Freight Shipping from Chattanooga to Memphis
Ship freight from Chattanooga, TN to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $748-$922, LTL from $391-$696. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
348 mi
Drive Time
6 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$748-$922
LTL Rate Est.
$391-$696
Chattanooga to Memphis Freight Corridor
Chattanooga reinvented its freight identity when Volkswagen opened its only U.S. assembly plant here in 2011, now producing the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for the entire North American market. The I-24/I-75 junction at the Tennessee-Georgia border makes Chattanooga a critical gateway between the Midwest and Southeast. The city's gigabit internet infrastructure has attracted tech companies and Amazon fulfillment, adding e-commerce distribution to the traditional manufacturing freight base.
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 Chattanooga-to-Memphis corridor spans 348 miles via I-24, I-75, I-40, I-55. This lane connects automotive manufacturing and insurance freight from the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Chattanooga's economy is driven by automotive manufacturing, insurance, advanced manufacturing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
Volkswagen vehicles
automotive components
insurance documents
food products
building materials
fabricated metals
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Chattanooga.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Chattanooga 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.
$748-$922 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.
$992-$1,270 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,096-$1,479 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.
$391-$696 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Chattanooga to Memphis lane (348 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $748-$922 | 6 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $391-$696 | 8-10 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,131-$1,566 | 4 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Chattanooga and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly
Unum Group (HQ)
Gestamp (auto stampings)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Chattanooga to Memphis
Chattanooga Seasonal Advisory
VW production runs year-round with a two-week summer shutdown in July and brief December pause. Amazon fulfillment peaks October through December. The proximity to Atlanta creates year-round freight spillover from the Southeast's largest market.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 348 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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.
Chattanooga to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Chattanooga to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Chattanooga, TN to Memphis, TN currently range from $748-$922 for a standard dry van load over the 348-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $391-$696 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 Chattanooga to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Chattanooga to Memphis is approximately 6 hrs by truck over 348 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%.
What equipment do I need for Chattanooga to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Chattanooga commonly ships Volkswagen vehicles, automotive components, insurance documents, 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 Chattanooga?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Chattanooga can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Chattanooga-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Chattanooga to Memphis?
The Chattanooga-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Chattanooga's top outbound commodities include Volkswagen vehicles, automotive components, insurance documents, food products, building materials, 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 automotive manufacturing and insurance from Chattanooga and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Chattanooga to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Chattanooga to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts