Bismarck, ND
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Bismarck.
290
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Who Operates Out of Bismarck
290 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Bismarck. Here is how that base breaks down by fleet size — useful for judging whether you would be competing against owner-operators or against fleets with dedicated freight locked up.
137
Owner-operators (1 truck)
77
Small fleets (2-5)
32
Mid fleets (6-20)
21
Large fleets (20+)
47% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 31 are registered to haul hazardous materials.
Source: FMCSA Motor Carrier Census (active carriers, US physical addresses), retrieved 2026-07-18.
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.41 |
| Reefer | $2.78 |
| Flatbed | $2.99 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
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
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