Freight Shipping from Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee
Ship freight from Cedar Rapids, IA to Milwaukee, WI with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $574-$708, LTL from $347-$627. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
267 mi
Drive Time
5 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$574-$708
LTL Rate Est.
$347-$627
Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee Freight Corridor
Cedar Rapids is the cereal capital of the world, home to Quaker Oats' largest production facility, multiple ADM and Cargill processing plants, and a constellation of smaller food manufacturers that together process more grain per capita than any other US city. Collins Aerospace's avionics division adds a high-tech freight dimension, shipping flight-critical electronics to aircraft manufacturers worldwide. The Cedar River provides limited barge access, but the vast majority of freight moves by truck on I-380 toward Chicago or Des Moines.
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 Cedar Rapids-to-Milwaukee corridor spans 267 miles via I-380, US-30, I-94, I-43. This lane connects cereal & grain processing and meat packing freight from the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids's economy is driven by cereal & grain processing, meat packing, agricultural equipment, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
cereal products
corn syrup & starch
processed meats
ethanol
avionics systems
oat products
What Milwaukee Receives
Milwaukee's manufacturing (engines, controls), brewing & food processing, healthcare sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Cedar Rapids.
raw metals & steel
agricultural products
consumer goods
electronic components
packaging materials
petroleum products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Cedar Rapids 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.
$574-$708 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$708-$894 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.
$761-$975 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$841-$1,135 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee lane (267 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $574-$708 | 5 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $347-$627 | 7-9 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $868-$1,202 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Cedar Rapids and Milwaukee that drive volume on this lane.
Quaker Oats/PepsiCo (largest cereal plant in world)
Collins Aerospace
ADM (corn processing)
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
Shipping Tips for Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee
Cedar Rapids Seasonal Advisory
Grain processing is year-round, but harvest season (September-November) creates intense competition for trucks as bulk grain, ethanol, and finished products all peak simultaneously. Cereal shipments spike ahead of back-to-school and holiday periods.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 267 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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.
Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Cedar Rapids, IA to Milwaukee, WI currently range from $574-$708 for a standard dry van load over the 267-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $347-$627 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 Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee?
Standard FTL transit from Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee is approximately 5 hrs by truck over 267 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%.
What equipment do I need for Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Cedar Rapids commonly ships cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats, 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 Cedar Rapids?
Yes. Milwaukee is a strong outbound market shipping engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton), electrical controls (Rockwell), processed foods & beverages. Carriers returning from Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Cedar Rapids-to-Milwaukee lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee?
The Cedar Rapids-to-Milwaukee corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Cedar Rapids's top outbound commodities include cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats, ethanol, avionics systems, oat products. Milwaukee's primary inbound freight includes raw metals & steel, agricultural products, consumer goods, electronic components, packaging materials, petroleum products. Industries driving this lane include cereal & grain processing and meat packing from Cedar Rapids and manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing in Milwaukee.
Get Exact Rates for Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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