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Trucking in Wisconsin

Owner-operator guide for Wisconsin (WI) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Madison state.

Quick Stats

Freight Volume

high

O-O Friendly

7/10

Fuel Tax

30.9 c/gal

Parking

moderate

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/Mile
Dry Van$2.40
Reefer$2.70
Flatbed$2.90

Key Highways

I-94I-43I-90I-39I-41

These corridors connect Wisconsin's major freight cities: Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Kenosha. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.

Top Industries

1Dairy farming
2Manufacturing
3Paper/packaging
4Beer brewing
5Healthcare

Top Shippers

Harley-Davidson (Milwaukee)

Oshkosh Corporation

Kimberly-Clark

Amazon MKE1-MKE5

Sargento

Walmart DCs

Trucking Regulations

  • No toll roads — advantage vs Illinois
  • Standard federal compliance
  • Dairy loads year-round — temp-controlled required
  • Oversize permits through WisDOT

Toll Roads & Winter Conditions

Toll Information

No toll roads

Winter Conditions

Harsh winters; lake-effect snow; I-94 Milwaukee ice

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, dry van rates average $2.40/mile, reefer rates average $2.70/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.90/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Wisconsin scores 7/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has high freight volume with moderate truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Dairy farming, Manufacturing, Paper/packaging.
Key trucking regulations in Wisconsin include: No toll roads — advantage vs Illinois. Standard federal compliance. Dairy loads year-round — temp-controlled required. Oversize permits through WisDOT. The state fuel tax rate is 30.9 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Wisconsin are I-94, I-43, I-90, I-39, I-41. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Kenosha. No toll roads.