Salina, KS
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Salina.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.38 |
| Reefer | $2.75 |
| Flatbed | $2.96 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-70I-135US-81US-40K-140
Top Industries
Agriculture/Grain
Food Processing
Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
Healthcare
Major Distribution Centers
Schwan's distribution center
Cargill grain facilities
Great Plains Manufacturing DC
Top Shippers
S
Schwan's Food CompanyG
Great Plains ManufacturingC
Cargill grain elevatorsP
Phillips-MedisizeNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-70
Truck Stops
Petro Stopping Center (I-70 Exit 252)
Pilot Travel Center (I-70 Exit 253)
Love's #311 (I-135 at K-140)
Challenges
- Central Kansas is exposed to severe weather including tornadoes and ice storms.
- Grain harvest season (June-August) creates heavy agricultural truck traffic on rural highways.
- Long distances between services west of Salina on I-70.
Opportunities
- Central location provides access to loads heading in every direction
- Massive intermodal and rail hub infrastructure in Chicago area
- Strong agricultural freight during harvest season
- Lower cost of living and operating costs improve net margins
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Harvest season (August-November) generates enormous grain and produce volume. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Winter weather (November-March) causes delays but also rate spikes. Spring flooding can disrupt river-adjacent routes.
Trucking in Salina — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Salina: Dry Van $2.38, Reefer $2.75, Flatbed $2.96. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Salina is rated "fair." Popular stops include Petro Stopping Center (I-70 Exit 252), Pilot Travel Center (I-70 Exit 253), Love's #311 (I-135 at K-140). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Salina freight market include Schwan's Food Company, Great Plains Manufacturing, Cargill grain elevators, Phillips-Medisize. Key industries driving freight demand are agriculture/grain, food processing, heavy equipment manufacturing.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Salina include: Central Kansas is exposed to severe weather including tornadoes and ice storms.; Grain harvest season (June-August) creates heavy agricultural truck traffic on rural highways.; Long distances between services west of Salina on I-70.. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.