The MNNR's roster consists of mainly Alco and GE locomotives. With over two dozen locomotives, including one from Hamersley Iron in Australia, the roster is diverse and meets the switching and road freight needs. Most units wear a red paint scheme much like that of the Green Bay and Western Railroad.
The line was formerly known as the Minnesota Transfer Railroad. It was privately owned by the major railroads serving the Twin Cities area.
The Minnesota Transfer was leased by the Minnesota Commercial on February 1, 1987.[1] At the time Minnesota Commercial leased Minnesota Transfer, the railroad was down to 6,000 revenue units a year. By 2008, the Minnesota Commercial was handling over 46,000 revenue units.[2]