Freight Shipping from Flint to Detroit
Ship freight from Flint, MI to Detroit, 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
Flint to Detroit Freight Corridor
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.
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.
The Flint-to-Detroit corridor spans 74 miles via I-75. This lane connects automotive parts and metal stamping freight from the Flint market to automotive manufacturing and autonomous vehicle tech demand in Detroit. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Flint
Flint's economy is driven by automotive parts, metal stamping, logistics & warehousing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
automotive stampings
engine components
processed metals
plastic auto parts
scrap metal
packaged foods
What Detroit Receives
Detroit's automotive manufacturing, autonomous vehicle tech, steel processing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Flint.
auto parts (cross-border)
raw steel
aluminum
rubber & plastics
electronic components
glass
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Flint and Detroit, 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
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 Flint to Detroit 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 Flint and Detroit that drive volume on this lane.
General Motors (Flint Assembly)
Lear Corporation
Ryder Integrated Logistics
General Motors
Ford Motor Company
Stellantis (Chrysler)
Shipping Tips for Flint to Detroit
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.
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.
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.
Flint to Detroit Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Flint to Detroit?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Flint, MI to Detroit, 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 Flint to Detroit?
Standard FTL transit from Flint to Detroit 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 Flint to Detroit freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Flint commonly ships automotive stampings, engine components, processed metals, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Detroit commonly receives auto parts (cross-border), raw steel, aluminum. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Detroit to Flint?
Yes. Detroit is a strong outbound market shipping finished vehicles, automotive parts & assemblies, steel coils. Carriers returning from Detroit to Flint can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Flint-to-Detroit lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Flint to Detroit?
The Flint-to-Detroit corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Flint's top outbound commodities include automotive stampings, engine components, processed metals, plastic auto parts, scrap metal, packaged foods. Detroit's primary inbound freight includes auto parts (cross-border), raw steel, aluminum, rubber & plastics, electronic components, glass. Industries driving this lane include automotive parts and metal stamping from Flint and automotive manufacturing and autonomous vehicle tech in Detroit.
Get Exact Rates for Flint to Detroit
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Flint to Detroit lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts