Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
510-mile freight corridor via I-35 N to I-80 E into Chicago, or I-70 E to I-55 N alternate. 1 day (7-8 hours) transit. Easy difficulty.
Distance
510 mi
Transit Time
1 day (7-8 hours)
Difficulty
Toll Cost
$0-10
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.25 | $1,147.5 |
| Reefer | $2.70 | $1,377 |
| Flatbed | $2.90 | $1,479 |
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-35 N to I-80 E into Chicago, or I-70 E to I-55 N alternate
Fuel Stops
2 recommended
Tolls
$0-10
Common Freight Types
Backhaul Information
Good Backhaul Availability
Average backhaul rate: $2.10/mi
Common return cargo: Consumer goods, packaged food, machinery from Chicago metro DCs
Key Stops Along the Route
Kansas City, MO
Origin
Columbia, MO
St. Louis, MO (via I-70)
Springfield, IL
Bloomington, IL
Chicago, IL
Destination
Seasonal Trends
Kansas City is a top 5 US intermodal hub. Consistent year-round freight. Meat packing loads (beef, pork) from KC area create steady reefer demand. Winter ice storms across Missouri and Illinois can shut I-70 and I-35 for 12-24 hours.
Trucker Tips for This Lane
Kansas City has massive intermodal yards (BNSF, UP). Drayage loads from rail to truck pay well and are plentiful.
Two main routing options: I-35 to I-80 (northern, slightly shorter) or I-70 to I-55 through St. Louis (southern, more truck stops). Choose based on weather.
Missouri fuel prices are among the lowest in the nation. Fill up before hitting Illinois.
KC meat packing plants (Tyson, Cargill, National Beef) in the West Bottoms and KCK ship reefer loads around the clock.
The I-70/I-44/I-49 interchange in KC metro (Grandview Triangle) is one of the most dangerous in the Midwest. Use I-435 bypass when possible.