The main thing to know about North Dakota is … it’s COLD. As a matter of fact, North Dakota is the coldest state in the contiguous United States. Only Alaska is colder. What this means to truck drivers is there can be treacherous roadways especially in the winter which is probably 6 months out of the year.
North Dakota is fairly unpopulated with only 11 people per square mile. It must be the cold that keeps them away. Three other cold states border North Dakota: Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota although Fargo is the most populated city:
- Fargo: 105,549
- Bismarck: 61,272
- Grand Forks: 52,838
- Minot: 40,888
- West Fargo: 25,830
While never a direct correlation between highest populated cities and more available jobs, it is always something to note (especially if you are relocating).
North Dakota Trucking Salary Information
Some of the most popular and high paying jobs for truckers are driving oil rigs aka tanker trucks for oil companies. However, it appears that lower oil and gas prices mean fewer jobs in this arena. Seasonal jobs are available but if you’re looking for local employment in oil and gas there’s a better chance of getting a job in this field.
Beginners beware, you’ll need at least a couple years’ experience driving before you can get a gig like this. These companies want experience. Projected trucking jobs in North Dakota from 2104 to 2024 are estimated to fall 18% whereas in the U.S. as a whole these jobs should increase about 6%.
Don’t let this discourage you because the availability of trucking jobs in North Dakota is still plentiful. Here are a few different types:
- Local – some w/signing bonus
- Delivery
- Dedicated – for example Wal-Mart
- Heavy haul
- Frac sand
- Water hauler (fracking uses a lot of water)
Healthy salaries make this state a great place to work. The average yearly salary for a truck driver is $53,720 and the average hourly wage is $25.83. If you look at the median salary for the state $50,510 is almost $10,000 more than the U.S. average. Breaking it down by city looks like this:
- Bismarck: $51,290
- Grand Forks: $44,790
- Fargo: $44,290
Understanding and knowing how much average salaries can differentiate between cities in North Dakota can help guide you to higher paying areas. Just understand that a higher cost per living often accompanies that approach.
CDL Requirements in North Dakota
To obtain a CDL in North Dakota you need to be:
- At least 21 years old to drive across state lines
- 18-20 years old to drive intra-state
- 16 years old to test for a CDL restricted to custom harvesting operations
- Able to read, write, and speak English
You need to meet all Federal Medical Requirements in 49 CFR 391. There are some medical conditions that can disqualify an individual:
- Heart condition
- Hearing impairment
- Worse than 20/40 visual acuity in either eye – even with corrective lenses
- Loss of a limb or loss of the use of a limb
- Diabetes controlled with insulin
- Epilepsy
- Seizure disorder requiring anti-seizure medication
Apply in person at any North Dakota Driver’s License location. Prior to testing, you need to present your current driver’s license, proof of legal presence, proof of residence (your address), fill in an application, and pass an eye exam.
Different Types of Licenses and Medical Requirements
Next you must pass the required written knowledge test(s) for the CDL Class you’ll be driving. Then you can purchase a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). You can schedule a road test once you’ve had your valid CLP for at least 14 days. Take the road skills test to demonstrate your ability to operate the commercial vehicle you’ll be driving.
Seasonal CDL License or Agri-Business License
You can pick up an application for a North Dakota Seasonal License at any North Dakota Driver’s License site. Fill in all areas on the application including applicant signature, employer signature and notary signature/stamp.
Applicant must be 18 or older and have a valid North Dakota driver’s license for the duration of the 90 or 180-Day Seasonal License. If the applicant’s license will expire during that time he/she will need to renew the license before the 90 or 180-Day Seasonal License can be processed.
They must be currently licensed in North Dakota for one or more years and:
- Have a current status of D or DM. It’s okay for the applicant to have a CDL permit
- Have a clean driving record for the past 24 months
- Not be suspended, revoked or cancelled in any other state
- Not have had multiple licenses
- Not have been convicted of any serious traffic violations or any disqualifying offenses
- Not have been convicted for any accident related traffic law violations and no record of at-fault accidents
Medical Requirements
Medical requirements are the same as for a regular CDL. You must meet all Federal Medical Requirements in 49 CFR 391 and can be disqualified for the same conditions listed above.
Applicant must meet full Commercial Visual Requirements which are:
- Must be able to distinguish the colors red, green, and amber
- Visual Acuity must be corrected to 20/40 or better in each eye and both eyes together
- Field of Vision must be at least 70 degrees Temporal in each eye
Driver may operate Class B or C vehicle groups within 150 miles from place of business or farm and may transport farm agricultural products, farm machinery, and supplies. You are limited to transporting the following placarded hazardous materials (SOURCE):
- Diesel fuel of 1,000 gallons or less
- Solid fertilizers that are not mixed with any organic substance
- Liquid fertilizer in vehicles with a total capacity of 3,000 gallons or less
Only one 180-day or two 90-day licenses will be issued in a 12-month period.
Trucking Companies Local to North Dakota
Wayne Transports
Wayne Transports is considered a leader of the trucking companies in North Dakota. They have been a family-owned company for over 65 years. Wayne Transports is specializing in transporting asphalt, chemicals, bulk goods, petroleum, propane, and more! It’s also one of the largest trucking companies in North Dakota.
Brady Trucking
Brady Trucking was founded in late 1996. It is one of the safest and most reliable transportation companies in North Dakota. They serve the states of North Dakota, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico. They provide OTR, hazardous, and dump truck services. They follow regulations set in place by the PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration).
Hoffman Trucking
Hoffman Trucking is one of the top trucking companies in North Dakota with safety as their number 1 priority. They specialize in pneumatic dry bulk hauling, NGL hauling, and oil tank trucks. The aim to become the most trusted transportation companies in North Dakota.
Magnum Log’s
Magnum Log’s headquarters in Fargo, ND. They first had plans to transport lime rock, but eventually started hauling general commodities for FTL and LTL loads. They also provide warehousing, logistics management, and dedicated hauls. They are environment-conscious and keep EPA regulations in mind.
North Dakota Trucking Related News
Melissa Dixon has a drive for the trucking industry, both through her work as president of an insurance company as well as her recent appointment as the first female president of the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association in late May of 2017. The group has been around since 1934 and its chief goal is support the trucking industry.
Dixon’s ascent in the typically male-dominated trucking industry is a notable achievement. But she got there because of her background and hard work, not her gender. “I’ve always been blessed with a strong desire and ability to move myself forward, so I think that it is important to many people that this is the situation,” she said.
Dixon doesn’t have a commercial driver’s license, though she has driven a truck and several large motorhomes in the past.
After spending nine years in Alaska, Dixon was asked by her father to help start a sister organization to his Dixon Insurance that would handle licensing and registration. She agreed and Interstate Truck Licensing was founded.
Dixon became an Interstate Commerce Commission practitioner and simultaneously became interested in the rapid changes in the trucking industry as a result of deregulation and multi-state compacts. “I came to love the industry,” she said.
Dixon is passionate about educating truckers and the general public. “She really is a big promoter of the trucking industry and the transportation industry,” said Mark Wolter, immediate past president of the Motor Carriers Association.
Dixon’s primary objective is to get the association’s message out so the general public can understand the importance of the industry to our economy—and the need to be safe around trucks. More than 70 percent of truck accidents are caused by a car or non-semi, but many of these drivers don’t realize the large blind spots truck drivers must operate around on crowded highways and city streets.
Address:
98 29TH AVE SW
58601
Business Phone Number: (701) 590-4413
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
98 29TH AVE SW
58601
Business Phone Number: (701) 590-4413
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8088 HWY 30
58353
Business Phone Number: (701) 550-9632
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12621 22ND STREET
58854
Business Phone Number: (701) 226-1043
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11627 28TH ST NW
58854
Business Phone Number: (763) 260-8544
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11627 28TH ST NW
58854
Business Phone Number: (763) 260-8544
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5059 50TH AVE SE
58483
Business Phone Number: (701) 424-3443
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
416 S 14TH ST
58504
Business Phone Number: (701) 222-4790
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4842 47TH ST S UNIT E
58104
Business Phone Number: (701) 866-8162
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
600 MICHIGAN AVE
58071
Business Phone Number: (701) 749-4000
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
600 MICHIGAN AVE
58071
Business Phone Number: (701) 749-4000
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2276 110 AVE SW
58601
Business Phone Number: (701) 483-9068
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14010 ND HWY 5 NW #501
58844
Business Phone Number: (701) 982-7183
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14010 ND HWY 5 NW #501
58844
Business Phone Number: (701) 982-7183
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
206 1ST ST SE
58761
Business Phone Number: (701) 756-6600
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3475 114W AVE SW
58601
Business Phone Number: (701) 483-4635
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3008 MAPLE STREET N
58102
Business Phone Number: (701) 356-6683
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3008 MAPLE STREET N
58102
Business Phone Number: (701) 356-6683
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
804 4TH ST
58480
Business Phone Number: (701) 840-1025
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
810 N 2ND ST #7
58501
Business Phone Number: (701) 220-3888
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8081 34ST SE
58401
Business Phone Number: (701) 252-2602
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
593 MAIN ST EAST
58463
Business Phone Number: (701) 363-2755
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5263 139TH AVE N W
58801
Business Phone Number: (701) 572-9933
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
3578 160TH AVE NW
58838
Business Phone Number: (770) 307-8072
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
233 41ST ST S
58103
Business Phone Number: (701) 237-5740
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
115 MAIN STREET NE
58721-0069
Business Phone Number: (701) 377-4000
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
108 WESTSIDE DR
58721
Business Phone Number: (208) 851-8349
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1008 E BROADWAY AVE
58801
Business Phone Number: (701) 577-6052
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
805 E MAIN AVE UNIT 4
58078
Business Phone Number: (507) 271-0668
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
915 BURDICK EXPY W
58701
Business Phone Number: (701) 340-0906
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4784 65TH AVE NW
58771
Business Phone Number: (202) 521-1493
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
5204 105TH STREET NW
58852
Business Phone Number: (702) 604-3665
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2441 161ST AVE SW
58654
Business Phone Number: (701) 872-4850
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11045 40TH ST SW
58601
Business Phone Number: (701) 300-1625
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
514 1ST AVE NE
58482
Business Phone Number: (701) 220-7269
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7209 48TH AVENUE NORTH
58042-9637
Business Phone Number: (701) 277-1712
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
922 40TH ST N UNIT B
58102
Business Phone Number: (701) 361-8887
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14665 HWY 1804
58801
Business Phone Number: (701) 572-0572
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14746 BAXTER STREET
58801
Business Phone Number: (770) 307-8072
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1505 11TH AVE N
58203
Business Phone Number: (701) 775-0980
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5037 10TH AVE S
58103
Business Phone Number: (630) 802-1582
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5037 10TH AVE S
58103
Business Phone Number: (630) 802-1582
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
401 14TH ST
58854
Business Phone Number: (218) 841-1521
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3403 E ROSSER AVENUE
58501
Business Phone Number: (701) 223-5535
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
138 4TH AVE W
58782
Business Phone Number: (701) 459-2837
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6619 62 1/2 STREET NW
58718
Business Phone Number: (701) 248-8088
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
941 9TH ST NE
58278
Business Phone Number: (701) 739-7379
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
406 5TH AVE SW
58784
Business Phone Number: (701) 628-1055
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1621 S UNIVERSITY DR SUITE 221
58103
Business Phone Number: (701) 793-5417
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1415 34TH ST S APT 12
58103
Business Phone Number: (701) 639-0878
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1415 34TH ST S APT 12
58103
Business Phone Number: (701) 639-0878
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
321 3RD STREET
58278
Business Phone Number: (701) 741-4194
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1316 S 20TH ST
58504
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2333 99TH AVE SE
58492
Business Phone Number: (701) 789-0778
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
31602 142 ST SW
58735
Business Phone Number: (701) 529-4477
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
708 1ST STREET
58763-4106
Business Phone Number: (623) 262-1509
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
708 1ST STREET
58763-4106
Business Phone Number: (623) 262-1509
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
635 10TH ST NE
58078
Business Phone Number: (701) 238-1669
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5126 88TH ST NE
58353
Business Phone Number: (701) 656-3623
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2716 ROUGHNECK RD
58831
Business Phone Number: (701) 838-4558
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
606 MILLER ST
58075
Business Phone Number: (701) 642-9771
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2050 100TH AVE NE
58361-9484
Business Phone Number: (701) 367-9321
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
387 15TH STREET WEST #278
58601
Business Phone Number: (701) 260-6489
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
603 10TH ST NE
58078
Business Phone Number: (701) 478-5643
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
191 CAVALIER ST
58271
Business Phone Number: (701) 265-2842
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3151 MAIN AVENUE
58103
Business Phone Number: (701) 293-6000
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3401 E ROSSER AVE
58501
Business Phone Number: (701) 258-7777
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3979 86 AV NW
58763
Business Phone Number: (719) 243-6099
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
110 3RD AVE W
58782
Business Phone Number: (701) 263-5107
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2801 39 1/2 AVE N
58102
Business Phone Number: (701) 232-7805
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5260 166 TH AVE SW
58632
Business Phone Number: (701) 872-4048
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1218 MORNINGSIDE DRIVE
58012
Business Phone Number: (701) 202-3295
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2131 16TH ST N
58102-1840
Business Phone Number: (701) 277-9422
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5002 19TH AVE N
58102
Business Phone Number: (701) 277-3500
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1804 14TH AVE EAST
58801
Business Phone Number: (602) 689-5959
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
715 7TH AVE N
58203
Business Phone Number: (701) 746-5222
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1515 13TH AVE E
58078
Business Phone Number: (701) 282-3151
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4711 6TH ST W
58078
Business Phone Number: (701) 200-4898
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2713 TWIN CITY DRIVE
58554
Business Phone Number: (701) 663-2231
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3153 111E AVE SW
58601
Business Phone Number: (701) 260-0041
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6109 53RD AVE SW
58104
Business Phone Number: (701) 282-2952
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1220 MAIN AVE WEST
58078
Business Phone Number: (701) 277-1165
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4050 GARDEN VIEW DRIVE STE 200
58201
Business Phone Number: (701) 746-8087
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
406 AIRPORT RD
58801-7200
Business Phone Number: (701) 572-3514
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
1818 E CAPITOL AVE #202
58501
Business Phone Number: (701) 751-6334
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3039 MAIN AVE
58103
Business Phone Number: (701) 730-2722
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5 EMMA ROAD
58776
Business Phone Number: (847) 415-0277
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2602 ARROWHEAD RD S #103
58103
Business Phone Number: (651) 500-2425
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
314 MAIN ST
58277
Business Phone Number: (701) 524-2100
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9982 37TH ST NW
58763
Business Phone Number: (507) 398-7913
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1418 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE UNIT B
58501
Business Phone Number: (218) 770-2624
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
16234 13TH ST NE SUITE #1
58218
Business Phone Number: (701) 847-3131
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1463 MANVEL AVE
58237-1869
Business Phone Number: (701) 352-0165
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
103 BLUFF ST
58033
Business Phone Number: (701) 367-3970
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
103 BLUFF ST
58033
Business Phone Number: (701) 367-3970
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3100 41ST S
58104
Business Phone Number: (701) 356-0539
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3100 41ST S
58104
Business Phone Number: (701) 356-0539
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2600 SOUTH 34TH STREET APT 211
58201
Business Phone Number: (218) 289-3325
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
209 MAIN STREET N
58788
Business Phone Number: (707) 963-9530
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
209 MAIN STREET N
58788
Business Phone Number: (707) 963-9530
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers: