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Trucking in South Dakota

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

Quick Stats

Freight Volume

low

O-O Friendly

8/10

Fuel Tax

28.0 c/gal

Parking

abundant

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/Mile
Dry Van$2.35
Reefer$2.65
Flatbed$2.85

Key Highways

I-90I-29US-83US-14

These corridors connect South Dakota's major freight cities: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.

Top Industries

1Agriculture
2Tourism
3Finance
4Beef processing
5Wind energy

Top Shippers

Smithfield Foods (Sioux Falls)

Daktronics

Amazon FSD1

Trail King Industries

Trucking Regulations

  • No state income tax
  • Sioux Falls is main freight hub
  • I-90 blizzard closures multiple times per winter
  • Ag loads seasonal but pay well

Toll Roads & Winter Conditions

Toll Information

No toll roads

Winter Conditions

Extreme cold; blizzards; I-90 closures; Black Hills mountain roads

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in South Dakota

In South Dakota, dry van rates average $2.35/mile, reefer rates average $2.65/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.85/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
South Dakota scores 8/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has low freight volume with abundant truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Agriculture, Tourism, Finance.
Key trucking regulations in South Dakota include: No state income tax. Sioux Falls is main freight hub. I-90 blizzard closures multiple times per winter. Ag loads seasonal but pay well. The state fuel tax rate is 28.0 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in South Dakota are I-90, I-29, US-83, US-14. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen. No toll roads.