WA➜MO

The Route: Washington to Missouri

This guide outlines a common and efficient trucking route from Washington State to Missouri. The specific origin and destination points within each state will affect the exact mileage and travel time, but this route provides a solid general framework.

Starting in Washington, the primary Interstate highway you'll be utilizing is I-90 East. Follow I-90 East through Washington, across Idaho, and into Montana. In Montana, you'll remain on I-90 East until you reach Billings.

From Billings, Montana, take I-94 East towards North Dakota. Follow I-94 East across North Dakota and into Minnesota. You will then transition onto I-90 East again when it intersects with I-94 in Minnesota. Follow I-90 East into Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, follow I-90 East until it intersects with I-94 East again near Madison. Follow I-94 East to Chicago, Illinois.

Once in Illinois, take I-57 South. Follow I-57 South to Sikeston, Missouri. At Sikeston, take I-55 South towards your final destination in Missouri. Depending on your destination in Missouri, you may need to transition to other state routes or interstates. Plan your final leg accordingly.

Compliance & Permits

Several weigh stations and ports of entry are situated along this route. Be prepared to stop and provide necessary documentation.

• Washington: Expect weigh stations along I-90, generally well-signed.
• Idaho: Weigh stations are typically located near major towns and crossings.
• Montana: Be aware of scales near major cities along I-90 and I-94.
• North Dakota: Ports of Entry and weigh stations are found along I-94.
• Minnesota: Weigh stations are well-marked along I-90 and I-94.
• Wisconsin: Expect weigh stations along I-90 and I-94, particularly near state lines.
• Illinois: Active weigh stations along I-57. Be prepared for inspections.
• Missouri: Weigh stations along I-55, typically south of St. Louis.

Permitting: Due to the states involved, you likely won't need specific state-level fuel or road tax permits beyond IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement). Ensure your IFTA credentials are current and properly displayed. However, always verify your specific load requirements and any local permits at your destination.

Risks & Hazards

This route traverses a diverse geographical area, presenting various seasonal weather risks.

• Winter (November - March): Snow and ice are significant hazards, particularly in the mountainous regions of Washington, Idaho, and Montana, as well as the plains of North Dakota. Carry chains and be prepared for road closures. Temperatures can drop drastically, impacting vehicle performance. Expect potential delays.
• Spring (April - May): Flooding is a possibility, especially in low-lying areas of the Midwest (Illinois, Missouri). Monitor weather reports carefully.
• Summer (June - August): Heat is a major concern, particularly in the Plains states (North Dakota, Illinois, Missouri). Ensure your truck's cooling system is functioning correctly, and take regular breaks to avoid heat exhaustion. Tire blowouts are also more common in hot weather. Thunderstorms, including severe storms with hail and high winds, are also a risk.
• Autumn (September - October): Black ice becomes a risk in the northern states as temperatures fluctuate around freezing. Check bridges and overpasses for icy conditions.