Freight Shipping from Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids
Ship freight from Milwaukee, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $574-$708, LTL from $347-$627. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
267 mi
Drive Time
5 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$574-$708
LTL Rate Est.
$347-$627
Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids Freight Corridor
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.
Cedar Rapids is the cereal capital of the world, home to Quaker Oats' largest production facility, multiple ADM and Cargill processing plants, and a constellation of smaller food manufacturers that together process more grain per capita than any other US city. Collins Aerospace's avionics division adds a high-tech freight dimension, shipping flight-critical electronics to aircraft manufacturers worldwide. The Cedar River provides limited barge access, but the vast majority of freight moves by truck on I-380 toward Chicago or Des Moines.
The Milwaukee-to-Cedar Rapids corridor spans 267 miles via I-94, I-43, I-380, US-30. This lane connects manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing freight from the Milwaukee market to cereal & grain processing and meat packing demand in Cedar Rapids. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Milwaukee
Milwaukee's economy is driven by manufacturing (engines, controls), brewing & food processing, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton)
electrical controls (Rockwell)
processed foods & beverages
industrial machinery
medical devices
paper products
What Cedar Rapids Receives
Cedar Rapids's cereal & grain processing, meat packing, agricultural equipment sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Milwaukee.
raw grain (corn, oats, wheat)
packaging materials
electronic components
sugar
food additives
industrial chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Milwaukee and Cedar Rapids, 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.
$574-$708 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.
$708-$894 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.
$761-$975 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$841-$1,135 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids lane (267 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $574-$708 | 5 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $347-$627 | 7-9 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $868-$1,202 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Milwaukee and Cedar Rapids that drive volume on this lane.
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
Quaker Oats/PepsiCo (largest cereal plant in world)
Collins Aerospace
ADM (corn processing)
Shipping Tips for Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids
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.
Cedar Rapids Seasonal Advisory
Grain processing is year-round, but harvest season (September-November) creates intense competition for trucks as bulk grain, ethanol, and finished products all peak simultaneously. Cereal shipments spike ahead of back-to-school and holiday periods.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 267 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.
Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Milwaukee, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA currently range from $574-$708 for a standard dry van load over the 267-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $347-$627 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 Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids?
Standard FTL transit from Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids is approximately 5 hrs by truck over 267 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 Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Milwaukee commonly ships engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton), electrical controls (Rockwell), processed foods & beverages, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Cedar Rapids commonly receives raw grain (corn, oats, wheat), packaging materials, electronic components. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee?
Yes. Cedar Rapids is a strong outbound market shipping cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats. Carriers returning from Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Milwaukee-to-Cedar Rapids lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids?
The Milwaukee-to-Cedar Rapids corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Milwaukee's top outbound commodities include engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton), electrical controls (Rockwell), processed foods & beverages, industrial machinery, medical devices, paper products. Cedar Rapids's primary inbound freight includes raw grain (corn, oats, wheat), packaging materials, electronic components, sugar, food additives, industrial chemicals. Industries driving this lane include manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing from Milwaukee and cereal & grain processing and meat packing in Cedar Rapids.
Get Exact Rates for Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids
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