Truck dispatch in Montana

Where the freight is in Montana

Main corridors

The interstates most of our Montana loads run on: I-90, I-94, I-15, US-2, US-87, MT-200.

I-90 crosses Montana from Idaho through Missoula, Butte, Bozeman and Billings to Wyoming. I-94 runs east from Billings to North Dakota, and I-15 runs north-south from Idaho through Butte, Helena and Great Falls to Canada. US-2 crosses the northern grain belt.

Freight and seasons

Wheat, barley, lentils, peas and other pulse crops lead Montana's farm freight, along with cattle and wood products. Grain moves after harvest in late summer and fall and from storage through the year. Distances are long and reloads can be far apart, so planning matters more here. Winter storms close passes, and spring thaw brings lower axle weights on some highways.

Montana 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:

Truck speed limit

Trucks and truck tractors over 1 ton manufacturer's rated capacity are limited to 70 mph on interstates and 65 mph on other highways, day and night. Cars can go 80 mph on rural interstates. Triples and other special permit combinations are held to 65 mph unless the permit says otherwise. Source

Chain law

MDT can require chains at any time of year in designated areas. When it does, every vehicle towing a trailer must chain the drive wheels of one axle; AutoSocks are an approved alternative. From October 1 to April 30, towing units of 26,001 lb or more must carry chains or an approved traction device in areas where chains may be required, unless the vehicle has four-wheel drive. Source

Seasonal load restrictions

When the ground thaws in late winter and spring, MDT posts lower axle weights and sometimes lower speeds on weak highways. Typical postings are 8 tons per single axle and 16 tons per tandem (400 lb per inch of tire width), or 7 and 14 tons (350 lb per inch) on the worst roads. Signs go up at the start of each posted road. Source

Weigh stations

Every vehicle or combination of 26,000 lb or more must stop at all open weigh stations. Trucks between 10,000 and 26,000 lb can be stopped and weighed by portable scale crews. Source

Cities we cover in Montana

Billings

How we dispatch here

• We plan Montana transit times at 70 mph on interstates for heavy trucks, not the 80 mph car limit.
• From October to April we make sure you carry chains and check pass conditions before you roll.
• In spring we check MDT's posted roads before booking heavy loads off the interstates.
• Reloads can be far apart, so we line up the next load before you deliver.

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