Freight Shipping from Fargo to Milwaukee
Ship freight from Fargo, ND to Milwaukee, WI with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,421-$1,752, LTL from $564-$962. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
661 mi
Drive Time
12 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,421-$1,752
LTL Rate Est.
$564-$962
Fargo to Milwaukee Freight Corridor
Fargo-Moorhead straddles the North Dakota-Minnesota border at the crossroads of I-94 and I-29, serving as the primary freight hub for the northern Great Plains agricultural economy. Sugar beet, wheat, and sunflower processing facilities generate steady outbound volume, while Bobcat's manufacturing operations produce compact equipment shipped nationwide on flatbed trailers.
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 Fargo-to-Milwaukee corridor spans 661 miles via I-94. This lane connects agriculture and technology freight from the Fargo 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 Fargo
Fargo's economy is driven by agriculture, technology, food processing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
grain & wheat
sugar beets
sunflower seeds
farm equipment
processed foods
potatoes
What Milwaukee Receives
Milwaukee's manufacturing (engines, controls), brewing & food processing, healthcare sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Fargo.
raw metals & steel
agricultural products
consumer goods
electronic components
packaging materials
petroleum products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Fargo 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.
$1,421-$1,752 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.
$1,752-$2,214 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.
$1,884-$2,413 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,082-$2,809 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Fargo to Milwaukee lane (661 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,421-$1,752 | 12 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $564-$962 | 14-16 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,148-$2,975 | 8 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $892-$1,223 | 15-17 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Fargo and Milwaukee that drive volume on this lane.
Bobcat (Doosan)
Microsoft (data center)
American Crystal Sugar
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
Shipping Tips for Fargo to Milwaukee
Fargo Seasonal Advisory
Grain harvest (August-October) and sugar beet harvest (October-November) dominate the freight calendar. Winter conditions from November through March are extreme — I-29 and I-94 closures from blizzards are common, and carriers must budget for cold-weather delays.
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.
Overnight Transit
This 661-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.
Fargo to Milwaukee Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Fargo to Milwaukee?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Fargo, ND to Milwaukee, WI currently range from $1,421-$1,752 for a standard dry van load over the 661-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $564-$962 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 Fargo to Milwaukee?
Standard FTL transit from Fargo to Milwaukee is approximately 12 hrs by truck over 661 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 Fargo to Milwaukee freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Fargo commonly ships grain & wheat, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, 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 Fargo?
Yes. Milwaukee is a strong outbound market shipping engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton), electrical controls (Rockwell), processed foods & beverages. Carriers returning from Milwaukee to Fargo can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Fargo-to-Milwaukee lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Fargo to Milwaukee?
The Fargo-to-Milwaukee corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Fargo's top outbound commodities include grain & wheat, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, farm equipment, processed foods, potatoes. Milwaukee's primary inbound freight includes raw metals & steel, agricultural products, consumer goods, electronic components, packaging materials, petroleum products. Industries driving this lane include agriculture and technology from Fargo and manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing in Milwaukee.
Get Exact Rates for Fargo to Milwaukee
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