Is Wisconsin a good state for trucking?

Trucking Costs in Wisconsin

Operating cost analysis for Wisconsin — no tolls, strong dairy freight, moderate Midwest costs.

Total Cost Per Mile Analysis

Wisconsin's diesel tax is 30.9 cents per gallon plus 24.4 federal for 55.3 cents total. Diesel prices average $3.60-$3.95/gallon. An owner-operator with a paid-off truck expects $1.45-$1.82/mi. With payments: $1.70-$2.12. Wisconsin income tax ranges from 3.54% to 7.65%. No toll roads save $2,000-$8,000 annually versus Illinois. Insurance runs $9,500-$16,500. Shop labor $80-$115/hr. Winter costs are moderate (November-March). Dry van rates average $2.25/mi, flatbed $2.75/mi. Dairy tanker operations provide year-round premium-rate freight. The I-94 Milwaukee-Minneapolis corridor is a strong freight lane. Owner-operators grossing $185,000-$235,000 can net $48,000-$72,000. The no-toll advantage and routing around Illinois tollways provide measurable savings.

FAQs — Wisconsin Trucking Costs

Yes. No toll roads (versus neighboring Illinois), moderate costs ($1.45-$1.82/mi), strong dairy and manufacturing freight, and no-toll advantage for routing. The 3.54-7.65% income tax is moderate to high. Schneider National HQ and strong logistics infrastructure support operations. The I-94 corridor provides consistent freight.