Transprotation & Logistics
How North Dakota wheat gets to you
Our wheat moves by truck, rail, barge, and ship. There are four main routes to buyers around the world.
About 5 days
By rail from North Dakota to any major port
3 + 1
Three major ports, plus direct rail to Mexico
Any Size
Ships of any size load in the Pacific Northwest and Gulf of Mexico ports
25,000 tons
Largest ship size loaded at the Port of Duluth
Low Cost
Ocean freight rates are low compared to other wheat exporting countries
Four Routes to the World
Where the wheat starts, how it moves, and where it goes.
Pacific Northwest
From: Western North Dakota
By: Rail or truck
To: Customers in Asia
HRS 76%
Durum 3%
Great Lakes
From: Eastern North Dakota
By: Rail or truck to Duluth, then shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway
Open: April 1 - December 25
Durum 36%
HRS 5%
Gulf of Mexico
From: Eastern North Dakota
By: Rail or truck to Minneapolis, then rail or barge down the Mississippi River
To: Gulf ports
Durum 60%
HRS 11%
Mexico
From: North Dakota
By: Direct rail (no port needed)
Trend: Growing every year
HRS 8%
Where U.S Exports Leave the Country
Average share of exports by port area. Numbers are rounded.
Average share of U.S. HRS - Exports by Port
Average share of U.S. Durum - Exports by Port
Your wheat arrives in good condition
Carriers are responsible
Railroads, barge and truck companies are responsible for the grain while they move it.
On-time Delivery
Late or damaged loads cost carriers business.
They work hard to deliver on time.
Almost no quality loss
Wheat keeps its quality from the farm to the port.
Learn more
Research on farm transportation at North Dakota State University.