Truck dispatch in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is small, but I-95 carries a lot of freight between New York and Boston right through Providence. Long trailers have set routes and some bridges have limits, so we plan every Rhode Island load around them.
First load free · then a % of each load · no contractAt a glance
- Semi-trailers over 48.5 ft, up to 53 ft, may only use designated routes
- I-195 over the Washington Bridge is limited to 96,000 lb with no oversize loads
- Diesel idling is limited to 5 minutes in any 60-minute period
- Big permit loads can't move 7 to 9 a.m. or 3 to 7 p.m. on weekdays on time-restricted routes
Where the freight is in Rhode Island
Main corridors
The interstates most of our Rhode Island loads run on: I-95, I-295, I-195, RI-146, RI-4, US-1.
I-95 crosses the state from Connecticut through Warwick and Providence to Pawtucket and Massachusetts. I-295 loops west of Providence, I-195 runs east from Providence toward Fall River and Cape Cod, and RI-146 heads north toward Worcester. RI-4 links I-95 with Quonset and North Kingstown.
Freight and seasons
Rhode Island moves a lot of through freight between New York and Boston, plus imported vehicles and port cargo out of Quonset, and inbound groceries and retail goods for the Providence area. I-95 through Providence gets heavy at rush hour. Construction on I-195 and other roads limits wide loads, and winter storms slow the whole corridor.
Rhode Island 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:
53-foot trailer routes
Semi-trailers longer than 48.5 feet, up to 53 feet, may only travel on their designated routes. RIDOT publishes the route map. Single trip permits are good for 5 days, and escorts are needed for loads 12 feet wide or more, 85 feet long or more, or over 13 feet 6 inches high. Source
Washington Bridge limit
I-195 east and west over the Washington Bridge in Providence is limited to 48 tons (96,000 lb), and oversize vehicles are not allowed. RIDOT expects the limit to stay in place until December 2028. RIDOT also lists construction zones with narrow lanes and width limits around the state. Source
Permit travel times
Time restrictions apply only to permit loads over 10 feet wide, over 80 feet long or over 130,000 lb. On the designated routes, they can't move Monday to Friday from 7 to 9 a.m. or 3 to 7 p.m. Permit loads also have holiday limits, such as no travel Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving week. Source
Diesel idling limit
State law bans unnecessary idling of a stopped diesel vehicle for more than 5 consecutive minutes in any 60-minute period, unless an exemption in the state environmental rules applies. Source
Cities we cover in Rhode Island
How we dispatch here
- We check that your 53-foot trailer stays on Rhode Island's designated routes from the interstate to the dock.
- Heavy and wide loads get a route around the Washington Bridge limit on I-195.
- Providence deliveries get early appointments to miss I-95 rush hour where the receiver allows it.
- Rhode Island loads pair well with reloads in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York.
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.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with FMCSA, the IRS or your state before you file.
Questions carriers ask
Can I pull a 53-foot trailer anywhere in Rhode Island?
No. Semi-trailers over 48.5 feet, up to 53 feet, may only use designated routes. RIDOT publishes the route map.
Is there a weight limit on the Washington Bridge?
Yes. I-195 over the Washington Bridge in Providence is limited to 96,000 lb with no oversize vehicles, expected until December 2028.
How long can I idle in Rhode Island?
A stopped diesel vehicle may not idle unnecessarily for more than 5 consecutive minutes in any 60-minute period.