St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL

297-mile freight corridor via I-55 N through the Illinois heartland, past Springfield and Bloomington into Chicago. Same day (4-5 hours) transit. Easy difficulty.

Distance

297 mi

Transit Time

Same day (4-5 hours)

Difficulty

Easy

Toll Cost

$5-10

Average Rates Per Mile

Equipment	Rate/Mile	Est. Total
Dry Van	$2.35	$697.95
Reefer	$2.80	$831.6
Flatbed	$3.00	$891

Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.

Route Details

Recommended Route

I-55 N through the Illinois heartland, past Springfield and Bloomington into Chicago

Fuel Stops

2 recommended

Tolls

$5-10

Common Freight Types

Consumer GoodsFood ProductsSteelAgricultural Products

Backhaul Information

Good Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $2.20/mi

Common return cargo: Packaged food, machinery, consumer goods, steel products

Key Stops Along the Route

St. Louis, MO

Origin

Edwardsville, IL

Springfield, IL

Lincoln, IL

Bloomington, IL

Joliet, IL

Chicago, IL

Destination

Seasonal Trends

One of the highest-volume freight corridors in the Midwest. Year-round consistent demand. Ag season August-November adds grain and produce loads. Holiday retail surge October-January. Winter ice storms can shut I-55 for 12-24 hours.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

I-55 through central Illinois is flat and straight, but monotonous driving leads to fatigue. Stay alert.

Springfield is the midpoint and Abraham Lincoln tourism capital. Good truck services at the I-55/I-72 interchange.

Edwardsville/Pontoon Beach area near St. Louis has Amazon and other fulfillment centers. Strong reload market.

Chicago's Will County (Joliet, Romeoville, Elwood) has the largest inland intermodal port in the US. Freight options are endless.

Fuel in Illinois is taxed heavily. Missouri fuel is cheaper -- fill up before crossing into IL.

St. Louis to Chicago FAQ

Current average rates on the St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL lane are approximately $2.35/mi for dry van, $2.80/mi for reefer, and $3.00/mi for flatbed. Rates fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and market demand. The most common equipment types on this lane are Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed.

The 297-mile route from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL typically takes Same day (4-5 hours). The recommended route is I-55 N through the Illinois heartland, past Springfield and Bloomington into Chicago. Actual transit time depends on weather, traffic, HOS compliance, and whether you run solo or team. Plan for 2 fuel stops along the way.

Yes, backhaul availability on the return trip is good. Average backhaul rates run around $2.20/mi. Common backhaul cargo includes Packaged food, machinery, consumer goods, steel products. Check DAT, Truckstop, and local brokers for the best return loads.

Estimated toll costs on the St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL corridor are $5-10. Factor these tolls into your rate negotiation -- they directly impact your net revenue per mile. Electronic transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass, etc.) can reduce costs and save time at toll plazas.

Related Freight Lanes

Chicago → Atlanta

716 mi · 1-2 days

easyDV $2.25

Dallas → Chicago

920 mi · 2 days

moderateDV $2.10

Chicago → New York

790 mi · 2 days

challengingDV $2.45

Equipment

Rate/Mile

Est. Total

Dry Van

$2.35

$697.95

Reefer

$2.80

$831.6

Flatbed

$3.00

$891

Trucker Tips for This Lane

I-55 through central Illinois is flat and straight, but monotonous driving leads to fatigue. Stay alert.

Springfield is the midpoint and Abraham Lincoln tourism capital. Good truck services at the I-55/I-72 interchange.

Edwardsville/Pontoon Beach area near St. Louis has Amazon and other fulfillment centers. Strong reload market.

Chicago's Will County (Joliet, Romeoville, Elwood) has the largest inland intermodal port in the US. Freight options are endless.

Fuel in Illinois is taxed heavily. Missouri fuel is cheaper -- fill up before crossing into IL.

St. Louis to Chicago FAQ