Freight Shipping from Madison to Tulsa
Ship freight from Madison, WI to Tulsa, OK with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,656-$2,041, LTL from $624-$1,055. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
770 mi
Drive Time
14 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,656-$2,041
LTL Rate Est.
$624-$1,055
Madison to Tulsa Freight Corridor
Madison combines Wisconsin's state government with the University of Wisconsin's massive research enterprise and a booming biotech corridor anchored by Epic Systems and Promega. The city's freight profile is lighter than typical Midwest metros but higher-value, with temperature-controlled biotech shipments, laboratory equipment, and medical devices making up an outsized share of outbound loads. The I-90/I-94/I-39 junction gives Madison connections to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.
Tulsa is the aerospace maintenance capital of the central U.S., with American Airlines operating its largest MRO facility here — capable of servicing widebody aircraft. The Port of Catoosa, America's most inland river port, connects Tulsa to the Gulf of Mexico via the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, enabling barge-to-truck transloading for heavy industrial freight. The city's legacy oil refining infrastructure creates steady tanker and hazmat volumes.
The Madison-to-Tulsa corridor spans 770 miles via I-90, I-94, I-44, US-75. This lane connects government (state capital) and higher education (uw) freight from the Madison market to aerospace manufacturing and energy demand in Tulsa. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Madison
Madison's economy is driven by government (state capital), higher education (uw), biotech & life sciences, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
biotech products
medical instruments
dairy products
processed foods
printed materials
laboratory equipment
What Tulsa Receives
Tulsa's aerospace manufacturing, energy, steel fabrication sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Madison.
crude oil
raw steel
aircraft sub-assemblies
chemicals
electronic components
packaging materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Madison and Tulsa, 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.
$1,656-$2,041 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.
$2,041-$2,580 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.
$2,195-$2,811 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,426-$3,273 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Madison to Tulsa lane (770 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,656-$2,041 | 14 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $624-$1,055 | 16-18 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,503-$3,465 | 9 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,040-$1,425 | 17-19 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Madison and Tulsa that drive volume on this lane.
University of Wisconsin
Epic Systems (Verona)
Promega Corporation
American Airlines Maintenance Base
NORDAM Group
Holly Frontier Refining
Shipping Tips for Madison to Tulsa
Madison Seasonal Advisory
University of Wisconsin move-in (August-September) and move-out (May) create massive residential freight surges. State government budget cycles drive office supply and equipment purchases in Q3-Q4. Dairy production from surrounding farms runs year-round with modest spring peaks.
Tulsa Seasonal Advisory
Aerospace MRO work peaks during winter when airlines pull aircraft from service for heavy maintenance checks. Refinery output is steady but turnaround seasons (spring and fall) temporarily reduce outbound tanker volumes while increasing inbound equipment freight.
Overnight Transit
This 770-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.
Madison to Tulsa Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Madison to Tulsa?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Madison, WI to Tulsa, OK currently range from $1,656-$2,041 for a standard dry van load over the 770-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $624-$1,055 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 Madison to Tulsa?
Standard FTL transit from Madison to Tulsa is approximately 14 hrs by truck over 770 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 Madison to Tulsa freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Madison commonly ships biotech products, medical instruments, dairy products, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Tulsa commonly receives crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tulsa to Madison?
Yes. Tulsa is a strong outbound market shipping aircraft components, refined fuels, steel pipe & fittings. Carriers returning from Tulsa to Madison can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Madison-to-Tulsa lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Madison to Tulsa?
The Madison-to-Tulsa corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Madison's top outbound commodities include biotech products, medical instruments, dairy products, processed foods, printed materials, laboratory equipment. Tulsa's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies, chemicals, electronic components, packaging materials. Industries driving this lane include government (state capital) and higher education (UW) from Madison and aerospace manufacturing and energy in Tulsa.
Get Exact Rates for Madison to Tulsa
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Madison to Tulsa lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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