Appleton, WI
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Appleton.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.43 |
| Reefer | $2.79 |
| Flatbed | $3.01 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
US-41WI-15WI-47WI-125US-10
Top Industries
Paper and packaging
Manufacturing
Insurance
Healthcare
Food processing
Major Distribution Centers
Kimberly-Clark DC
Schneider National logistics
Piggly Wiggly Midwest DC
Top Shippers
K
Kimberly-ClarkA
AppvionP
Pierce ManufacturingM
Miller ElectricB
Bemis CompanyNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via US-41
Truck Stops
Kwik Trip (US-41 & WI-15)
BP (US-41 & College Ave)
Shell (US-41 & Ballard Rd)
Challenges
- Fox River bridge weight limits, paper mill truck queues, and US-41 construction as it converts to I-41.
- Winter weather creates hazardous driving conditions November through March
- Spring flooding can close river-adjacent highways
- High competition from large carrier fleets based in the region
Opportunities
- Central location provides access to loads heading in every direction
- Massive intermodal and rail hub infrastructure in Chicago area
- Strong agricultural freight during harvest season
- Lower cost of living and operating costs improve net margins
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Harvest season (August-November) generates enormous grain and produce volume. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Winter weather (November-March) causes delays but also rate spikes. Spring flooding can disrupt river-adjacent routes.
Trucking in Appleton — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Appleton: Dry Van $2.43, Reefer $2.79, Flatbed $3.01. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Appleton is rated "fair." Popular stops include Kwik Trip (US-41 & WI-15), BP (US-41 & College Ave), Shell (US-41 & Ballard Rd). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Appleton freight market include Kimberly-Clark, Appvion, Pierce Manufacturing, Miller Electric, Bemis Company. Key industries driving freight demand are paper and packaging, manufacturing, insurance.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Appleton include: Fox River bridge weight limits, paper mill truck queues, and US-41 construction as it converts to I-41.; Winter weather creates hazardous driving conditions November through March; Spring flooding can close river-adjacent highways. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.