Freight Shipping from Milwaukee to Minneapolis
Ship freight from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $832-$1,026, LTL from $413-$729. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
387 mi
Drive Time
7 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$832-$1,026
LTL Rate Est.
$413-$729
Milwaukee to Minneapolis 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.
Minneapolis-St. Paul is the Upper Midwest's dominant freight hub, anchored by Fortune 500 shippers like Target, General Mills, 3M, and Medtronic. Target's distribution network alone generates thousands of truckloads weekly from its Midwest DCs. The Twin Cities' position at the intersection of I-94 and I-35 makes it the natural routing point for freight moving between Chicago, the Dakotas, and the Canadian border.
The Milwaukee-to-Minneapolis corridor spans 387 miles via I-94. This lane connects manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing freight from the Milwaukee market to food processing & cpg and medical devices demand in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis Receives
Minneapolis's food processing & cpg, medical devices, retail headquarters sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Milwaukee.
consumer goods
raw grain & commodities
packaging materials
electronics
building materials
imported merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Milwaukee and Minneapolis, 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.
$832-$1,026 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.
$1,026-$1,296 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.
$1,103-$1,413 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.
$413-$729 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Milwaukee to Minneapolis lane (387 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $832-$1,026 | 7 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $413-$729 | 9-11 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,258-$1,742 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Milwaukee and Minneapolis that drive volume on this lane.
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
General Mills
Target Corporation
Medtronic
Shipping Tips for Milwaukee to Minneapolis
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.
Minneapolis Seasonal Advisory
Harvest season (September-November) floods the market with grain trucks competing for capacity on I-94 and I-35. Winter weather from November through March regularly shuts down I-94 westbound, creating rate spikes and transit delays.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 387 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 Minneapolis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Milwaukee to Minneapolis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN currently range from $832-$1,026 for a standard dry van load over the 387-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $413-$729 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 Minneapolis?
Standard FTL transit from Milwaukee to Minneapolis is approximately 7 hrs by truck over 387 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 Minneapolis 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. Minneapolis commonly receives consumer goods, raw grain & commodities, packaging materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Minneapolis to Milwaukee?
Yes. Minneapolis is a strong outbound market shipping processed foods & cereal, medical devices, retail distribution. Carriers returning from Minneapolis to Milwaukee can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Milwaukee-to-Minneapolis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Milwaukee to Minneapolis?
The Milwaukee-to-Minneapolis 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. Minneapolis's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, raw grain & commodities, packaging materials, electronics, building materials, imported merchandise. Industries driving this lane include manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing from Milwaukee and food processing & CPG and medical devices in Minneapolis.
Get Exact Rates for Milwaukee to Minneapolis
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