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Cincinnati, OH to Detroit, MI

263-mile freight corridor via I-75 N through Ohio's industrial heartland, past Dayton and Toledo into Detroit. Same day (4-5 hours) transit. Easy difficulty.

Distance

263 mi

Transit Time

Same day (4-5 hours)

Difficulty

Easy

Toll Cost

$0

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/MileEst. Total
Dry Van$2.35$618.05
Reefer$2.80$736.4
Flatbed$3.00$789

Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.

Route Details

Recommended Route

I-75 N through Ohio's industrial heartland, past Dayton and Toledo into Detroit

Fuel Stops

2 recommended

Tolls

$0

Common Freight Types

Auto PartsSteelE-commerceGlass Products

Backhaul Information

Good Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $2.15/mi

Common return cargo: Auto parts, steel products, consumer goods from Detroit/Toledo manufacturing

Key Stops Along the Route

Cincinnati, OH

Origin

Middletown, OH

Dayton, OH

Lima, OH

Findlay, OH

Toledo, OH

Detroit, MI

Destination

Seasonal Trends

Auto industry drives year-round demand along this I-75 corridor -- the backbone of US auto manufacturing. Plant changeover surges in July and December. Amazon fulfillment centers in both cities drive e-commerce peaks November-January. Ohio winter weather December-March can slow transit.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

1

I-75 through Ohio is the auto manufacturing spine of America. Toyota (Georgetown, KY/nearby), Honda (Marysville), Jeep (Toledo), Big Three (Detroit) all accessible from this corridor.

2

Dayton is roughly the midpoint with good truck services and a Wright-Patterson AFB military freight opportunity.

3

Findlay, OH has Marathon Petroleum HQ. Check for petroleum industry freight opportunities.

4

Toledo's Jeep plant and glass manufacturing (Owens Corning) provide consistent specialty loads.

5

Ohio fuel prices are moderate. Michigan diesel is more expensive due to higher state taxes -- fill up before crossing.

Cincinnati to Detroit FAQ

Current average rates on the Cincinnati, OH to Detroit, MI lane are approximately $2.35/mi for dry van, $2.80/mi for reefer, and $3.00/mi for flatbed. Rates fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and market demand. The most common equipment types on this lane are Dry Van, Flatbed, Auto Carrier.
The 263-mile route from Cincinnati, OH to Detroit, MI typically takes Same day (4-5 hours). The recommended route is I-75 N through Ohio's industrial heartland, past Dayton and Toledo into Detroit. Actual transit time depends on weather, traffic, HOS compliance, and whether you run solo or team. Plan for 2 fuel stops along the way.
Yes, backhaul availability on the return trip is good. Average backhaul rates run around $2.15/mi. Common backhaul cargo includes Auto parts, steel products, consumer goods from Detroit/Toledo manufacturing. Check DAT, Truckstop, and local brokers for the best return loads.
Estimated toll costs on the Cincinnati, OH to Detroit, MI corridor are $0. This is a toll-free corridor, which helps protect your margins.

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