Freight Shipping from Milwaukee to Kent
Ship freight from Milwaukee, WI to Kent, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,706-$5,801, LTL from $1,404-$2,261. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,189 mi
Drive Time
40 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,706-$5,801
LTL Rate Est.
$1,404-$2,261
Milwaukee to Kent 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.
Kent sits in the heart of the Green River Valley, home to the largest warehouse and distribution concentration in the Pacific Northwest. Over 60 million square feet of industrial space lines the valley floor, housing Amazon fulfillment centers, Blue Origin's rocket manufacturing campus, and REI's national headquarters. The valley's proximity to both the Port of Tacoma and Sea-Tac Airport makes it the natural transload point for imported goods entering the Pacific Northwest.
The Milwaukee-to-Kent corridor spans 2,189 miles via I-94, I-43, I-5, SR-167. This lane connects manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing freight from the Milwaukee market to warehousing & distribution and aerospace manufacturing demand in Kent. 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 Kent Receives
Kent's warehousing & distribution, aerospace manufacturing, food processing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Milwaukee.
containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma)
raw materials
packaging supplies
food ingredients
consumer goods
fuel products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Milwaukee and Kent, 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.
$4,706-$5,801 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.
$5,801-$7,333 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.
$6,239-$7,990 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.
$1,404-$2,261 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Milwaukee to Kent lane (2,189 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,706-$5,801 | 40 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,404-$2,261 | 42-44 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $7,114-$9,851 | 27 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,955-$4,050 | 43-45 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Milwaukee and Kent that drive volume on this lane.
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
Amazon Kent Fulfillment (BFI4/BFI3)
Blue Origin (HQ)
REI Co-op (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Milwaukee to Kent
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.
Kent Seasonal Advisory
Amazon fulfillment drives massive Q4 holiday surges (October-December). Blue Origin rocket component shipments are irregular but high-value. REI seasonal inventory peaks align with outdoor recreation seasons — spring gear (February-March) and winter gear (August-September).
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,189 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 40 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.
Milwaukee to Kent Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Milwaukee to Kent?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Milwaukee, WI to Kent, WA currently range from $4,706-$5,801 for a standard dry van load over the 2,189-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,404-$2,261 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 Kent?
Standard FTL transit from Milwaukee to Kent is approximately 40 hrs by truck over 2,189 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 Milwaukee to Kent 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. Kent commonly receives containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma), raw materials, packaging supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Kent to Milwaukee?
Yes. Kent is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce shipments, aerospace components, processed foods. Carriers returning from Kent to Milwaukee can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Milwaukee-to-Kent lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Milwaukee to Kent?
The Milwaukee-to-Kent 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. Kent's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma), raw materials, packaging supplies, food ingredients, consumer goods, fuel products. Industries driving this lane include manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing from Milwaukee and warehousing & distribution and aerospace manufacturing in Kent.
Get Exact Rates for Milwaukee to Kent
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Milwaukee to Kent lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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