CDL-A Dry Van Regional Driver MN–WI–IA Freight Line — Saint Paul, MN

Sealed palletized freight moves between Twin Cities terminals and manufacturing or retail sites across three states on a true regional linehaul schedule.

• Confirm trailer numbers, seal integrity and BOL data before every departure.
• Report gate delays, dock congestion and remaining HOS to dispatch immediately.
• Inspect doors, lights, tires, landing gear and coupling gear on each trailer.
• Work with dispatch to secure reloads and minimize empty miles.
• Complete electronic POD and customer paperwork after every stop.
• Perform complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections before dispatch.

Compensation follows an hourly regional model with overtime after 40 hours. Actual weekly earnings depend on hours worked, route volume, detention and other activity pay. Sign-on bonus is paid separately and is not included in weekly or annual figures.

Maintenance is handled through company facilities and approved outside vendors. Preventive work is scheduled around terminal time.

Freight consists of palletized retail merchandise, packaged consumer products, paper and packaging, industrial supplies, machine components and general manufacturing goods. All loads are sealed and no-touch.

• Saint Paul to Eau Claire on I-94 for regional distribution freight.
• Saint Paul to Madison via I-94 / US-12 / I-90 routing.
• Saint Paul to Milwaukee eastbound on I-94 supporting retail and industrial freight.
• Saint Paul to Des Moines south on I-35 connecting Iowa distribution markets.
• Des Moines northbound reloads returning to Saint Paul.
• Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin manufacturing backhauls into the Twin Cities.
• Saint Paul to Cedar Rapids using I-35 / I-90 / US-20 combinations.

• Valid Class A CDL and minimum age of 21 for interstate driving.
• Approximately 6 months of CDL-A experience preferred; regional dry-van experience strongly preferred.
• Recent CDL graduates from accredited programs may be considered if they meet training and safety standards.
• Acceptable MVR with no disqualifying major violations.
• Must satisfy all DOT requirements and complete the required Clearinghouse query.
• Physical ability to enter and exit equipment, couple/uncouple, back to docks and perform trailer inspections.
• No additional endorsements required.

• Morning congestion on Twin Cities interstates (I-94, I-35W, I-35E, I-494, I-694).
• Wisconsin winter weather that reduces speeds and limits safe parking options.
• Summer construction projects that force route changes.
• Distribution-center congestion during morning receiving windows and end-of-month cycles.
• Occasional trailer shortages that require empty repositioning.
• Longer staging times at manufacturing facilities during live loads.

The Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro maintains a mature CDL-A labor market with regular openings across national carriers, regional dry-van fleets, dedicated retail accounts, LTL operations, private fleets and local contractors. Regional dry-van work stays relatively balanced: freight density supports consistent multi-state runs, yet experienced drivers still have multiple options. Employers compete most effectively by offering weekly home time, predictable schedules, late-model equipment and pay structures that protect against excessive unpaid waiting. Demand remains steady because Twin Cities distribution and manufacturing generate year-round volume. Specialized segments such as foodservice, fuel or hazmat often pay premiums, while standard regional dry-van positions differentiate themselves through reliable home resets and overtime protection.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul serves as the central Upper Midwest distribution and manufacturing hub. Retail distribution centers, consumer-products warehouses, paper and packaging plants, industrial suppliers and machinery producers generate continuous outbound and inbound dry-van volume. I-94 forms the primary eastbound corridor into Wisconsin markets including Eau Claire, Madison and Milwaukee. I-35 provides the direct southbound link to Des Moines and central Iowa. Secondary movements use I-90 and US-20 across southern Minnesota and eastern Iowa. East-metro, west-metro and southern industrial zones create additional short-haul and reload opportunities. Seasonal retail peaks, end-of-month shipping cycles and winter weather affect daily volumes, yet manufacturing output combined with regional retail replenishment keeps freight moving throughout the year. Dense warehouse networks and major interstate interchanges sustain ongoing demand for multi-state regional capacity that can cycle within a few days.