Freight Shipping from Burlington to Nashville
Ship freight from Burlington, VT to Nashville, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,556-$3,151, LTL from $854-$1,411. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,189 mi
Drive Time
22 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,556-$3,151
LTL Rate Est.
$854-$1,411
Burlington to Nashville Freight Corridor
Burlington is an unlikely freight hub — but GlobalFoundries' semiconductor fab in Essex Junction is the largest private employer in Vermont, producing advanced chips that ship worldwide in climate-controlled, high-security trailers. Ben & Jerry's and Keurig Dr Pepper operate major production facilities in nearby Waterbury, creating consistent reefer and dry van demand. Vermont's geographic isolation from major interstates means carriers command premium rates for serving this market.
Nashville has emerged as one of America's fastest-growing freight markets, fueled by explosive population growth and a diversified economy anchored by healthcare and automotive. Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant — the most productive auto plant in North America — builds 640,000+ vehicles annually, while HCA Healthcare's headquarters drives medical supply distribution across 180+ hospitals. The I-40/I-65/I-24 triple junction gives Nashville reach to virtually every major market east of the Rockies.
The Burlington-to-Nashville corridor spans 1,189 miles via I-89, US-7, I-40, I-65. This lane connects semiconductor manufacturing and specialty food & beverage freight from the Burlington market to healthcare and music & entertainment demand in Nashville. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Burlington
Burlington's economy is driven by semiconductor manufacturing, specialty food & beverage, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
semiconductors (GlobalFoundries)
craft beer & spirits
maple syrup
ice cream (Ben & Jerry's)
specialty cheese
precision instruments
What Nashville Receives
Nashville's healthcare, music & entertainment, automotive manufacturing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Burlington.
automotive components
consumer electronics
construction materials
food products
retail merchandise
medical supplies
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Burlington and Nashville, 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.
$2,556-$3,151 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.
$3,151-$3,983 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.
$3,389-$4,340 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.
$854-$1,411 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Burlington to Nashville lane (1,189 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,556-$3,151 | 22 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $854-$1,411 | 24-26 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,864-$5,351 | 14 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,605-$2,200 | 25-27 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Burlington and Nashville that drive volume on this lane.
GlobalFoundries (Essex Junction fab)
Ben & Jerry's (Waterbury)
Keurig Dr Pepper (Waterbury)
Nissan North America (HQ & Smyrna Plant)
HCA Healthcare (HQ)
Bridgestone Americas (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Burlington to Nashville
Burlington Seasonal Advisory
Maple syrup season (March-April) creates a brief but intense shipping surge. Ben & Jerry's reefer demand peaks ahead of summer. Heating oil deliveries dominate inbound freight October through April. GlobalFoundries runs 24/7 year-round with steady output.
Nashville Seasonal Advisory
Nissan production runs year-round with brief shutdowns in July and December. Healthcare supply distribution peaks during flu season (October-March). The massive construction boom for Nashville's growth creates steady building material demand March through November.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,189 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 22 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.
Burlington to Nashville Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Burlington to Nashville?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Burlington, VT to Nashville, TN currently range from $2,556-$3,151 for a standard dry van load over the 1,189-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $854-$1,411 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 Burlington to Nashville?
Standard FTL transit from Burlington to Nashville is approximately 22 hrs by truck over 1,189 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 Burlington to Nashville freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Burlington commonly ships semiconductors (GlobalFoundries), craft beer & spirits, maple syrup, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Nashville commonly receives automotive components, consumer electronics, construction materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Nashville to Burlington?
Yes. Nashville is a strong outbound market shipping healthcare products, automotive parts (Nissan), consumer goods. Carriers returning from Nashville to Burlington can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Burlington-to-Nashville lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Burlington to Nashville?
The Burlington-to-Nashville corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Burlington's top outbound commodities include semiconductors (GlobalFoundries), craft beer & spirits, maple syrup, ice cream (Ben & Jerry's), specialty cheese, precision instruments. Nashville's primary inbound freight includes automotive components, consumer electronics, construction materials, food products, retail merchandise, medical supplies. Industries driving this lane include semiconductor manufacturing and specialty food & beverage from Burlington and healthcare and music & entertainment in Nashville.
Get Exact Rates for Burlington to Nashville
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Burlington to Nashville lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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