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Minneapolis, MN to Milwaukee, WI

337-mile freight corridor via I-94 E through western Wisconsin, past Madison into Milwaukee. Same day (5-6 hours) transit. Moderate difficulty.

Distance

337 mi

Transit Time

Same day (5-6 hours)

Difficulty

Moderate

Toll Cost

$0

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/MileEst. Total
Dry Van$2.35$791.95
Reefer$2.80$943.6
Flatbed$3.00$1,011

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-94 E through western Wisconsin, past Madison into Milwaukee

Fuel Stops

2 recommended

Tolls

$0

Common Freight Types

Dairy ProductsPaper ProductsBeveragesMachinery

Backhaul Information

Good Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $2.15/mi

Common return cargo: Dairy products, paper products, beer/beverages from Milwaukee breweries

Key Stops Along the Route

Minneapolis, MN

Origin

St. Paul, MN

Eau Claire, WI

Tomah, WI

Wisconsin Dells, WI

Madison, WI

Milwaukee, WI

Destination

Seasonal Trends

Dairy and food processing freight is steady year-round. Harvest season August-October brings grain and produce surges. Winter driving conditions December-March can add 2-3 hours to transit. Lake-effect snow near Milwaukee is unpredictable.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

1

I-94 through western Wisconsin has long stretches with limited services between Eau Claire and Tomah. Top off fuel accordingly.

2

Madison area traffic on I-94/I-90 is congested during UW-Madison game days. Check the Badgers schedule.

3

Wisconsin has strict enforcement of speed limits in work zones -- double fines and aggressive patrol.

4

Dairy loads from Wisconsin require reefer set at exact temperatures. Verify settings with shipper before departure.

5

Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley industrial area has tight streets. Use a GPS with commercial truck routing.

Minneapolis to Milwaukee FAQ

Current average rates on the Minneapolis, MN to Milwaukee, WI 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, Reefer, Flatbed.
The 337-mile route from Minneapolis, MN to Milwaukee, WI typically takes Same day (5-6 hours). The recommended route is I-94 E through western Wisconsin, past Madison into Milwaukee. 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 Dairy products, paper products, beer/beverages from Milwaukee breweries. Check DAT, Truckstop, and local brokers for the best return loads.
Estimated toll costs on the Minneapolis, MN to Milwaukee, WI corridor are $0. This is a toll-free corridor, which helps protect your margins.

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