Freight Shipping from Billings to Milwaukee
Ship freight from Billings, MT to Milwaukee, WI with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,881-$3,551, LTL from $937-$1,539. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,340 mi
Drive Time
24 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,881-$3,551
LTL Rate Est.
$937-$1,539
Billings to Milwaukee Freight Corridor
Billings is Montana's largest city and the commercial hub of the northern Great Plains, serving as a distribution point for a vast rural territory stretching from the Dakotas to Idaho. Two petroleum refineries process Bakken crude oil, generating steady tanker freight. The surrounding agricultural economy produces wheat, sugar beets, and cattle that move by truck to processing plants and rail terminals.
Milwaukee is a manufacturing powerhouse that punches well above its population weight in freight generation. Rockwell Automation, Harley-Davidson, GE Healthcare, and Briggs & Stratton all maintain major operations here, creating a diverse mix of industrial freight that includes everything from motorcycles to MRI machines. The city's position on I-94 between Chicago and Minneapolis places it on one of the Midwest's highest-volume freight corridors, while the Port of Milwaukee provides Great Lakes shipping access for bulk commodities.
The Billings-to-Milwaukee corridor spans 1,340 miles via I-94. This lane connects petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching freight from the Billings market to manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing demand in Milwaukee. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Billings
Billings's economy is driven by petroleum refining, agriculture & ranching, energy (oil & gas), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
refined petroleum
sugar beets
grain & wheat
livestock
bentonite clay
hay & feed
What Milwaukee Receives
Milwaukee's manufacturing (engines, controls), brewing & food processing, healthcare sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Billings.
raw metals & steel
agricultural products
consumer goods
electronic components
packaging materials
petroleum products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Billings and Milwaukee, these equipment types best serve this corridor.
Dry Van (FTL)
Ideal for palletized consumer goods, electronics, packaged foods, and general merchandise. Enclosed protection from weather and theft.
$2,881-$3,551 estimated for this lane
Flatbed
Best for steel, lumber, machinery, building materials, and oversized loads that cannot be palletized or loaded through standard dock doors.
$3,819-$4,891 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,221-$5,695 estimated for this lane
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets. Shared trailer space with other shippers reduces cost for smaller loads.
$937-$1,539 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Billings to Milwaukee lane (1,340 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,881-$3,551 | 24 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $937-$1,539 | 26-28 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,355-$6,030 | 16 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,809-$2,479 | 27-29 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Billings and Milwaukee that drive volume on this lane.
CHS Refinery (Laurel)
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Western Sugar Cooperative
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
Shipping Tips for Billings to Milwaukee
Billings Seasonal Advisory
Grain harvest (August-October) creates intense demand for hopper trailers and flatbeds. Winter conditions on I-90 over the mountain passes can close roads for days, creating delivery reliability challenges from November through March.
Milwaukee Seasonal Advisory
Manufacturing runs year-round with summer maintenance shutdowns at some plants. Harley-Davidson production peaks in spring for summer riding season deliveries. Kohl's distribution surges during Q4 holiday season. Lake Michigan port operations shut down mid-December through mid-March due to ice.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,340 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 24 hours without mandatory 10-hour rest breaks, cutting transit time nearly in half compared to a solo driver.
Book Early for Best Rates
Spot market rates fluctuate daily. Booking 3-5 days in advance typically saves 10-15% compared to same-day or next-day freight requests. For recurring shipments, ask about contract rates.
Billings to Milwaukee Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Billings to Milwaukee?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Billings, MT to Milwaukee, WI currently range from $2,881-$3,551 for a standard dry van load over the 1,340-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $937-$1,539 depending on freight class, weight, and dimensions. Request a custom quote for exact pricing based on your specific shipment details.
How long does freight take from Billings to Milwaukee?
Standard FTL transit from Billings to Milwaukee is approximately 24 hrs by truck over 1,340 miles. LTL shipments add 2-4 business days due to terminal transfers. Expedited service with team drivers can reduce FTL transit by up to 40%. Intermodal rail-truck service takes 5-7 days but offers significant cost savings.
What equipment do I need for Billings to Milwaukee freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Billings commonly ships refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Milwaukee commonly receives raw metals & steel, agricultural products, consumer goods. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Milwaukee to Billings?
Yes. Milwaukee is a strong outbound market shipping engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton), electrical controls (Rockwell), processed foods & beverages. Carriers returning from Milwaukee to Billings can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Billings-to-Milwaukee lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Billings to Milwaukee?
The Billings-to-Milwaukee corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Billings's top outbound commodities include refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, livestock, bentonite clay, hay & feed. Milwaukee's primary inbound freight includes raw metals & steel, agricultural products, consumer goods, electronic components, packaging materials, petroleum products. Industries driving this lane include petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching from Billings and manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing in Milwaukee.
Get Exact Rates for Billings to Milwaukee
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Billings to Milwaukee lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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