Gillette, WY
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Gillette.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Mountain West
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.62 |
| Reefer | $3.01 |
| Flatbed | $3.30 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-90WY-59WY-50US-14/16
Top Industries
Coal mining
Oil & Gas
Heavy equipment
Ranching
Major Distribution Centers
Mining supply warehouses
Walmart Supercenter
Top Shippers
P
Peabody EnergyA
Arch ResourcesC
Cloud Peak EnergyNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-90
Truck Stops
Flying J (I-90 Exit 126)
Pilot Travel Center (I-90 Exit 129)
Challenges
- Coal mine roads are dusty, rough, and have strict safety protocols.
- Oil boom-bust cycles cause volatile freight demand.
- Extreme winter weather with blizzards and -40°F wind chills.
- High winds on open prairie topple empty trailers.
Opportunities
- Elevated rates compensate for longer distances and deadhead risk
- Growing population centers (Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City) drive demand
- Energy sector creates premium-rate specialized freight opportunities
- Less carrier competition than coastal and Midwest markets
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Ski resort supply season runs October through March. Construction peaks April through October. Mining and energy freight is relatively steady year-round. Winter mountain pass closures can create significant delays and rate spikes.
Trucking in Gillette — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Gillette: Dry Van $2.62, Reefer $3.01, Flatbed $3.30. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Gillette is rated "fair." Popular stops include Flying J (I-90 Exit 126), Pilot Travel Center (I-90 Exit 129). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Gillette freight market include Peabody Energy, Arch Resources, Cloud Peak Energy. Key industries driving freight demand are coal mining, oil & gas, heavy equipment.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Gillette include: Coal mine roads are dusty, rough, and have strict safety protocols.; Oil boom-bust cycles cause volatile freight demand.; Extreme winter weather with blizzards and -40°F wind chills.. However, opportunities include elevated rates compensate for longer distances and deadhead risk.