510 miles · Est. 7.6 hours · Avg $2.40/mile · Gross $1,224
Lane Overview
510
Miles
$2.40
Avg rate/mile
$1,224
Avg gross rate
moderate
Competition
Kansas City to Chicago eastbound on I-55 connects America's agricultural heartland to its most important Midwestern distribution hub. Cargill, ADM, and Tyson all have major Kansas City operations — agricultural products, food processing output, and consumer goods flow east toward Chicago's 9 million consumers and onward distribution network. At $2.30–$2.50/mile for 510 miles, moderate rates reflect solid, consistent demand without exceptional peaks.
I-70 east to I-55 north at St. Louis is the primary routing. St. Louis I-270 north beltway to I-55 is the cleanest approach for trucks avoiding downtown St. Louis traffic. I-55 north through Springfield, IL is smooth with good truck stop infrastructure near Pontiac, IL — a popular fuel break. Chicago approach on I-55 through Joliet and the I-80 interchange hits significant commuter traffic on weekday mornings — budget extra time from 7–9am. Return Chicago to Kansas City (Lane 99) brings consumer goods and retail merchandise westbound at $2.25–$2.45/mile.
Driver Tip
Use our Load Profitability Calculator to check if this lane covers your operating costs before accepting a load.
Trip Costs
Fuel Estimate
$189
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$10
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$1,025
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Return Freight
Chicago to Kansas City
510 miles · $2.35/mile avg
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Kansas City to Chicago is the agricultural corridor going east. Cargill, ADM, Tyson Foods, and Smithfield Foods all have major Kansas City area operations — the food processing output from this corridor represents some of the most consistent reefer and dry-van freight in the Midwest. Chicago is the terminal market for a lot of this agricultural production before it redistributes nationally. At 510 miles, this is a legitimate long-haul run that pays moderately and runs consistently year-round.
Agricultural products from the Kansas City area — grain products from Cargill and ADM operations, processed meats from Tyson and Smithfield, and packaged food from the Kansas City food manufacturing corridor — make up the bulk of eastbound freight. Consumer goods from Kansas City's distribution infrastructure heading east to Chicago's retail market add dry-van volume. Food and beverage from Missouri's food processing sector is the dominant load type. Reefer operators can find consistent temperature-controlled loads on this corridor from the major food processors.
I-70 east from Kansas City to I-55 north at St. Louis is the standard route. KC to St. Louis on I-70 is 250 miles — Concordia and Kingdom City, MO are viable fuel stops along the way. The St. Louis approach: use I-270 north beltway to avoid downtown and connect cleanly to I-55 north. Missouri weigh stations on I-55 near Festus are active southbound; northbound trucks may be checked as well. I-55 north through Springfield, IL to Pontiac, IL is fast, clean Interstate. Pontiac at mile 100 north of St. Louis is the preferred fuel stop — decent truck infrastructure there. Chicago approach on I-55 through Joliet: the I-80 interchange is the primary congestion point in the morning. Budget extra time if you arrive between 7–9am.
At $2.30–$2.50/mile for 510 miles, this grosses $1,173–$1,275. Fuel cost for 510 miles is approximately $189. Net margin is solid for a Midwest long-haul. Reefer loads from the food processors often command a $0.10–$0.15/mile premium. Agricultural freight during harvest season can spike rates when demand exceeds carrier supply.
Chicago to Kansas City westbound (Lane 99) carries consumer goods, retail merchandise, and distribution freight back at $2.25–$2.45/mile. The bilateral nature of this I-70/I-55 corridor makes it a round-trip lane — plan your Chicago return load before departing KC.
How do I get access to Cargill or ADM loads out of Kansas City?
Both Cargill and ADM use preferred carrier programs and freight brokers. Reefer operators with food-grade trailers and a solid compliance record can access these loads through C.H. Robinson, Coyote, or Echo, which all have programs with major agricultural shippers. Direct carrier applications to Cargill's logistics team require a minimum fleet size.
Is the I-270 St. Louis beltway north always better than going through downtown?
Yes for trucks. Downtown St. Louis on I-70 adds 20–30 minutes on a good day and risk of navigation errors near the Gateway Arch corridor. I-270 north is reliable, uncongested for most of the day, and directly connects to I-55 north.
What should I expect at the Joliet/I-80 interchange approaching Chicago on I-55?
It's a major interchange where I-55, I-80, and I-294 meet — significant truck traffic from all directions. Lanes are complex, and weaving from I-55 north to I-290 west toward Chicago is not intuitive the first time. Study the approach on Google Maps before you get there.
Dispatch Service
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