Freight Shipping from Milwaukee to Flint
Ship freight from Milwaukee, WI to Flint, MI with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $596-$734, LTL from $352-$635. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
277 mi
Drive Time
5 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$596-$734
LTL Rate Est.
$352-$635
Milwaukee to Flint 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.
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.
The Milwaukee-to-Flint corridor spans 277 miles via I-94, I-43, I-69, I-75. This lane connects manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing freight from the Milwaukee market to automotive parts and metal stamping demand in Flint. 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 Flint Receives
Flint's automotive parts, metal stamping, logistics & warehousing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Milwaukee.
raw steel coils
aluminum ingots
rubber compounds
automotive electronics
industrial chemicals
tooling equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Milwaukee and Flint, 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.
$596-$734 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.
$734-$928 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.
$789-$1,011 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$873-$1,177 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Milwaukee to Flint lane (277 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $596-$734 | 5 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $352-$635 | 7-9 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $900-$1,247 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Milwaukee and Flint that drive volume on this lane.
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
General Motors (Flint Assembly)
Lear Corporation
Ryder Integrated Logistics
Shipping Tips for Milwaukee to Flint
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.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 277 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 Flint Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Milwaukee to Flint?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Milwaukee, WI to Flint, MI currently range from $596-$734 for a standard dry van load over the 277-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $352-$635 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 Flint?
Standard FTL transit from Milwaukee to Flint is approximately 5 hrs by truck over 277 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 Flint 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. Flint commonly receives raw steel coils, aluminum ingots, rubber compounds. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Flint to Milwaukee?
Yes. Flint is a strong outbound market shipping automotive stampings, engine components, processed metals. Carriers returning from Flint to Milwaukee can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Milwaukee-to-Flint lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Milwaukee to Flint?
The Milwaukee-to-Flint 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. Flint's primary inbound freight includes raw steel coils, aluminum ingots, rubber compounds, automotive electronics, industrial chemicals, tooling equipment. Industries driving this lane include manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing from Milwaukee and automotive parts and metal stamping in Flint.
Get Exact Rates for Milwaukee to Flint
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Milwaukee to Flint lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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