281 miles · Est. 4.2 hours · Avg $2.35/mile · Gross $660
Day-Trip Economics
Fuel Estimate
$104
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$15
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$541
Before your other costs
Lane Overview
281
Miles
$2.35
Avg rate/mile
$660
Avg gross rate
competitive
Competition
Detroit to Chicago westbound on I-94 is the automotive capital's pipeline to the Midwest's largest market. Ford, GM, and Stellantis generate automotive parts, finished vehicles, and manufacturing components heading west toward Chicago's industrial supply chain and auto dealer networks. Steel coils from Michigan's steel service centers and consumer goods from Detroit's distribution network fill dry-van and flatbed capacity. Competitive rates at $2.25–$2.45/mile reflect the lane's high carrier density.
I-94 west through Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor is the standard routing. Michigan's I-94 westbound has a weigh station near the Indiana border that actively checks commercial vehicles — axle weights and cargo documentation must be in order. The Indiana Toll Road (I-90/94 through Gary and Michigan City) adds $15 in tolls. Chicago's south side on I-94 through the Dan Ryan Expressway is reliably congested 7–9am and 4–6pm. Return Chicago to Detroit (Lane 13) carries consumer goods and manufacturing equipment eastbound at $2.20–$2.40/mile — this is a genuine two-way industrial corridor.
Driver Tip
Short lane, fast turn. Margin on short runs is unforgiving. Use our Load Profitability Calculator to verify this load covers your costs before accepting.
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Return Freight
Chicago to Detroit
281 miles · $2.30/mile avg
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Detroit to Chicago is the automotive industry's westbound supply line. Ford, GM, and Stellantis manufacturing operations around Metro Detroit generate JIT parts shipments heading west to Chicago's automotive dealer networks and industrial supply chain. This is the kind of lane where a flatbed operator with good automotive contacts can build a reliable regional book of business. The consumer goods component keeps dry-van carriers busy, but automotive is where the premium rates live.
Automotive parts are the defining freight of this corridor — JIT components from Ford's River Rouge Complex, GM's Hamtramck Assembly (Factory Zero), and Stellantis plants around Metro Detroit heading west to dealer prep centers and Chicago-area auto distributors. Steel coils from Michigan's steel service centers (several operate near Detroit's industrial districts) heading to Chicago fabricators add flatbed volume. Consumer goods from Detroit's distribution sector round out the dry-van capacity. The automotive component is what makes this lane distinctly Midwestern — you won't find this freight profile on any coastal corridor.
I-94 west from Detroit through Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo to Benton Harbor, then across into Indiana and Gary. Ann Arbor is 45 miles west — good fuel options there. Kalamazoo at mile 135 is the primary fuel stop on the Michigan side. The Michigan I-94 westbound weigh station near the Indiana border at New Buffalo checks commercial vehicles regularly — axle weights and cargo documentation verified. Indiana Toll Road from the Michigan border to Gary/Chicago adds $15. Chicago south side approach on I-94 through the Dan Ryan: morning rush (7–9am) and afternoon rush (4–6pm) are severe. Plan around those windows.
At $2.25–$2.45/mile with $15 in tolls, the effective net is about $2.19–$2.39/mile for 281 miles. Competitive but not exceptional. Automotive JIT parts loads command a premium — $2.45–$2.65/mile — due to the time-sensitivity and documentation requirements of automotive supply chain freight. Build relationships with Detroit-area automotive logistics brokers to access those loads consistently.
Chicago to Detroit eastbound (Lane 13) carries consumer goods, manufacturing equipment, and distribution freight back to Michigan at $2.20–$2.40/mile. Consistent availability in both directions — this is a genuine bilateral automotive corridor.
How do I get into the JIT automotive freight market out of Detroit?
Automotive JIT freight is broker-driven at the owner-operator level — direct shipper access to Ford or GM logistics requires carrier qualification programs and spotless compliance records. Start with automotive freight brokers (Echo Global, Transplace, and CH Robinson all have strong Detroit OEM programs). Build your record there first.
What's the timing situation at the Michigan-Indiana border weigh station?
It's consistently active on I-94 westbound. Check your weights before leaving Metro Detroit — particularly important on steel coil loads where weight distribution across axles is critical.
Is there a better Chicago approach for west side deliveries than the Dan Ryan?
If you're delivering to Chicago's west side suburbs (Elmhurst, Addison, Carol Stream), take I-90 northwest from Gary instead of I-94 south. This routes you north of downtown and avoids the Dan Ryan entirely. Know your delivery address before you enter the Chicago metro.
Dispatch Service
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