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
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
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.