Freight Shipping from Billings to Wichita
Ship freight from Billings, MT to Wichita, KS with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,240-$2,761, LTL from $773-$1,286. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,042 mi
Drive Time
19 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,240-$2,761
LTL Rate Est.
$773-$1,286
Billings to Wichita 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.
Wichita builds more aircraft than any other city in the world. Spirit AeroSystems fabricates fuselages for Boeing 737s and 787s, Textron assembles Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft, and the surrounding supply chain creates one of the most specialized freight markets in the country. Aircraft fuselage sections moving from Wichita to Boeing's Seattle and Charleston assembly lines are among the most valuable individual truckloads on American highways, each worth tens of millions of dollars.
The Billings-to-Wichita corridor spans 1,042 miles via I-90, I-94, I-35, I-135. This lane connects petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching freight from the Billings market to aerospace manufacturing and aircraft assembly demand in Wichita. 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 Wichita Receives
Wichita's aerospace manufacturing, aircraft assembly, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Billings.
aluminum & composites
aircraft engines
avionics systems
hydraulic components
steel tubing
electronic wire harnesses
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Billings and Wichita, 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.
$2,240-$2,761 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.
$2,970-$3,803 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,282-$4,429 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.
$773-$1,286 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Billings to Wichita lane (1,042 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,240-$2,761 | 19 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $773-$1,286 | 21-23 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,387-$4,689 | 13 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,407-$1,928 | 22-24 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Billings and Wichita that drive volume on this lane.
CHS Refinery (Laurel)
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Western Sugar Cooperative
Spirit AeroSystems
Textron Aviation (Cessna/Beechcraft)
Bombardier Learjet
Shipping Tips for Billings to Wichita
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.
Wichita Seasonal Advisory
Wheat harvest (June-July) creates intense but brief demand for grain trucks. Aerospace manufacturing maintains steady production schedules year-round. Oil field service activity fluctuates with crude prices, adding or subtracting flatbed demand.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,042 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 19 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 Wichita Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Billings to Wichita?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Billings, MT to Wichita, KS currently range from $2,240-$2,761 for a standard dry van load over the 1,042-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $773-$1,286 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 Wichita?
Standard FTL transit from Billings to Wichita is approximately 19 hrs by truck over 1,042 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 Wichita freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Billings commonly ships refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Wichita commonly receives aluminum & composites, aircraft engines, avionics systems. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Wichita to Billings?
Yes. Wichita is a strong outbound market shipping business jets & aircraft, aircraft components, wheat & grain. Carriers returning from Wichita to Billings can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Billings-to-Wichita lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Billings to Wichita?
The Billings-to-Wichita corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Billings's top outbound commodities include refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, livestock, bentonite clay, hay & feed. Wichita's primary inbound freight includes aluminum & composites, aircraft engines, avionics systems, hydraulic components, steel tubing, electronic wire harnesses. Industries driving this lane include petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching from Billings and aerospace manufacturing and aircraft assembly in Wichita.
Get Exact Rates for Billings to Wichita
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Billings to Wichita lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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