Freight Shipping from Billings to Memphis
Ship freight from Billings, MT to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,386-$4,174, LTL from $1,066-$1,739. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,575 mi
Drive Time
29 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,386-$4,174
LTL Rate Est.
$1,066-$1,739
Billings to Memphis Freight Corridor
Billings is Montana's largest city and the commercial hub of the northern Great Plains, serving as a distribution point for a vast rural territory stretching from the Dakotas to Idaho. Two petroleum refineries process Bakken crude oil, generating steady tanker freight. The surrounding agricultural economy produces wheat, sugar beets, and cattle that move by truck to processing plants and rail terminals.
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 Billings-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,575 miles via I-90, I-94, I-40, I-55. This lane connects petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching freight from the Billings 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 Billings
Billings's economy is driven by petroleum refining, agriculture & ranching, energy (oil & gas), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
refined petroleum
sugar beets
grain & wheat
livestock
bentonite clay
hay & feed
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Billings.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Billings 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.
$3,386-$4,174 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.
$4,489-$5,749 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,961-$6,694 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.
$1,066-$1,739 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Billings to Memphis lane (1,575 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,386-$4,174 | 29 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,066-$1,739 | 31-33 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,119-$7,088 | 19 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,126-$2,914 | 32-34 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Billings and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
CHS Refinery (Laurel)
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Western Sugar Cooperative
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Billings to Memphis
Billings Seasonal Advisory
Grain harvest (August-October) creates intense demand for hopper trailers and flatbeds. Winter conditions on I-90 over the mountain passes can close roads for days, creating delivery reliability challenges from November through March.
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 1,575 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 29 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.
Billings to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Billings to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Billings, MT to Memphis, TN currently range from $3,386-$4,174 for a standard dry van load over the 1,575-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,066-$1,739 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 Billings to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Billings to Memphis is approximately 29 hrs by truck over 1,575 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 Billings to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Billings commonly ships refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, 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 Billings?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Billings can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Billings-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Billings to Memphis?
The Billings-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Billings's top outbound commodities include refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, livestock, bentonite clay, hay & feed. 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 petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching from Billings and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Billings to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Billings to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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