Everything You Need to Know to Buy Trailers in North Dakota
January 22, 2026 - 8:53:30 am

In North Dakota, a trailer is rarely just a storage container; it is the backbone of our economy. From the golden wheat fields of the Red River Valley to the oil rigs of the Bakken, moving commodities efficiently is the lifeblood of business in the Peace Garden State.

Whether you are an owner-operator expanding your fleet, a farmer preparing for harvest, or a construction manager looking to haul heavy equipment, purchasing a trailer in North Dakota comes with a unique set of considerations. You aren't just buying for the road; you are buying for our roads—which means navigating harsh winters, specific weight regulations, and demanding industrial applications.

At Wallwork Truck Center, we have been keeping North Dakota moving for decades. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when you are ready to buy trailers in North Dakota.

1. Matching the Trailer to the North Dakota Terrain

Before looking at specs and prices, it is critical to define exactly where your trailer will operate. North Dakota’s diverse economy requires specialized equipment.

The Agriculture Sector

For our farmers and ag haulers, weight is everything. The goal is to maximize payload during the harvest window.

• Grain Hoppers: The standard for moving crops. In North Dakota, aluminum grain trailers are the preferred choice over steel. They are lighter, allowing for more bushels per load, and they resist corrosion better—a vital feature given the fertilizers and road chemicals encountered here.
• Side Dumps: Essential for rural road construction and farm maintenance, offering stability when dumping on uneven field approaches.

The Energy Sector (The Bakken)

The western part of the state demands extreme durability. Trailers here face off-road conditions, mud, and heavy vibration.

• Vacuum & Tank Trailers: Used extensively for hauling water and crude oil. These need to be robust enough to handle the "scoria" roads and constant freeze-thaw cycles.
• Heavy Haul Lowboys: Moving drilling equipment and excavators requires trailers with high weight ratings and multiple axles to comply with bridge laws.

General Freight

For those running the I-29 and I-94 corridors, efficiency and aerodynamics take precedence to combat the prairie winds.

• Reefers (Refrigerated Trailers): Critical for transporting temperature-sensitive goods through North Dakota’s temperature extremes, which can range from -40°F in winter to 100°F in summer.
• Dry Vans: The workhorse of general logistics, requiring solid door seals to keep out blowing snow.

2. Navigating North Dakota Trailer Regulations

Buying the trailer is the easy part; ensuring it is legal to roll is where expertise matters. North Dakota has specific regulations that differ from neighboring states.

Registration and Titling

In North Dakota, if you buy a trailer for commercial use (or any trailer weighing over 1,500 lbs), it must be titled and registered.

• The Process: You will need the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) for new trailers or a clear title for used ones.
• Excise Tax: Instead of standard sales tax, North Dakota imposes a 5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax on the purchase price of the trailer. It is important to factor this into your budget. Note: Trade-ins can often be used as a tax credit, reducing the taxable amount.

Weight Limits: The 105,500 Advantage

One of the biggest advantages of operating in North Dakota is our generous weight allowances on state highways.

• Standard Federal Limit: 80,000 lbs GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) on Interstates.
• North Dakota State Limit: On many non-interstate highways, North Dakota allows combinations up to 105,500 lbs GVW with the correct axle configurations (typically 7 axles or more). This is a massive benefit for Ag and Oil haulers, but you must buy a trailer capable of handling these loads (often requiring triple axles or spread axles).

The "Frost Law" Factor

If you are new to the state, you must understand Spring Load Restrictions, commonly known as Frost Laws.

• What they are: As the ground thaws in spring (usually March-May), roads become soft. The NDDOT and county governments impose weight limits (often 6 or 7 tons per axle) to prevent road damage.
• Buying Tip: If you operate on county roads during spring, you may need a trailer with more axles to distribute weight legally, or you may need to plan for lighter payloads during these months.

3. New vs. Used Trailers in the North

When you look to buy trailers in North Dakota, the debate between new and used is heavily influenced by our climate.

The Case for New

North Dakota roads are treated with salt, sand, and chemical de-icers in the winter.

• Longevity: A new trailer gives you a fresh start with zero corrosion.
• Warranty: You get protection against manufacturing defects, which is crucial when pushing equipment hard.
• Customization: You can order a trailer spec'd exactly for your run (e.g., extra insulation for a reefer, or specific axle spacing for bridge laws).

The Case for Used

Used trailers offer lower upfront costs and immediate availability. However, in our region, you must inspect them carefully.

• Check the Sub-frame: Look for rust on the cross-members and suspension hangers.
• Check the Kingpin Plate: Ensure it is not warped or excessively worn.
• Brake & Air Lines: Cold weather makes rubber brittle. Ensure hoses and seals are in good condition to avoid winter air leaks.

4. Why Buy from Wallwork Truck Center?

You have options when buying a trailer, but where you buy is just as important as what you buy. Here is why businesses across the Midwest choose Wallwork Truck Center.

A Vast Inventory of Top Brands

We don't just sell one type of trailer. We are an authorized dealer for some of the most respected names in the industry. Whether you need a premium Great Dane reefer for long-haul runs, a rugged Prestige hopper for harvest, or an XL Specialized trailer for heavy haul, we have the connections to get you the right equipment.

We Understand the Specs

Because we specialize in commercial sales, our team understands the complexities of North Dakota bridge laws and axle configurations. We won't just sell you a trailer; we will ensure it is legal for the load you intend to carry.

Support After the Sale

A trailer is only profitable when it is moving. Wallwork Truck Center offers:

• Statewide Service: With locations including Fargo, Bismarck, Williston, Dickinson, and Minot, you are never far from help.
• Parts Availability: We stock a massive inventory of parts to minimize downtime.
• Mobile Service: For those breakdowns that happen in the middle of nowhere, our mobile trucks can get you back on the road.

Ready to Haul?

The right trailer makes the difference between a profitable run and a headache. When you are ready to buy trailers in North Dakota, trust the experts who know the roads, the regulations, and the industries that drive our state.

Browse our current inventory online or stop by your nearest Wallwork Truck Center location today. Let’s get you hitched up and ready to work.