Freight Shipping from Duluth to Cleveland
Ship freight from Duluth, MN to Cleveland, OH with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,765-$2,176, LTL from $652-$1,098. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
821 mi
Drive Time
15 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,765-$2,176
LTL Rate Est.
$652-$1,098
Duluth to Cleveland Freight Corridor
Duluth-Superior is the largest port by tonnage on the Great Lakes, moving 35+ million tons of iron ore, grain, and coal annually through its harbor. The Iron Range taconite mines north of the city generate massive bulk commodity movements by rail and truck. As a remote northern market, carriers earn premium rates but face long repositioning distances to their next load.
Cleveland remains the industrial heart of the Great Lakes manufacturing belt, anchored by Sherwin-Williams' new global headquarters and Cleveland-Cliffs' integrated steel operations. The Port of Cleveland connects to global markets via the St. Lawrence Seaway, handling iron ore, steel, and heavy-lift project cargo. The I-90/I-77 junction gives carriers efficient access to the entire Midwest and Northeast.
The Duluth-to-Cleveland corridor spans 821 miles via I-35, US-53, I-90, I-77. This lane connects iron ore mining and grain export freight from the Duluth market to steel & metals and automotive parts demand in Cleveland. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Duluth
Duluth's economy is driven by iron ore mining, grain export, timber & paper, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
iron ore pellets
grain & soybeans
taconite
timber & logs
coal
paper products
What Cleveland Receives
Cleveland's steel & metals, automotive parts, healthcare & biomedical sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Duluth.
iron ore (Great Lakes)
raw steel
automotive components
crude chemicals
consumer goods
energy products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Duluth and Cleveland, 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.
$1,765-$2,176 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.
$2,340-$2,997 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,586-$3,489 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.
$652-$1,098 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Duluth to Cleveland lane (821 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,765-$2,176 | 15 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $652-$1,098 | 17-19 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,668-$3,695 | 10 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,108-$1,519 | 18-20 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Duluth and Cleveland that drive volume on this lane.
U.S. Steel (Minntac)
Cleveland-Cliffs
CHS Inc.
Sherwin-Williams (HQ)
Cleveland-Cliffs (HQ)
Lincoln Electric
Shipping Tips for Duluth to Cleveland
Duluth Seasonal Advisory
Great Lakes shipping season runs April through mid-January when the port is ice-free. Winter mine shutdowns and frozen harbor conditions from mid-January through March dramatically reduce freight volumes.
Cleveland Seasonal Advisory
Steel production runs year-round but construction season (April-October) drives the strongest demand for outbound coil and plate loads. Great Lakes shipping season (April-January) determines iron ore import volumes at the port.
Overnight Transit
This 821-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
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.
Duluth to Cleveland Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Duluth to Cleveland?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Duluth, MN to Cleveland, OH currently range from $1,765-$2,176 for a standard dry van load over the 821-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $652-$1,098 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 Duluth to Cleveland?
Standard FTL transit from Duluth to Cleveland is approximately 15 hrs by truck over 821 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 Duluth to Cleveland freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Duluth commonly ships iron ore pellets, grain & soybeans, taconite, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Cleveland commonly receives iron ore (Great Lakes), raw steel, automotive components. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Cleveland to Duluth?
Yes. Cleveland is a strong outbound market shipping steel products, automotive stampings, industrial chemicals. Carriers returning from Cleveland to Duluth can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Duluth-to-Cleveland lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Duluth to Cleveland?
The Duluth-to-Cleveland corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Duluth's top outbound commodities include iron ore pellets, grain & soybeans, taconite, timber & logs, coal, paper products. Cleveland's primary inbound freight includes iron ore (Great Lakes), raw steel, automotive components, crude chemicals, consumer goods, energy products. Industries driving this lane include iron ore mining and grain export from Duluth and steel & metals and automotive parts in Cleveland.
Get Exact Rates for Duluth to Cleveland
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Duluth to Cleveland lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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