Freight Shipping from Long Beach to Milwaukee
Ship freight from Long Beach, CA to Milwaukee, WI with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,887-$6,023, LTL from $1,450-$2,332. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,273 mi
Drive Time
41 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,887-$6,023
LTL Rate Est.
$1,450-$2,332
Long Beach to Milwaukee Freight Corridor
The Port of Long Beach, paired with the adjacent Port of Los Angeles, forms the San Pedro Bay complex that handles nearly half of all US maritime imports. Long Beach itself has invested billions in on-dock rail infrastructure, allowing containers to move directly from ship to train without a truck dray, though the majority still leave by truck on the notoriously congested I-710. The city's zero-emission truck mandates are reshaping drayage economics as carriers invest in electric and hydrogen-powered equipment.
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 Long Beach-to-Milwaukee corridor spans 2,273 miles via I-710, I-405, I-94, I-43. This lane connects port operations and oil & petrochemicals freight from the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Long Beach's economy is driven by port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
transloaded imports
petroleum products
recycled materials
aerospace components
machinery
cotton exports
What Milwaukee Receives
Milwaukee's manufacturing (engines, controls), brewing & food processing, healthcare sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Long Beach.
raw metals & steel
agricultural products
consumer goods
electronic components
packaging materials
petroleum products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Long Beach 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.
$4,887-$6,023 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.
$6,478-$8,296 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$7,160-$9,660 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.
$1,450-$2,332 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Long Beach to Milwaukee lane (2,273 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,887-$6,023 | 41 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,450-$2,332 | 43-45 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $7,387-$10,229 | 28 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,069-$4,205 | 44-46 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Long Beach and Milwaukee that drive volume on this lane.
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
Shipping Tips for Long Beach to Milwaukee
Long Beach Seasonal Advisory
Peak import season runs August through November for holiday retail. The "blank sailing" period during Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a 3-4 week dip before the spring restocking wave.
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.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,273 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 41 hours without mandatory 10-hour rest breaks, cutting transit time nearly in half compared to a solo driver.
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.
Long Beach to Milwaukee Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Long Beach to Milwaukee?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Long Beach, CA to Milwaukee, WI currently range from $4,887-$6,023 for a standard dry van load over the 2,273-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,450-$2,332 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 Long Beach to Milwaukee?
Standard FTL transit from Long Beach to Milwaukee is approximately 41 hrs by truck over 2,273 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 Long Beach to Milwaukee freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Long Beach commonly ships transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, 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 Long Beach?
Yes. Milwaukee is a strong outbound market shipping engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton), electrical controls (Rockwell), processed foods & beverages. Carriers returning from Milwaukee to Long Beach can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Long Beach-to-Milwaukee lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Long Beach to Milwaukee?
The Long Beach-to-Milwaukee corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Long Beach's top outbound commodities include transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, aerospace components, machinery, cotton exports. Milwaukee's primary inbound freight includes raw metals & steel, agricultural products, consumer goods, electronic components, packaging materials, petroleum products. Industries driving this lane include port operations and oil & petrochemicals from Long Beach and manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing in Milwaukee.
Get Exact Rates for Long Beach to Milwaukee
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Long Beach to Milwaukee lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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