CDL-A Heavy Equipment Lowboy Driver Jobs in Minneapolis, MN
Hiring Radius: Minneapolis–Saint Paul Metro Area
📍 Minneapolis, MN 🚚 Regional Heavy Haul ⚙️ Late Model Equipment
● Terminal Location: Minneapolis Terminal
Average Weekly Pay
$1,700–$2,250
Sign-on Bonus: $2,000
Home Time: Home Most Weekends
Driver Type: Heavy Haul / Lowboy
Job Snapshot
Weekly Pay Target $1,700–$2,250
Mileage Rate $0.68–$0.76 CPM
Weekly Miles 1,700–2,100
Home Frequency Home Most Weekends
Run Territory MN, WI, IA, ND, SD
Position Overview
A mid-sized regional heavy haul carrier based in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro is hiring an experienced CDL-A Heavy Equipment Lowboy Driver to support construction, infrastructure, utility, quarry, and municipal equipment transportation throughout Minnesota and neighboring states.
The fleet primarily moves excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, pavers, cranes (within legal weight when permitted), milling machines, forestry equipment, and specialized construction machinery between equipment dealers, contractor yards, aggregate facilities, road projects, and active construction sites.
This position combines regional driving with substantial customer-site activity. Drivers spend time securing oversized equipment, coordinating with equipment operators, reviewing permits, inspecting securement throughout the trip, and communicating with dispatch regarding routing restrictions, bridge clearances, and construction detours.
Pay Breakdown & Earnings Structure
Compensation is above standard dry van positions because of specialized securement, permit compliance, and heavy haul experience requirements.
Weekly Average Pay $1,700–$2,250 per week
Base Rate $0.68–$0.76 CPM on standard regional movements
Additional Load Pay Additional load pay for oversize permitted moves
Detention Pay $30/hour after 2 hours when customer-approved
Breakdown Pay $175/day
Permit Delay Pay Permit Delay Pay when dispatch confirms non-driver delays
Why Drivers Choose This Job
- Steady freight tied to active construction, infrastructure investment, equipment rental fleets, and contractor schedules throughout the Upper Midwest
- Dispatch plans loads around permits and customer readiness rather than constant first-come freight
- Dependable heavy-haul equipment maintained specifically for lowboy operations
- Experienced dispatchers understand routing challenges, construction detours, and permit requirements unique to oversized transportation
Equipment & Fleet Specifications
Tractors include Peterbilt 567 (2020–2024), Kenworth T880 (2019–2023), Western Star 49X (limited newer units), and several well-maintained Kenworth W900 units. Fleet includes both tandem and tri-drive tractors depending on axle requirements.
Most units feature 18-speed manual or automated manual transmission, sleeper configurations for regional overnight work, engine brakes, air ride suspension, onboard scales where equipped, Samsara ELD platform, Qualcomm communications, dash cameras, adaptive cruise control on newer tractors, collision mitigation systems on late-model equipment, and lane departure warning on selected units.
Trailer equipment includes 50–55 ton detachable gooseneck lowboy trailers, hydraulic removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers, mechanical detachable lowboys, extendable lowboys for longer machinery, and flip axles available when required for permitted loads. Drivers are issued specialized securement equipment including Grade 70 transport chains, ratchet binders, lever binders, heavy-duty straps, edge protection, D-rings, oversize banners, warning flags, beacon lights, permit books, and securement inspection tools.
Home Time Frequency & Time Off
Regional schedule. Most drivers are home on weekends, although occasional Saturday deliveries occur during peak highway construction season.
Typical schedule includes 1–3 overnights each week and home most weekends. Home time requests reviewed through fleet management with advance notice. Permit schedules, weather delays, and customer construction timelines occasionally affect return days.
Real Routes Our Drivers Take
Typical freight lanes include Minneapolis, MN to Rochester, MN via US-52; Minneapolis, MN to Duluth, MN using I-35; Minneapolis, MN to Fargo, ND via I-94; Minneapolis, MN to Sioux Falls, SD using I-90; and Minneapolis, MN to Eau Claire, WI to Green Bay, WI using I-94 and US-29.
Outbound equipment may leave Minneapolis for active job sites, while return trips frequently include rental equipment returning to Twin Cities dealer yards or machinery moving between contractors. Dispatch often adjusts reload locations depending on project completion dates, equipment availability, and permit timing.
License & Driver Requirements
- Valid CDL Class A license
- Minimum 2 years of verifiable CDL-A experience
- At least 1 year of heavy haul, lowboy, flatbed, or specialized equipment transport experience preferred
- Demonstrated experience with chain securement and heavy equipment tie-down procedures
- Clean MVR with acceptable CSA history
- Ability to obtain oversize permit routing knowledge
- Current DOT medical certification
- Ability to climb trailers, secure equipment, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Ability to lift securement equipment weighing up to approximately 75 lbs
- Strong understanding of FMCSA cargo securement regulations
Hiring Process
Apply online to begin the process for this CDL-A Heavy Equipment Lowboy Driver position.
A Typical Day
Dispatch generally begins between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM depending on permit restrictions and customer loading windows. Drivers usually report to the Minneapolis terminal or directly to a nearby equipment dealer where trailers are staged.
The normal workflow includes terminal or dealer yard, trailer inspection, customer equipment loading, securement, permit verification, regional delivery, customer inspection, equipment unloading, securement removal, and reload assignment or return move.
Construction customers generally work early morning hours, so many deliveries are scheduled before active crews fully occupy job sites. Equipment dealers typically process loads efficiently, while active construction sites can involve longer waits for machinery to finish daily work before loading. Dispatch regularly updates return freight opportunities while drivers are completing deliveries.
Freight Details
Freight primarily consists of hydraulic excavators, bulldozers, compact track loaders, motor graders, asphalt pavers, road milling machines, wheel loaders, telehandlers, utility trenching equipment, aggregate crushing components, and agricultural construction equipment.
Most customers include highway contractors, heavy civil construction firms, CAT and John Deere equipment dealers, quarry operators, utility contractors, municipal public works departments, and rental equipment companies.
Schedule & Dispatch
Most loads are pre-planned one to three days ahead because permit applications, customer scheduling, and equipment readiness require additional coordination. Drivers receive permit packets, approved routing, bridge restrictions, height information, escort requirements when applicable, and customer contacts.
Live dispatch updates remain common when permits are revised, equipment becomes unavailable, construction schedules change, or weather affects travel restrictions. Communication occurs through Samsara messaging and direct phone contact.
Most drivers receive preliminary dispatch by late afternoon for the following morning, although permit approval may adjust departure times. Winter weather, interstate construction, and permit restrictions frequently require routing changes during the workweek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the home time for this position? A: Home most weekends with 1–3 overnights per week
Q: What equipment is used? A: Peterbilt 567, Kenworth T880, Western Star 49X, Kenworth W900 with lowboy trailers
Q: What is the weekly pay range? A: $1,700–$2,250 average
Q: What experience is needed? A: Minimum 2 years CDL-A with heavy haul/lowboy experience preferred
Q: What freight is hauled? A: Heavy construction equipment on lowboy trailers
Career Opportunities
This regional heavy haul lowboy position suits experienced CDL-A drivers comfortable with specialized securement, permit compliance, and customer-site coordination at construction locations. The operation features consistent demand tied to Upper Midwest construction and infrastructure projects with reload opportunities from multiple regional points.
Drivers handle a mix of outbound deliveries to active job sites and return moves of equipment to dealer yards or between contractors. The workflow emphasizes attention to securement inspections, permit routing details, and coordination with site personnel rather than high-volume highway miles alone.
CDL-A Truck Driving Jobs in Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis serves as one of the Upper Midwest's largest construction and logistics centers. The area generates year-round demand for heavy equipment transportation. Seasonal highway construction across Minnesota, commercial development around the Minneapolis metro, utility expansion, and agricultural equipment movements create steady freight opportunities for CDL-A drivers.
CDL-A heavy haul drivers in the region operate on corridors such as I-94, I-35, US-52, and I-90 connecting to key points including Rochester, Duluth, Fargo, Sioux Falls, Eau Claire, and Green Bay. These routes support equipment moves for highway projects, municipal work, quarries, and dealer transfers.
Professional truck drivers with lowboy and heavy equipment securement experience find consistent work in this market. The combination of regional hauls within 150-500 miles and specialized freight keeps operations active, particularly from late spring through fall during peak construction season.
