Bismarck, ND
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Bismarck.
Metro area
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.41 |
| Reefer | $2.78 |
| Flatbed | $2.99 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-94I-194US-83US-12ND-1804
Top Industries
State government
Energy (coal and oil services)
Healthcare
Agriculture
Major Distribution Centers
Walmart Distribution Center
McLane Northern Plains
Sysco Northern Plains satellite
Amazon delivery station
Top Shippers
B
Basin Electric Power CooperativeM
MDU Resources GroupS
Sanford Health (Bismarck)N
North Dakota state governmentNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-94
Truck Stops
Cenex Travel Plaza (I-94 Exit 159)
Pilot Travel Center (I-94 Exit 161)
Flying J (I-94 Exit 157)
Challenges
- Missouri River bridge on I-94 is a critical single chokepoint for east-west freight.
- Severe winter weather with blizzards and extreme cold closes highways regularly.
- Wind across open plains can topple high-profile trailers.
- Oil field traffic increases volume on US-83 northbound.
Opportunities
- Central location provides access to loads heading in every direction
- Massive intermodal and rail hub infrastructure in Chicago area
- Strong agricultural freight during harvest season
- Lower cost of living and operating costs improve net margins
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Harvest season (August-November) generates enormous grain and produce volume. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Winter weather (November-March) causes delays but also rate spikes. Spring flooding can disrupt river-adjacent routes.
Trucking in Bismarck — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Bismarck: Dry Van $2.41, Reefer $2.78, Flatbed $2.99. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Bismarck is rated "fair." Popular stops include Cenex Travel Plaza (I-94 Exit 159), Pilot Travel Center (I-94 Exit 161), Flying J (I-94 Exit 157). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Bismarck freight market include Basin Electric Power Cooperative, MDU Resources Group, Sanford Health (Bismarck), North Dakota state government. Key industries driving freight demand are state government, energy (coal and oil services), healthcare.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Bismarck include: Missouri River bridge on I-94 is a critical single chokepoint for east-west freight.; Severe winter weather with blizzards and extreme cold closes highways regularly.; Wind across open plains can topple high-profile trailers.. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.