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Milwaukee, WI Car Shipping: 2025 Costs & Routes

Last updated: October 2025

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
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ON THIS PAGE

1 Milwaukee Car Shipping Overview
2 Top Destination Cities
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to Milwaukee?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Milwaukee, WI

Since 2012, our scrappy team has fought the broker monopoly to give you honest, affordable car shipping and auto transport in Milwaukee, WI. With decades of hands‑on experience and a trail of five‑star reviews, we break down costs, routes, and tips so you know exactly what to expect. Let us help you move your vehicle with confidence and clear pricing.

Average Cost FROM Milwaukee

$800 – $1,050
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Milwaukee

$800 – $1,150
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Milwaukee, WI

1
California
146 shipments
$925 – $1,100
2
Florida
124 shipments
$825 – $1,000
3
Texas
101 shipments
$800 – $925
4
Arizona
83 shipments
$900 – $1,075
5
Washington
43 shipments
$975 – $1,150
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Milwaukee, WI

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Milwaukee, showing average costs and specific routes. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination Cities Updated: October 2025
Rank Destination City Avg Cost Range Route
1 Phoenix, AZ $900 – $1,050 Milwaukee, WI to Phoenix, AZ
2 Los Angeles, CA $950 – $1,100 Milwaukee, WI to Los Angeles, CA
3 Dallas, TX $775 – $850 Milwaukee, WI to Dallas, TX
4 Seattle, WA $975 – $1,125 Milwaukee, WI to Seattle, WA
5 Houston, TX $850 – $925 Milwaukee, WI to Houston, TX
6 San Francisco, CA $925 – $1,075 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA
7 Miami, FL $775 – $950 Milwaukee, WI to Miami, FL
8 San Diego, CA $950 – $1,125 Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA
9 Cape Coral, FL $825 – $975 Milwaukee, WI to Cape Coral, FL
10 Naples, FL $875 – $1,025 Milwaukee, WI to Naples, FL
Milwaukee, WI CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
I recently had to move cross country and SAKAEM found a carrier for me in 3 days and they did an excellent job in getting my vehicle from NV to MA in 3.5 days. I wish I had more clarity on paying in full at the beginning, which was different than what I was told regarding a deposit and payment upon delivery. Luckily the carrier verified this so there were no issues. Overall, the move was seamless and I would use SAKAEM in the future.
Chris Cunningham
May 2025
Google logo
Before calling Sakaem I was booked to use another transport company because their price was the best I could find. The day before they were going to pick up my car, they called me and said they had a reliable driver but he wanted an extra $300. I told them to forget it and called Sakaem. At the last minute they gave me a good price and said it was guaranteed. They service was great and my car arrived in NJ when they said it would be there. I will use them again in January!
Paul Shapiro
Jul 2025
Google logo
First time shipping a car to Michigan. Signed a contract with a broker and last minute the truck broke down and he could not find a driver and then the price went up. Scrambled at the last minute and we reached out to Sakaem and talked to Jack. Told him about our situation and he was very understanding and he was able to get our truck to Michigan without any problems. They could haven taken advantage of the situation but they didn’t. Also the driver was very nice. Thank you Jack!!!
Sandy Kanaski
Apr 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Milwaukee

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you’re paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don’t pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs in Milwaukee

Distance

Shipping a car to or from Milwaukee is priced mainly by how many miles the vehicle travels. Longer hauls, such as from the West Coast, add fuel, driver time, and wear costs, while short trips from nearby Midwestern cities stay low. This mileage‑based model keeps rates predictable for customers.

Season

Winter brings snow, ice, and occasional road closures around Lake Michigan, so carriers may charge a seasonal premium in December through February. Summer sees higher demand for vacation moves, especially to Florida or the Southwest, which can also raise prices. Off‑peak months like early spring often have the best rates.

Route

Milwaukee sits on I‑94, I‑43, and I‑41, which connect it to Chicago, Madison, and the Great Lakes ports. Carriers can choose direct interstate routes for speed or secondary roads to avoid tolls, and these choices affect the final price. Access to the Port of Milwaukee also lets some shippers use rail‑truck combos, which can lower costs for certain lanes.

Vehicle Type

Larger vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, or classic cars need more space and sometimes special equipment, raising the cost. Small sedans and compact cars fit easily on standard open trailers, keeping rates lower. Heavy or unusually shaped vehicles may require a dedicated carrier, which adds a surcharge.

Traffic Considerations

Milwaukee’s downtown area experiences rush‑hour congestion on I‑94 and the I‑43 corridor, especially during weekday mornings and evenings. Carriers factor in potential delays and may schedule moves outside peak times to avoid extra fuel and labor costs. Urban delivery zones may also require additional handling fees.

Carrier Availability

Milwaukee is a regional hub for many national carriers, so competition is fairly strong, helping keep prices competitive. However, during peak moving seasons the number of available trucks can tighten, which may raise rates temporarily. Local brokers often have relationships with multiple carriers, giving customers more options.

Population Density

Milwaukee’s population density of about 5,200 people per square mile means many deliveries occur in tightly packed neighborhoods. This can add time for navigation and parking, which carriers include in their pricing. The city’s location near the lake and major highways also makes it a convenient consolidation point for regional shipments, helping balance costs.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping your car in late October through early December or in March before the spring rush often nets lower rates. During these months Wisconsin’s harsh winter hasn’t fully set in and the summer peak demand has faded, so carriers have extra capacity and offer discounts.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a day or two, carriers can fill gaps in their schedules and pass the savings to you. In Milwaukee, moving a day off a weekend rush can avoid higher weekend surcharges and keep costs down.

3

Hub city advantages

Milwaukee sits on I‑94, I‑43 and I‑90 and has a major freight rail yard and port, making it a natural consolidation point for east‑west and north‑south routes. Carriers often route trucks through the city, so you benefit from competitive pricing and frequent service options.

4

Weather considerations

Milwaukee’s winter snowstorms and lake‑effect snow can delay open‑deck shipments, so plan for extra transit time or consider an enclosed trailer in December‑January. Spring thaws may cause roadwork on I‑94 and I‑43, so checking weather forecasts and allowing a buffer can keep your schedule on track.

5

Booking in advance

Booking 4‑6 weeks ahead lets Milwaukee carriers lock in space before the spring‑to‑summer surge, securing lower rates and giving you a wider choice of carriers. Early reservations also give you time to compare quotes and avoid last‑minute price spikes.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer instead of an enclosed one can cut the price by 10‑20 % because open decks are more common and load faster. For standard sedans or SUVs in Milwaukee’s mild summer months, the extra protection of an enclosed trailer is usually unnecessary.

7

Flexible dates

When you give carriers a flexible window (e.g., any day within a three‑day span), they can batch your shipment with nearby loads heading through Milwaukee, reducing deadhead miles and lowering your quote. This route‑optimizing flexibility is especially valuable during the busy summer travel season.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your Milwaukee car shipping needs. We will match any competitor’s quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Milwaukee

Professional auto transport service for Milwaukee moves

Wisconsin requires a one‑time title transfer and a vehicle registration that can be completed at any DMV office or online through the Wisconsin DMV portal [Wisconsin DMV]. New residents must provide proof of ownership, a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, and proof of insurance within 30 days of moving. License plates are state‑issued, and a temporary 30‑day plate is available for out‑of‑state auto transport shipments.

In Milwaukee, drivers should note downtown parking meters that enforce 2‑hour limits and residential permit zones that require a city‑issued sticker [Milwaukee City Website]. Heavy truck routes follow the I‑94 and I‑43 corridors, so plan your auto transport timing to avoid rush‑hour congestion. Winter weather makes snow chains or studded tires essential; the state allows studded tires from November 1 to March 31, and many locals carry a set of all‑season tires for year‑round use.

Wisconsin’s emissions test applies only to vehicles from 1996 onward in the Milwaukee‑Racine‑Sheboygan area, and window tinting is limited to 35% VLT on front side windows [Wisconsin DOT][Wisconsin Statutes]. Frame height restrictions for trucks are 13.5 feet on state highways. Insurance must meet the state’s minimum liability of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, but many drivers opt for higher limits due to the state’s comparative fault rule [Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner]. Knowing these details helps smooth car shipping and auto transport in and out of Milwaukee.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Milwaukee Vehicle Transport FAQs

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We’re a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details about how to prepare your vehicle for shipping. In Milwaukee, be sure to clear out any personal items, remove toll tags such as K‑Drive or out‑of‑state E‑ZPass, keep the fuel tank under a quarter full, and leave the key with the carrier; also check that the battery is charged and any winter accessories (snow chains, roof racks) are removed to avoid damage.

Yes, when you ship a vehicle to or from Milwaukee, WI, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify their policies are active for the whole trip. This coverage protects your car throughout the Milwaukee area and beyond.

The sooner you book, the better. We recommend scheduling your Milwaukee pickup at least two weeks in advance, but posting your shipment as soon as you know the date helps carriers bundle your car with other loads heading out of the Milwaukee area, such as from the Port of Milwaukee or nearby interstates. Early scheduling also gives you more options for timing and price.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our Auto Transport Process Article for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.

Enclosed transport in Milwaukee typically costs at least 50% more than open trailers, but it shields your vehicle from the region’s harsh winter road salt, gravel, and occasional construction debris. Choose enclosed service for high‑value cars, classic models, or custom paint jobs that need extra protection, while open transport remains a reliable, cost‑effective option for everyday vehicles.

Door-to-door auto transport is available throughout Milwaukee, WI, and we’ll ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses when you book. As long as the locations are accessible, the carrier will collect and drop off your vehicle right at your door; if there are any restrictions, we’ll arrange a nearby gas station or parking lot instead.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don’t run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics’ FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun Facts About Milwaukee

Discover interesting insights about the state you’re shipping to or from

Milwaukee, WI blends lakefront charm with industrial grit, making it a unique hub for car owners and shippers alike.

  • Lakefront Geography: Situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, the city enjoys 4.5 miles of public beaches and a natural cooling breeze that can affect vehicle loading schedules in summer.
  • Iconic Landmarks: The historic Milwaukee Art Museum’s “brise‑soleil” wings and the bustling Harley‑Davidson Museum draw visitors and showcase the city’s love for motor culture.
  • Rich History: Founded in 1846, Milwaukee grew from a brewing powerhouse to a diversified economy, earning the nickname “Brew City” while still supporting modern logistics.
  • Vehicle‑Related Laws: Wisconsin requires a valid registration sticker on the rear plate; temporary transport tags are available for out‑of‑state shipments, simplifying short‑term moves.
  • Climate: Winters are cold and snowy (average 30°F in January), while summers are warm and humid, so plan vehicle protection accordingly.
  • Economy & Industries: Besides brewing, the city’s port handles over 30 million tons of cargo annually, including cars, making it a key entry point for auto shipping.
  • Population: About 580,000 residents, a diverse mix that fuels a vibrant cultural scene and steady demand for reliable transport services.
  • Transportation Network: Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport, Interstate 94, and the Port of Milwaukee create seamless routes for vehicle freight across the Midwest.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you live in Milwaukee, WI and need to move a vehicle, this 101 guide will walk you through the basics of car shipping and auto transport. Understanding each step helps you feel confident and avoids surprises during the move.

First, know the difference between a broker and a carrier. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, works as a middle‑man. They gather your shipment details, compare options, and match you with a carrier. The carrier is the company that actually drives the truck and transports your car.

Step 1: Call a reputable broker to get a free quote. Provide the pick‑up address in Milwaukee, WI, the destination, vehicle make and model, and any special requirements. The broker will ask a few quick questions and give you an estimate.

Step 2: The broker selects a carrier that meets safety standards, has good reviews, and carries proper insurance. This vetting process is crucial because it protects your vehicle while it is in transit.

Step 3: The carrier arrives to pick up your car. Beforehand, remove all personal items, make sure the car can roll freely, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel. If you own a high‑end vehicle, request an enclosed trailer for extra protection.

Step 4: The carrier drives the vehicle to the destination and unloads it. Payment is usually made to the broker or directly to the carrier at the time of pickup or delivery, depending on the agreement you signed.

By following these steps, Milwaukee residents can enjoy a smooth, transparent auto transport experience. Remember to choose a trusted broker, prepare your car properly, and confirm the carrier’s insurance – that’s the recipe for a hassle‑free car shipping journey.