Freight Shipping from Allentown to Memphis
Ship freight from Allentown, PA to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,453-$3,024, LTL from $828-$1,370. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,141 mi
Drive Time
21 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,453-$3,024
LTL Rate Est.
$828-$1,370
Allentown to Memphis Freight Corridor
The Lehigh Valley has exploded into one of the East Coast's premier distribution corridors, with over 100 million square feet of warehouse space concentrated along I-78. The region's position — 80 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia — makes it the ideal last-mile staging area for the entire Northeast megalopolis. The former Bethlehem Steel site has been transformed into a 3,000-acre logistics and commerce center, symbolizing the Valley's shift from heavy industry to distribution.
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 Allentown-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,141 miles via I-78, US-22, I-40, I-55. This lane connects logistics & distribution and food processing freight from the Allentown 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 Allentown
Allentown's economy is driven by logistics & distribution, food processing, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
consumer packaged goods
cement & concrete products
processed foods
medical supplies
snack foods (Utz)
retail merchandise
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Allentown.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Allentown 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.
$2,453-$3,024 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.
$3,252-$4,165 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,594-$4,849 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.
$828-$1,370 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Allentown to Memphis lane (1,141 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,453-$3,024 | 21 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $828-$1,370 | 23-25 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,708-$5,135 | 14 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,540-$2,111 | 24-26 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Allentown and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx Ground (regional hub)
Amazon ABE Fulfillment
Utz Brands (Hanover)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Allentown to Memphis
Allentown Seasonal Advisory
E-commerce fulfillment drives a massive Q4 surge — Amazon and FedEx Ground ramp seasonal staffing and truck volume by 40-60% from October through December. Cement and construction material shipments peak March through November.
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.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,141 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 21 hours without mandatory 10-hour rest breaks, cutting transit time nearly in half compared to a solo driver.
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.
Allentown to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Allentown to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Allentown, PA to Memphis, TN currently range from $2,453-$3,024 for a standard dry van load over the 1,141-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $828-$1,370 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 Allentown to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Allentown to Memphis is approximately 21 hrs by truck over 1,141 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 Allentown to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Allentown commonly ships consumer packaged goods, cement & concrete products, processed foods, 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 Allentown?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Allentown can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Allentown-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Allentown to Memphis?
The Allentown-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Allentown's top outbound commodities include consumer packaged goods, cement & concrete products, processed foods, medical supplies, snack foods (Utz), retail merchandise. 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 logistics & distribution and food processing from Allentown and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Allentown to Memphis
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