How to Start a Trucking Company in North Dakota

Starting a trucking company in North Dakota requires coordinating with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The state serves as a critical corridor for agricultural exports and oilfield logistics in the Bakken formation. Before you can haul for hire, you must establish a legal business entity, obtain a USDOT number, and secure the necessary insurance coverages that meet both state and federal minimums. North Dakota operates under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), which are managed through the NDDOT Motor Carrier Services division. To ensure your new operation stays profitable, you must manage complex route planning and state-specific tax filings. DispatchTool helps North Dakota owner-operators by automating IFTA reporting based on GPS data, ensuring you accurately track miles driven on Highway 2, I-94, and I-29. This prevents overpayment of fuel taxes and simplifies the quarterly filing process required by the NDDOT. You can start managing your new fleet's compliance and dispatching today by creating a DispatchTool account.

Business Registration and Tax ID Requirements

Your first step is registering a business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State. Most small trucking operations choose a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation. The filing fee for an LLC in North Dakota is $135, while a Business Corporation costs $100. After registration, you must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is required for opening business bank accounts and filing federal taxes. If you plan to hire employees, you must also register for North Dakota Unemployment Insurance and Workers' Compensation through North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI).

Securing Federal and State Operating Authority

If you intend to cross state lines or haul interstate commerce, you must apply for a USDOT number and Motor Carrier (MC) Authority through the FMCSA Unified Registration System. The application fee for MC Authority is $300. Once the application is submitted, a 10-day protest period begins. During this time, you must have your insurance company file form BMC-91 or BMC-91X, proving you carry at least $750,000 in primary liability coverage for general freight. For intrastate-only operations within North Dakota, you must still obtain a USDOT number but may not require federal MC authority depending on the cargo type.

North Dakota IRP and IFTA Registration

North Dakota is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). If your truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 26,000 pounds or has three or more axles, you must register. The NDDOT charges registration fees based on the percentage of miles driven in each jurisdiction; a typical 80,000-pound tractor-trailer often pays between $1,500 and $2,200 annually for IRP plates. IFTA registration requires a $10 fee for a set of two decals. You must file quarterly tax returns reporting all miles driven and fuel purchased, even if no miles were driven during the quarter.

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) and BOC-3

All interstate carriers must complete the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) annually. For 2024 and 2025, the fee for a fleet of 0-2 trucks is approximately $37 to $59, though these rates are subject to annual adjustments by the UCR Board. Additionally, you must file a BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents) form with the FMCSA. This form designates individuals in every state who can accept legal documents on your behalf. Most process agent services charge a one-time or annual fee ranging from $20 to $50 to maintain this filing for your company.

Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)

Vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more must file IRS Form 2290, the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax. The tax rate starts at $100 plus $22 for every 1,000 pounds over 55,000, capping at $550 per year for vehicles weighing 75,000 pounds or more. You must provide proof of payment (a stamped Schedule 1) to the North Dakota DOT before they will issue or renew your IRP license plates. This tax is due by the end of the month following the month the vehicle was first used on public highways.

Safety Audit and Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

New motor carriers are placed into the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Assurance Program for the first 18 months. During this period, you will undergo a Safety Audit to ensure you are maintaining driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and proof of insurance. You must also register for the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and implement a random drug testing program. Membership in a drug testing consortium typically costs between $100 and $150 per year, plus the cost of the individual tests, which average $50 to $80 per screening.

North Dakota Size and Weight Limits

North Dakota regulations generally limit vehicles to a maximum width of 8 feet 6 inches and a height of 14 feet. The maximum gross vehicle weight on the Interstate system is 80,000 pounds unless you have a specific permit. On state highways, the limit can reach 105,500 pounds depending on the axle configuration and bridge formula. If you are operating in the oil fields of western North Dakota, be aware of seasonal load restrictions (frost laws) which can reduce allowable weights by 10% to 25% during the spring thaw to protect road infrastructure.

Sources

North Dakota Department of Transportation (2024) — https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/motorcarrier/ North Dakota Secretary of State (2024) — https://sos.nd.gov/business/business-services FMCSA Registration and Authority (2025) — https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration IRS Trucking Tax Center (2024) — https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/trucking-tax-center

Frequently asked

How much does it cost to start a trucking company in North Dakota?

Expect to spend between $3,000 and $5,000 in administrative fees alone. This includes $300 for FMCSA authority, $135 for LLC formation, roughly $1,800 for IRP plates, and $550 for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290).

What insurance is required for North Dakota truckers?

For interstate freight, the FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in primary liability insurance. Most brokers will not work with you unless you carry $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

How long does it take to get a USDOT number in North Dakota?

A USDOT number is issued almost immediately upon online registration. However, your MC Authority (Operating Authority) takes roughly 21 to 30 days to become active due to the mandatory 10-day protest period.

Do I need a North Dakota intrastate permit?

North Dakota does not require a separate intrastate authority permit for general freight, but you must register your business and obtain a USDOT number indicating intrastate operations if you do not leave the state.

What are the IFTA filing deadlines in North Dakota?

Quarterly reports are due by the last day of the month following the end of the quarter: April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31. Failure to file results in a $50 fine or 10% of the tax due, whichever is greater.