North Dakota recorded the highest net migration growth rate in the country in 2023, gaining approximately 13,601 new residents – a 1.76% annual increase that no other state matched. Migration has been driven primarily by the Bakken oil formation in the western part of the state, where the energy sector continues to draw workers to Williams and McKenzie counties; Williston doubled its population between 2010 and 2020. The top sources of inbound migration are Minnesota (29% of arrivals), Texas (12%), Louisiana (6.5%), and Florida (5.7%). Gen Z has shown particular movement toward North Dakota: the state ranked 9th nationally for Gen Z relocations in 2022, gaining over 9,200 young adults – more than 12% of its Gen Z population. Low cost of living (ranked 12th lowest nationally in Q3 2024), a strong energy and agriculture economy, and low crime rates are the most cited pull factors.
Intrastate household goods movers in North Dakota are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). A Household Goods Carrier Permit is required before a company may legally operate within the state. To obtain the permit, movers must file a completed application with NDDOT, provide proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage (or an affidavit if no employees), and confirm business registration with the North Dakota Secretary of State. Permits must be renewed annually with a $35 filing fee. The NDDOT does not maintain a publicly searchable online database; verification requires contacting the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division directly at 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0700, (701) 328-2500. Interstate movers must hold FMCSA registration with a valid USDOT number, searchable at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Complaints against movers can be directed to the North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
Because North Dakota is geographically large and lightly populated – population 783,926 as of 2023, fourth smallest in the country – many intrastate moves involve long distances across open terrain rather than short urban hops. The drive from Fargo to Bismarck is 190 miles; Bismarck to Williston is 215 miles. I-94 connects the major east-west corridor from Fargo through Bismarck toward Montana; US-2 runs the northern corridor. Winter conditions from November through March can delay or constrain truck access on rural routes. Long-distance moves out of North Dakota averaged $3,648 per the most recent available data, approximately 21% above the national average of $3,020, reflecting the added logistics of serving a low-density state with large distances between population centers.
Top-Rated Movers in North Dakota
ACCESS Relocation
Address: 3401 E. Rosser Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 (also Fargo, ND and Rapid City, SD locations)
Website: https://access-relocation.com
ACCESS Relocation is a locally owned Mayflower Transit agency with over 60 years of operation serving North Dakota and the surrounding region. With offices in Bismarck and Fargo, North Dakota, and Rapid City, South Dakota, it provides one of the widest service footprints of any mover based in the region. Services include local, long-distance, and international residential and commercial moves, full-replacement-value protection plans, guaranteed pickup and delivery dates, packing and unpacking, and containerized storage. As a Mayflower agent, ACCESS can coordinate moves to any destination in the country through the broader Mayflower network while operating with local ownership and management in North Dakota.
Midwest Moving Pros
Address: Fargo, ND (also Bismarck and Grand Forks locations)
Website: https://midwestmovingpros.com
Midwest Moving Pros is a multi-location North Dakota company serving the state’s three largest population centers – Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. Services include local and long-distance residential and commercial moves, senior moving assistance, and appliance transfers. With locations covering both the I-94 east-west corridor and the northern Red River valley, the company is positioned to handle both metro-area relocations and longer cross-state moves. Midwest Moving Pros serves the state’s primary growth areas including Cass, Burleigh, and Morton counties, which have recorded the highest net inbound migration in recent years.
2 Vets Moving Co
Address: Bismarck/Mandan, ND area
Website: https://twovetsmovingcompany.com
2 Vets Moving Co is a family-owned, veteran-operated company serving the Bismarck-Mandan metro area and surrounding communities. Services include residential and commercial full-service moves. The company offers a 10% discount for active military and first responders – a meaningful benefit in a state with a strong veteran community. As a small, locally rooted operator, 2 Vets provides direct owner involvement in moves rather than the subcontracted crews common at larger operations. Contact is available at (701) 989-4577.
Moving Companies in North Dakota: Common Questions
Is my mover required to be licensed in North Dakota?
Yes. Any company performing intrastate household goods moves within North Dakota must hold a valid Household Goods Carrier Permit issued by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). The permit is renewed annually. Because NDDOT does not maintain a public online database, you must verify a mover’s permit status by contacting the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division directly at (701) 328-2500 or at 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0700. For interstate moves, the company must also hold FMCSA registration with a valid USDOT number, verifiable at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does a long-distance move typically cost in North Dakota?
Long-distance moves out of North Dakota averaged approximately $3,648 per the most recent available industry data, roughly 21% above the national average of $3,020. The higher-than-average cost reflects the state’s low population density and large distances between cities – the drive from Fargo to Bismarck is 190 miles, and Bismarck to Williston is 215 miles. For local moves within a single metro area, movers generally charge hourly rates; contact movers directly for current local pricing.
How does North Dakota’s geography and climate affect move timing and cost?
North Dakota winters are severe, and from November through March, rural routes and secondary roads can be hazardous or impassable during blizzards. Moving during this period carries a higher risk of delays on long-haul intrastate routes and in rural areas. The spring thaw period, typically March through April, can also create muddy or soft road conditions that limit truck access on unpaved approaches. Late spring through early fall is the most reliable window for moves across the state. The large distances between North Dakota’s population centers – Fargo, Bismarck, Williston, Grand Forks, and Minot – mean that many intrastate moves are priced more like long-distance moves than the short local hops common in densely populated states.
What should I know about moving to the oil patch in western North Dakota?
Moves to Williams and McKenzie counties – the Bakken formation area centered on Williston – carry particular logistical considerations. Housing in the region has been in high demand since the oil boom, and availability of moving services in the Williston area can be constrained relative to eastern North Dakota. Workers relocating for energy-sector employment often move with short lead times, so booking movers early is advisable. Companies with Bismarck offices, such as ACCESS Relocation, have established routes into western North Dakota and can handle moves across the full state corridor.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in North Dakota?
For intrastate moves within North Dakota, contact the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division at (701) 328-2500 to report a complaint or verify a carrier’s license status. Consumer fraud complaints can be filed with the North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. For interstate moves, file with FMCSA at protectyourmove.gov. Document your complaint with copies of your written estimate, bill of lading, and any communications with the mover before filing.