Truck dispatch in Maine

Where the freight is in Maine

Main corridors

The interstates most of our Maine loads run on: I-95, I-295, I-395, US-1, US-2, ME-9.

I-95 enters from New Hampshire at Kittery and becomes the Maine Turnpike from York to Augusta. I-295 runs a parallel free route through Portland to Gardiner. North of Augusta, I-95 continues past Waterville and Bangor to Houlton at the New Brunswick border. US-1 runs along the coast and up to Aroostook County.

Freight and seasons

Lumber, paper and other forest products, potatoes, wild blueberries and seafood lead Maine's outbound freight. Inbound loads bring groceries, retail goods and building materials. Outbound freight is thinner than inbound, so we plan reloads before you head north. Winter storms slow I-95, and spring thaw brings weight limits on many state and town roads.

Maine rules to know

Every interstate carrier needs a USDOT number, MC authority, UCR and, for most semis, IRP plates and an IFTA license. On top of that:

Maine Turnpike tolls

The Maine Turnpike (I-95 from York to Augusta) takes only cash or E-ZPass, paid at the time you pass. Every toll plaza accepts cash. It is not Pay By Plate and the Turnpike does not send bills. If you go through an E-ZPass-only lane without a transponder, pay the toll online so you are not in violation. Source

Overlimit permits on the Turnpike

Every overlimit load needs a Maine Turnpike Authority permit to use the Turnpike. It costs $10, paid in cash at a staffed overlimit lane, on top of the toll. You also need a separate overlimit permit from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for all roads off the Turnpike. Source

100,000 lb six-axle limit

A 3-axle tractor with a tri-axle semitrailer can run up to 100,000 lb on Maine roads off the interstate. The tandem can carry up to 41,000 lb and the tri-axle up to 50,000 lb. There must be at least 36 feet between the extreme axles, not counting the steer axle, or the limit drops 2,000 lb per foot short. The steer axle must be at least 10 feet from the tandem. Source

Spring posted roads

Each spring, MaineDOT decides whether to post weight limits on state and state-aid highways to prevent damage from freeze and thaw. Many towns post their local roads too. On a posted road, a truck over the posted weight may not travel loaded, except with the tools needed to run the vehicle. Source

Intrastate USDOT number

Trucks running only inside Maine need a USDOT number above 26,000 lb. Intrastate trucks of 10,000 to 26,000 lb are exempt unless they haul hazardous materials or count as a bus. Interstate carriers need one at 10,001 lb. Source

Cities we cover in Maine

Portland

How we dispatch here

• We check that you carry cash or a working E-ZPass before a Turnpike run, since Maine does not mail toll bills.
• In spring we check posted roads before booking loaded trips off the interstate.
• Loads into northern Maine get a reload plan before you leave Portland or Bangor.
• Maine loads pair well with reloads in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and back down the I-95 corridor.

Pricing

a percentage of the load's gross, quoted for your truck and lanes, charged only on loads we book. No contract and your first load is free. See full pricing.

Questions carriers ask