Trucking Laws · North Dakota · November 1, 2026

North Dakota Highway Patrol Reminds Truckers to Secure Loads After a Gravel Truck Dumps Its Cargo

By Big Rig Daily Staff

A truck spilled its entire load of gravel onto a North Dakota highway on Oct. 30, and the state highway patrol is using the incident to remind truckers to check their loads. ATruckDrivers reported on Oct. 31, citing the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP), that the spill happened on Highway 49, also called 24th Street SW, near mile marker 88 in Mercer County.

What happened

According to the report, the truck lost its entire load of gravel on the roadway, and traffic was slowed. The driver was cited for a leaking or sifting load. The report did not name the driver and did not say whether anyone was hurt.

The patrol's reminder

NDHP shared a message about load securement. "Whether you're hauling gravel, dirt, equipment, or other materials, make sure your load is properly secured before hitting the road," the patrol wrote. "A few extra minutes to check your load can prevent a crash, roadway hazard, or citation."

Why a load check matters

Loose material on a highway can slow traffic and create a hazard for other vehicles. For truckers, a citation can also mean lost time and money. Big Rig Daily's pre-trip inspection checklist is a good place to build in a walk-around that includes the load, covers and tailgates, and the guide to a semi truck breakdown checklist covers what to do if something does go wrong on the road. The North Dakota Highway Patrol also issued a safety reminder about passing near field approaches in this Oct. 31 report.

What is not known

The report did not say what caused the gravel to spill, how long the road was affected or how much the citation costs. Big Rig Daily is not guessing at those details.

Quick facts

• When: Oct. 30, 2026.
• Where: Highway 49 (24th Street SW) near mile marker 88, Mercer County, North Dakota.
• What: the truck lost its entire load of gravel, and traffic was slowed.
• Citation: leaking or sifting load.
• Source of the reminder: North Dakota Highway Patrol.

FAQ

Where did the Highway 49 gravel spill happen in North Dakota?

On Highway 49 (24th Street SW) near mile marker 88 in Mercer County, North Dakota.

What was the gravel truck driver cited for?

A leaking or sifting load, according to the report.

What did the North Dakota Highway Patrol say about securing loads?

It urged anyone hauling gravel, dirt, equipment or other materials to make sure the load is properly secured before hitting the road.

A question for readers

What is the one thing you always check on a load before you pull out?

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