Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
92-mile freight corridor via I-94 S along the Lake Michigan shore through Racine and Kenosha into Chicago's north side. Same day (1.5-2 hours) transit. Easy difficulty.
Distance
92 mi
Transit Time
Same day (1.5-2 hours)
Difficulty
Toll Cost
$5-10
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.85 | $262.2 |
| Reefer | $3.30 | $303.6 |
| Flatbed | $3.45 | $317.4 |
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 S along the Lake Michigan shore through Racine and Kenosha into Chicago's north side
Fuel Stops
0 recommended
Tolls
$5-10
Common Freight Types
Backhaul Information
Good Backhaul Availability
Average backhaul rate: $2.65/mi
Common return cargo: Consumer goods, packaged food, machinery from Chicago industrial base
Key Stops Along the Route
Milwaukee, WI
Origin
Racine, WI
Kenosha, WI
Waukegan, IL
Chicago, IL
Destination
Seasonal Trends
Extremely high-frequency short-haul corridor year-round. Milwaukee breweries (Miller, Pabst) generate consistent beverage freight. Harley-Davidson parts from Milwaukee. Holiday retail peak October-January. Summerfest (July) and other festivals create event freight.
Trucker Tips for This Lane
This is one of the densest short-haul corridors in the Midwest. Per-mile rates are high due to congestion and frequency.
I-94 south of Milwaukee through Racine/Kenosha has construction seemingly year-round. Budget extra time.
The IL/WI border toll plazas on I-94 can queue up during peak hours. Have I-Pass or E-ZPass ready.
Chicago's north side (Lake County, IL) has an industrial corridor with good reload options.
Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley industrial area is tight and confusing. Use commercial truck GPS for precise routing.