Freight Shipping from Bakersfield to Memphis
Ship freight from Bakersfield, CA to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,552-$5,610, LTL from $1,364-$2,199. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,117 mi
Drive Time
38 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,552-$5,610
LTL Rate Est.
$1,364-$2,199
Bakersfield to Memphis Freight Corridor
Bakersfield is where California's two biggest freight industries — oil and agriculture — collide. Kern County is the state's top oil-producing county and its most productive agricultural county, creating a unique dual freight market. Grimmway Farms and Bolthouse Farms ship more carrots from here than anywhere else on Earth, while Chevron's Kern River oilfield operations generate tanker and flatbed freight year-round. The Tejon Commerce Center near the Grapevine (I-5/SR-99 junction) has emerged as a major distribution hub serving both LA and the Central Valley.
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 Bakersfield-to-Memphis corridor spans 2,117 miles via SR-99, SR-58, I-40, I-55. This lane connects oil & gas and agriculture freight from the Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield
Bakersfield's economy is driven by oil & gas, agriculture, logistics & distribution, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
crude oil
grapes & table fruit
carrots & vegetables
almonds & pistachios
cotton
dairy products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Bakersfield.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Bakersfield 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.
$4,552-$5,610 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$5,610-$7,092 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.
$6,033-$7,727 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$6,669-$8,997 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Bakersfield to Memphis lane (2,117 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,552-$5,610 | 38 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,364-$2,199 | 40-42 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $6,880-$9,527 | 26 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,858-$3,916 | 41-43 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Bakersfield and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Chevron (Kern River oilfields)
Grimmway Farms (world's largest carrot grower)
Bolthouse Farms
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Bakersfield to Memphis
Bakersfield Seasonal Advisory
Grape harvest (August-October) is the biggest produce freight event. Carrot and vegetable shipments run nearly year-round. Oil production is steady but drilling activity varies with crude prices. Solar farm construction in the Mojave (spring-fall) creates heavy haul opportunities.
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 2,117 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 38 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.
Bakersfield to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Bakersfield to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Bakersfield, CA to Memphis, TN currently range from $4,552-$5,610 for a standard dry van load over the 2,117-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,364-$2,199 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 Bakersfield to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Bakersfield to Memphis is approximately 38 hrs by truck over 2,117 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 Bakersfield to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Bakersfield commonly ships crude oil, grapes & table fruit, carrots & vegetables, 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 Bakersfield?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Bakersfield can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Bakersfield-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Bakersfield to Memphis?
The Bakersfield-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Bakersfield's top outbound commodities include crude oil, grapes & table fruit, carrots & vegetables, almonds & pistachios, cotton, dairy products. 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 oil & gas and agriculture from Bakersfield and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Bakersfield to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Bakersfield to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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