Freight Shipping from Akron to Memphis
Ship freight from Akron, OH to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,729-$2,131, LTL from $642-$1,083. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
804 mi
Drive Time
15 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,729-$2,131
LTL Rate Est.
$642-$1,083
Akron to Memphis Freight Corridor
Akron earned the title "Rubber Capital of the World" — Goodyear's global headquarters still anchors the city's economy, along with a deep cluster of polymer science companies, tire retreaders, and rubber product manufacturers that grew up around the original tire industry. The I-76/I-77 junction makes Akron a natural crossroads between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. The University of Akron's polymer science program ensures a constant pipeline of materials innovation that keeps the city's chemical and advanced materials freight volumes growing.
Memphis is America's logistics capital, defined by FedEx's global SuperHub at Memphis International Airport — the world's busiest cargo airport. Every FedEx Express package in the Western Hemisphere passes through this facility, creating a 24/7 ground freight ecosystem of pickups, deliveries, and linehaul moves that sustains thousands of carriers. The Mississippi River port adds barge freight, and the city's five Class I railroad connections make it the most rail-served city in the nation.
The Akron-to-Memphis corridor spans 804 miles via I-76, I-77, I-40, I-55. This lane connects polymer & rubber manufacturing and advanced materials freight from the Akron market to logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices demand in Memphis. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Akron
Akron's economy is driven by polymer & rubber manufacturing, advanced materials, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
tires & rubber products
polymer compounds
oats & cereals (Quaker)
industrial adhesives
specialty chemicals
fabricated metals
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Akron.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Akron and Memphis, these equipment types best serve this corridor.
Dry Van (FTL)
Ideal for palletized consumer goods, electronics, packaged foods, and general merchandise. Enclosed protection from weather and theft.
$1,729-$2,131 estimated for this lane
Flatbed
Best for steel, lumber, machinery, building materials, and oversized loads that cannot be palletized or loaded through standard dock doors.
$2,291-$2,935 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,533-$3,417 estimated for this lane
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets. Shared trailer space with other shippers reduces cost for smaller loads.
$642-$1,083 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Akron to Memphis lane (804 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,729-$2,131 | 15 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $642-$1,083 | 17-19 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,613-$3,618 | 10 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,085-$1,487 | 18-20 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Akron and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber (HQ)
FirstEnergy (HQ)
Smucker's (Akron bakery)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Akron to Memphis
Akron Seasonal Advisory
Tire production runs year-round but seasonal tire changeover periods (October-November for winter, March-April for summer) create demand surges. FirstEnergy's utility equipment shipments peak before summer cooling season. Quaker Oats production ramps for back-to-school cereal demand.
Memphis Seasonal Advisory
FedEx's holiday peak season (November-January) transforms Memphis into a frenzy of carrier demand. Cotton harvest (October-December) drives outbound agricultural volume. The Mississippi River's water levels affect barge operations — low water in late summer can shift freight to trucks, spiking rates.
Overnight Transit
This 804-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
Book Early for Best Rates
Spot market rates fluctuate daily. Booking 3-5 days in advance typically saves 10-15% compared to same-day or next-day freight requests. For recurring shipments, ask about contract rates.
Akron to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Akron to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Akron, OH to Memphis, TN currently range from $1,729-$2,131 for a standard dry van load over the 804-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $642-$1,083 depending on freight class, weight, and dimensions. Request a custom quote for exact pricing based on your specific shipment details.
How long does freight take from Akron to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Akron to Memphis is approximately 15 hrs by truck over 804 miles. LTL shipments add 2-4 business days due to terminal transfers. Expedited service with team drivers can reduce FTL transit by up to 40%. Intermodal rail-truck service takes 5-7 days but offers significant cost savings.
What equipment do I need for Akron to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Akron commonly ships tires & rubber products, polymer compounds, oats & cereals (Quaker), which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Memphis commonly receives e-commerce packages (FedEx), consumer goods, raw cotton. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Memphis to Akron?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Akron can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Akron-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Akron to Memphis?
The Akron-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Akron's top outbound commodities include tires & rubber products, polymer compounds, oats & cereals (Quaker), industrial adhesives, specialty chemicals, fabricated metals. Memphis's primary inbound freight includes e-commerce packages (FedEx), consumer goods, raw cotton, steel & metals, petroleum products, agricultural inputs. Industries driving this lane include polymer & rubber manufacturing and advanced materials from Akron and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Akron to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Akron to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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