Truck dispatch in North Dakota

Where the freight is in North Dakota

Main corridors

The interstates most of our North Dakota loads run on: I-94, I-29, US-2, US-85, US-83, US-52.

I-94 crosses the state from Montana through Dickinson, Bismarck and Jamestown to Fargo and Minnesota. I-29 runs north-south along the Red River from South Dakota through Fargo and Grand Forks to Canada. US-2 crosses the north through Grand Forks, Minot and Williston, and US-85 runs south from Williston through the oil country.

Freight and seasons

Farm freight leads: wheat, durum, canola, dry beans, sunflowers, oats and more, moving after harvest in late summer and fall and from storage through the year. North Dakota is also third in the nation in crude oil production, so flatbeds and step decks haul pipe and equipment into the Bakken. Winter is long and cold, and spring thaw brings lower axle weights on many highways.

North Dakota 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:

Farm freight rankings

USDA NASS reports that in 2024 North Dakota led the nation in all wheat, spring wheat, durum wheat, canola, flaxseed, all dry edible beans, pinto beans, oats, rye, sunflowers and honey. It also ranks third in the nation in crude oil production. Source

Gross weight limits

The maximum gross vehicle weight is 80,000 lb on the interstate system and 105,500 lb on state highways unless a lower limit is posted. Width is 8 feet 6 inches and height is 14 feet, loaded or empty. Source

Spring load restrictions

NDDOT starts spring load restrictions when temperature probes show the pavement base layers nearing 32°F. Restrictions are set by axle weight, from 5-ton to 8-ton levels, and are posted on NDDOT's current order page and the ND Roads travel map. Source

Wintertime permit

From December 1 to March 7, a wintertime permit lets a divisible load carry 10% more weight, up to 105,500 lb gross. It is not valid on interstates or county, township or city roads. On state highways posted at 80,000 lb, the limit with the permit is 88,000 lb. The fee is $50 per 30 days. Source

Speed limit

North Dakota law sets 80 mph on paved, divided, access-controlled interstates and 70 mph on other divided multilane highways, unless a lower limit is posted. The law has no separate limit for trucks. Source

Cities we cover in North Dakota

Fargo

How we dispatch here

• In spring we check NDDOT's load restriction order before booking heavy loads off the interstates.
• We plan grain and bean loads around harvest and confirm elevator or plant hours before you go.
• Oil field loads go to flatbeds and step decks with the right permits and the site contact confirmed.
• North Dakota reloads can be far apart, so we line up the next load toward Minnesota or the Midwest 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