Freight Shipping from Milwaukee to Duluth
Ship freight from Milwaukee, WI to Duluth, MN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $922-$1,137, LTL from $436-$765. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
429 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$922-$1,137
LTL Rate Est.
$436-$765
Milwaukee to Duluth 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.
Duluth-Superior is the largest port by tonnage on the Great Lakes, moving 35+ million tons of iron ore, grain, and coal annually through its harbor. The Iron Range taconite mines north of the city generate massive bulk commodity movements by rail and truck. As a remote northern market, carriers earn premium rates but face long repositioning distances to their next load.
The Milwaukee-to-Duluth corridor spans 429 miles via I-94, I-43, I-35, US-53. This lane connects manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing freight from the Milwaukee market to iron ore mining and grain export demand in Duluth. 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 Duluth Receives
Duluth's iron ore mining, grain export, timber & paper sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Milwaukee.
mining equipment
industrial chemicals
fuel & diesel
consumer goods
construction materials
limestone
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Milwaukee and Duluth, 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.
$922-$1,137 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.
$1,137-$1,437 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.
$1,223-$1,566 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,351-$1,823 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Milwaukee to Duluth lane (429 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $922-$1,137 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $436-$765 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,394-$1,931 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Milwaukee and Duluth that drive volume on this lane.
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
U.S. Steel (Minntac)
Cleveland-Cliffs
CHS Inc.
Shipping Tips for Milwaukee to Duluth
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.
Duluth Seasonal Advisory
Great Lakes shipping season runs April through mid-January when the port is ice-free. Winter mine shutdowns and frozen harbor conditions from mid-January through March dramatically reduce freight volumes.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 429 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 Duluth Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Milwaukee to Duluth?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Milwaukee, WI to Duluth, MN currently range from $922-$1,137 for a standard dry van load over the 429-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $436-$765 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 Duluth?
Standard FTL transit from Milwaukee to Duluth is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 429 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 Duluth 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. Duluth commonly receives mining equipment, industrial chemicals, fuel & diesel. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Duluth to Milwaukee?
Yes. Duluth is a strong outbound market shipping iron ore pellets, grain & soybeans, taconite. Carriers returning from Duluth to Milwaukee can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Milwaukee-to-Duluth lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Milwaukee to Duluth?
The Milwaukee-to-Duluth 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. Duluth's primary inbound freight includes mining equipment, industrial chemicals, fuel & diesel, consumer goods, construction materials, limestone. Industries driving this lane include manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing from Milwaukee and iron ore mining and grain export in Duluth.
Get Exact Rates for Milwaukee to Duluth
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Milwaukee to Duluth lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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