Freight Shipping from Detroit to Flint
Ship freight from Detroit, MI to Flint, MI with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $159-$196, LTL from $241-$463. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
74 mi
Drive Time
1 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$159-$196
LTL Rate Est.
$241-$463
Detroit to Flint Freight Corridor
Detroit remains the undisputed capital of North American automotive freight. The Big Three automakers and hundreds of tier-1 suppliers generate an enormous volume of JIT parts shipments crisscrossing the Ambassador Bridge to Canadian assembly plants daily. The EV transition is reshaping freight flows, with massive battery plants from GM (Ultium) and Ford drawing new inbound raw materials from lithium and nickel sources.
Flint's freight market revolves around GM's Flint Assembly plant, which builds the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups. The JIT supply chain for this single facility generates hundreds of daily truck movements from tier-1 and tier-2 suppliers across Michigan and Ohio. The I-69/I-75 interchange provides efficient access to the broader Great Lakes freight network.
The Detroit-to-Flint corridor spans 74 miles via I-75. This lane connects automotive manufacturing and autonomous vehicle tech freight from the Detroit market to automotive parts and metal stamping demand in Flint. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Detroit
Detroit's economy is driven by automotive manufacturing, autonomous vehicle tech, steel processing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
finished vehicles
automotive parts & assemblies
steel coils
engines & transmissions
EV batteries
machine tools
What Flint Receives
Flint's automotive parts, metal stamping, logistics & warehousing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Detroit.
raw steel coils
aluminum ingots
rubber compounds
automotive electronics
industrial chemicals
tooling equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Detroit and Flint, 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.
$159-$196 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.
$211-$270 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$233-$315 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.
$241-$463 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Detroit to Flint lane (74 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $159-$196 | 1 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $241-$463 | 3-5 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $241-$333 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Detroit and Flint that drive volume on this lane.
General Motors
Ford Motor Company
Stellantis (Chrysler)
General Motors (Flint Assembly)
Lear Corporation
Ryder Integrated Logistics
Shipping Tips for Detroit to Flint
Detroit Seasonal Advisory
Automotive production follows a predictable cycle with two-week shutdowns in July and late December. Model changeover periods (August-September) create surge demand for tooling and equipment freight as assembly lines are retooled.
Flint Seasonal Advisory
Production follows GM's corporate shutdown calendar — two weeks in July and one week at Christmas. Model year changeover in late summer creates a brief lull followed by a surge in tooling and prototype parts shipments.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 74 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.
Detroit to Flint Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Detroit to Flint?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Detroit, MI to Flint, MI currently range from $159-$196 for a standard dry van load over the 74-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $241-$463 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 Detroit to Flint?
Standard FTL transit from Detroit to Flint is approximately 1 hrs by truck over 74 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 Detroit to Flint freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Detroit commonly ships finished vehicles, automotive parts & assemblies, steel coils, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Flint commonly receives raw steel coils, aluminum ingots, rubber compounds. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Flint to Detroit?
Yes. Flint is a strong outbound market shipping automotive stampings, engine components, processed metals. Carriers returning from Flint to Detroit can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Detroit-to-Flint lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Detroit to Flint?
The Detroit-to-Flint corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Detroit's top outbound commodities include finished vehicles, automotive parts & assemblies, steel coils, engines & transmissions, EV batteries, machine tools. Flint's primary inbound freight includes raw steel coils, aluminum ingots, rubber compounds, automotive electronics, industrial chemicals, tooling equipment. Industries driving this lane include automotive manufacturing and autonomous vehicle tech from Detroit and automotive parts and metal stamping in Flint.
Get Exact Rates for Detroit to Flint
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Detroit to Flint lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts