Freight Shipping from Duluth to Milwaukee
Ship freight from Duluth, MN to Milwaukee, WI with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $922-$1,137, LTL from $436-$765. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
429 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$922-$1,137
LTL Rate Est.
$436-$765
Duluth to Milwaukee 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.
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 Duluth-to-Milwaukee corridor spans 429 miles via I-35, US-53, I-94, I-43. This lane connects iron ore mining and grain export freight from the Duluth 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 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 Milwaukee Receives
Milwaukee's manufacturing (engines, controls), brewing & food processing, healthcare sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Duluth.
raw metals & steel
agricultural products
consumer goods
electronic components
packaging materials
petroleum products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Duluth 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.
$922-$1,137 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.
$1,223-$1,566 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,351-$1,823 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.
$436-$765 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Duluth to Milwaukee lane (429 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $922-$1,137 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $436-$765 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,394-$1,931 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Duluth and Milwaukee that drive volume on this lane.
U.S. Steel (Minntac)
Cleveland-Cliffs
CHS Inc.
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
Shipping Tips for Duluth to Milwaukee
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.
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 429 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.
Duluth to Milwaukee Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Duluth to Milwaukee?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Duluth, MN to Milwaukee, WI currently range from $922-$1,137 for a standard dry van load over the 429-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $436-$765 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 Milwaukee?
Standard FTL transit from Duluth to Milwaukee is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 429 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 Duluth to Milwaukee freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Duluth commonly ships iron ore pellets, grain & soybeans, taconite, 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 Duluth?
Yes. Milwaukee is a strong outbound market shipping engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton), electrical controls (Rockwell), processed foods & beverages. Carriers returning from Milwaukee to Duluth can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Duluth-to-Milwaukee lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Duluth to Milwaukee?
The Duluth-to-Milwaukee corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Duluth's top outbound commodities include iron ore pellets, grain & soybeans, taconite, timber & logs, coal, paper 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 iron ore mining and grain export from Duluth and manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing in Milwaukee.
Get Exact Rates for Duluth to Milwaukee
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Duluth to Milwaukee lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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