Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 01 2025
Imagine moving across North Dakota—from Fargo’s city blocks to a remote farmstead near Stanley—without a hitch. But navigating the state’s broad highways, seasonal weight rules, and permit systems requires expertise. Did you know even a visiting moving truck needs a 72‑hour ND trip permit? And transporting large equipment or mobile homes over 8′6″ wide or 80,000 lbs GVW demands a precise oversize/overweight permit and possibly pilot cars.
At Three Movers, we combine logistics with licensing know‑how. We match you with fully credentialed carriers who understand ND’s rules—from e‑permits for single trips to fuel tax compliance and route restrictions. No paperwork surprises, no fines—just a smooth journey across the Peace Garden State.
1. Intrastate Moves: No Specific License, But Standards Apply
North Dakota does not issue a special intrastate moving license like some states, but your carrier must still:
- Hold a valid USDOT number if operating commercial trucks (medium/heavy GVWR)
- Provide liability and cargo insurance and maintain a bill of lading for transparency
- Use CDL-certified drivers for larger vehicles
Three Movers partners exclusively with carriers who meet these federal transport standards and document your move properly for in-state trips.
2. Out‑of‑State Carriers: 72‑Hour Trip & Fuel Permits
Any non‑resident moving vehicle entering North Dakota and not registered under IRP/IFTA must obtain:
- A 72‑hour trip permit ($20), required for vehicles over 26,000 lbs or with 3+ axles
- A 72‑hour fuel permit ($15) unless IFTA‑stickered
Permits cover temporary registration and fuel tax payment—critical to prevent stops or setbacks. We ensure all permits are in hand before your move starts.
3. Oversize & Overweight Permits: Follow the Rules
North Dakota requires single‑trip oversize/overweight permits for loads exceeding legal limits.
Permit triggers:
- GVW > 80,000 lbs, single axle > 22,000 lbs, tandem > 40,000 lbs
- Dimensions over: width 8′6″, height 14′, length 75′–110′ depending on config
Permit specifics:
- Valid for up to 3 days; must be obtained before state entry
- Typical fees: $20 + $15 service; annual permits approx $50; overweight up to 150k lbs at higher cost
- Travel only allowed sunrise to sunset, weekends included, up to 16′ wide or 110′ long
For mobile homes, combine builds, or oversized machinery, ND enforces escort rules, insurance proof, and route approvals—handled expertly by our vetted carriers.
4. Pilot Cars & Escort Rules
Oversize loads often require escorts:
- Loads over 16 ft wide on main highways need at least one pilot car
- For loads over 16 ft wide traveling on county roads, TWO escort vehicles may be necessary
- Escort setups support safe navigation through rural curves, narrow bridges, or utility clearances
With Three Movers, your carrier manages escort coordination and permitted travel windows, ensuring safety and compliance.
5. Seasonal & Safety Restrictions
North Dakota’s permit system also considers:
- No oversized loads at night outside specified dimensions (allowed only if under 10′ width)
- Road conditions: permits may restrict routes damaged by frost or heavy traffic zones
Our carriers stay updated and adjust plans proactively to avoid fines and hold-ups.
6. Interstate Moves: FMCSA Compliance
Cross‑border moves require federal approval. Carriers must have:
- Active USDOT and MC numbers, if carrying household goods
- FMCSA-mandated insurance, such as BMC‑91 filings
- A compliant safety rating via SAFER
By working with Three Movers, you’re matched only with carriers that meet these federal benchmarks.
7. International Moves: ND to the World
Though landlocked, North Dakota supports global moves—via rail or remote port connections.
International relocation requires:
- Domestic trucking with DOT/MC and permit compliance
- An FMC-registered international forwarder
- A complete inventory manifest, customs documents, and export packaging
We coordinate with global shipping specialists to provide door-to-door service—across country lines and oceans.
8. Commercial, Agricultural & Government Moves
Commercial Moves
- May need Certificate of Insurance naming clients or building management
- Could require after-hours permits for elevators or docks
Agricultural Equipment
- Farm machinery over legal limits traveling on county roads needs LoadPass permits via ND’s county system
- Interstate movement requires functions under standard oversize permits
Government & Military
- For DP3-authorized military moves, PCS coordination and insurance documentation are required
We streamline these processes so equipment, documents, and carriers are aligned before the move.
9. Why Proper Permits Matter
- Avoid Costly Fines: ND identifies unpermitted loads with $100 misdemeanor penalties and additional charges
- Prevent Delays: No one wants trucks held at NDHP checkpoints
- Secure Insurance: Only permitted carriers guarantee cargo coverage
- Data Handling: If permits voided by rule violation, it risks cargo and license validity
With Three Movers, compliance is managed from day one—all permits, routes, and risks covered.
10. North Dakota Move Checklist
| Step | Requirement | Handled By |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm carrier USDOT, insurance | Carrier / Three Movers |
| 2 | Obtain 72-hr Trip & Fuel Permits for non-resident trucks | Carrier |
| 3 | Acquire oversize/overweight permits via e-Permits | Carrier / We coordinate |
| 4 | Schedule pilot cars for wide equipment | Carrier |
| 5 | Route scheduling sunrise-sunset | Carrier |
| 6 | Verify FMCSA USDOT/MC for interstate moves | Carrier / We ensure |
| 7 | Export documentation for global relocation | Intl carrier / We partner |
| 8 | COI and scheduling for commercial or military moves | Carrier / We assist |
Final Thoughts: Move Smart Across North Dakota
From Fargo’s city streets to rural gravel roads, North Dakota’s moving requirements are both strict and layered. But when you partner with Three Movers, you gain more than a truck—you gain compliance, expertise, and peace of mind.
Your next ND move—whether a simple in-state relocation, a cross-border transport, or even a worldwide move—will be orchestrated with permits filed, routes cleared, and risks managed. That’s moving you can trust.
Key Sources
- NDHP Oversize/Overweight Permit details heavyhaul.net+11nd.gov+11nd.gov+11nd.gov+7nd.gov+7instantpermits.com+7bulkloads.comkellerpermits.com
- NDHP Fuel Permit regulations ($15 for 72-hr fuel use) oversize.io+10nd.gov+10thetruckersreport.com+10
- NDHP Trip Permit rules ($20, 72 hours) northdakotatrucktax.info+5nd.gov+5instantpermits.com+5
- Permit systems, fees & annual options thetruckersreport.com+6wideloadshipping.com+6oversize.io+6
- ND LoadPass county permit system for local roads
Frequently Asked Questions
North Dakota generally does not require a permit for typical household goods moves. Permits are only needed when a truck exceeds state size or weight limits, which is more common with large long distance trucks or interstate shipments. Factors that influence permit needs include truck weight after loading (especially 4–5 bedroom moves), access roads, seasonal frost restrictions, and whether the route crosses state lines. Interstate carriers must follow FMCSA rules and may secure permits on your behalf. For long-haul planning, see our long distance moving service.
North Dakota requires a permit when a loaded truck exceeds typical state limits: over 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, over 8 feet 6 inches wide, or over 14 feet high. These thresholds matter for larger homes with heavy furniture, safes, appliances, or full garage contents. Rural access roads with seasonal load limits may require temporary route adjustments. Movers may weigh the truck at certified scales before travel, especially for interstate shipments. When trucks stay under these limits, no special permit is needed.
Movers request permits through the North Dakota DOT online system, submitting axle weights, total truck weight, dimensions, and planned travel routes. Approval is typically same-day unless the load requires route surveys or bridge-clearance checks. Influencing factors include the move size, packing volume, heavy specialty items, and chosen highways. Interstate moves may require permits in multiple states. Many carriers handle the application automatically while coordinating your interstate moving service.
Oversize or overweight permit fees commonly range from $20–$90 for standard single-trip approvals, increasing for extreme weight, width, or repeated loads. Total cost depends on truck weight after loading, the number of required state routes, seasonal limits, and whether escorts or restricted-hour travel is mandated. Charges are typically passed through to the customer on long-distance moves, especially when the shipment involves heavy equipment, large safes, or multi-level household contents.
Yes. Oversize and overweight moves may face restricted hours, especially during peak winter freeze cycles, spring thaw periods, or high-wind advisories on open plains. Some routes prohibit night travel for wide loads, and certain rural highways impose weekend limits. Movers plan around weather, traffic patterns near Fargo and Bismarck, and DOT notifications. These restrictions rarely affect standard household moving trucks that stay under permit thresholds.
Occasionally. Moves in older neighborhoods, narrow alleys, or areas with construction detours may require alternate routing or smaller shuttle trucks. The main factors are truck size, street width, HOA or building loading rules, and distance from the main road to the loading zone. Oversize permits are uncommon for local moves, but movers may still adjust routes to avoid low clearances or weight-restricted bridges. For local crews, see our local moving companies.
