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Trucking in North Dakota

Owner-operator guide for North Dakota (ND) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Bismarck state.

Quick Stats

Freight Volume

moderate

O-O Friendly

7/10

Fuel Tax

23.0 c/gal

Parking

moderate

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/Mile
Dry Van$2.50
Reefer$2.80
Flatbed$3.10

Key Highways

I-94I-29US-2US-83

These corridors connect North Dakota's major freight cities: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.

Top Industries

1Oil (Bakken)
2Agriculture
3Energy
4Military

Top Shippers

Bakken oil field

Cargill (Fargo)

Amazon FAR1

Military bases

Trucking Regulations

  • Bakken oil loads pay $4+/mile
  • Extreme cold — winter diesel mandatory
  • Fargo-Moorhead main freight hub
  • Long empty stretches — carry emergency supplies

Toll Roads & Winter Conditions

Toll Information

No toll roads

Winter Conditions

Extreme cold (-40F possible); blizzards; I-94 closures

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in North Dakota

In North Dakota, dry van rates average $2.50/mile, reefer rates average $2.80/mile, and flatbed rates average $3.10/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
North Dakota scores 7/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has moderate freight volume with moderate truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Oil (Bakken), Agriculture, Energy.
Key trucking regulations in North Dakota include: Bakken oil loads pay $4+/mile. Extreme cold — winter diesel mandatory. Fargo-Moorhead main freight hub. Long empty stretches — carry emergency supplies. The state fuel tax rate is 23.0 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in North Dakota are I-94, I-29, US-2, US-83. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot. No toll roads.