Truck Dispatch Service in Washington State

At a glance

Trucks over 10,000 lb must carry chains on listed passes Nov 1–Apr 1
Washington grows about two-thirds of U.S. apples
Port trucks need a 2007 or newer engine
Blaine is the busiest U.S.–Canada crossing in the West

Where the freight is in Washington

Seattle / TacomaThe Northwest Seaport Alliance ports, one of North America's largest container gateways.

Yakima / WenatcheeApples, cherries and pears, with the apple harvest in late summer and fall.

BlaineThe Pacific Highway crossing, the busiest U.S.–Canada port in the western U.S.

SpokaneEastern Washington's distribution hub on I-90.

Tri-CitiesFood processing and ag freight along the Columbia River.

Main corridors

The interstates most of our Washington loads run on: I-5, I-90, I-82, I-182, I-405, US-395.

I-5 runs north-south through Seattle and Tacoma, I-90 crosses the Cascades over Snoqualmie Pass to Spokane, and I-82 connects Yakima with the Tri-Cities and Oregon.

Freight and seasons

Containers, apples and tree fruit, and farm exports lead Washington. The apple harvest runs from late summer through fall, with storage apples shipping much of the year. Mountain passes can close in winter storms.

Washington 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:

Chains on mountain passes

From November 1 to April 1, every vehicle over 10,000 lb must carry chains on listed routes such as I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass, US-2 Stevens Pass and US-12 White Pass, whatever the weather. When chains are required, how many you put on depends on your axles. Source

Port truck rules

Trucks serving Northwest Seaport Alliance terminals need a 2007 or newer engine and an active RFID tag registered in eModal with the truck's current information. Source

Intrastate permit

Interstate carriers need nothing extra. For-hire carriers hauling loads that stay inside Washington need a common carrier permit from the Utilities and Transportation Commission. Source

Oregon next door

Loads into Oregon trigger its weight-mile tax for trucks over 26,000 lb. Set up an account or a temporary pass before you cross. Source

Cities we cover in Washington

Seattle

How we dispatch here

From November through March we check pass conditions before dispatching over the Cascades.
We make sure trucks carry chains on listed routes in season, even when it's dry.
Reefers: Yakima and Wenatchee apples give steady loads from late summer into winter.
We account for Oregon's weight-mile tax on any load heading south on I-5.

Fleetorica is a dispatch service, not a broker or carrier. We book loads under your authority, in Washington and the rest of the lower 48, and you approve every load.

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.

Official sources

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

When do trucks need chains in Washington?

From November 1 to April 1, vehicles over 10,000 lb must carry chains on listed mountain routes, and put them on when signs say chains are required.

Can my truck haul Seattle or Tacoma containers?

Only if it has a 2007 or newer engine and an active RFID tag registered in eModal.

Is Washington good for reefers?

Yes. Apples and tree fruit keep reefers busy from late summer into winter.

Truck dispatch in Washington State