Freight Shipping from Milwaukee to Madison
Ship freight from Milwaukee, WI to Madison, WI with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $211-$260, LTL from $254-$483. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
98 mi
Drive Time
2 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$211-$260
LTL Rate Est.
$254-$483
Milwaukee to Madison 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.
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.
The Milwaukee-to-Madison corridor spans 98 miles via I-94. This lane connects manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing freight from the Milwaukee market to government (state capital) and higher education (uw) demand in Madison. 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 Madison Receives
Madison's government (state capital), higher education (uw), biotech & life sciences sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Milwaukee.
consumer goods
building materials
laboratory supplies
food & beverage
office equipment
electronic components
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Milwaukee and Madison, 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.
$211-$260 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.
$260-$328 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.
$279-$358 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.
$254-$483 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Milwaukee to Madison lane (98 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $211-$260 | 2 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $254-$483 | 4-6 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $319-$441 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Milwaukee and Madison that drive volume on this lane.
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
University of Wisconsin
Epic Systems (Verona)
Promega Corporation
Shipping Tips for Milwaukee to Madison
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.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 98 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 Madison Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Milwaukee to Madison?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Milwaukee, WI to Madison, WI currently range from $211-$260 for a standard dry van load over the 98-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $254-$483 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 Madison?
Standard FTL transit from Milwaukee to Madison is approximately 2 hrs by truck over 98 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 Madison 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. Madison commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, laboratory supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Madison to Milwaukee?
Yes. Madison is a strong outbound market shipping biotech products, medical instruments, dairy products. Carriers returning from Madison to Milwaukee can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Milwaukee-to-Madison lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Milwaukee to Madison?
The Milwaukee-to-Madison 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. Madison's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, laboratory supplies, food & beverage, office equipment, electronic components. Industries driving this lane include manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing from Milwaukee and government (state capital) and higher education (UW) in Madison.
Get Exact Rates for Milwaukee to Madison
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