane.
