Freight Shipping from Columbus to Memphis
Ship freight from Columbus, OH to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,423-$1,754, LTL from $564-$963. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
662 mi
Drive Time
12 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,423-$1,754
LTL Rate Est.
$564-$963
Columbus to Memphis Freight Corridor
Columbus is the fastest-growing logistics market in the Midwest, centered on the Rickenbacker Inland Port — a unique combination of intermodal rail terminal, cargo airport, and foreign trade zone that processes over $25 billion in goods annually. The city's location within 600 miles of 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population has attracted 200+ million square feet of warehouse space, with Amazon alone operating 8+ facilities in the metro.
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 Columbus-to-Memphis corridor spans 662 miles via I-70, I-71, I-40, I-55. This lane connects logistics & distribution and insurance & financial services freight from the Columbus 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 Columbus
Columbus's economy is driven by logistics & distribution, insurance & financial services, technology, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
consumer packaged goods
retail merchandise
auto parts
beauty & personal care
processed foods
e-commerce shipments
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Columbus.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Columbus 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.
$1,423-$1,754 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.
$1,887-$2,416 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,085-$2,814 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.
$564-$963 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Columbus to Memphis lane (662 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,423-$1,754 | 12 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $564-$963 | 14-16 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,152-$2,979 | 8 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $894-$1,225 | 15-17 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Columbus and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Bath & Body Works (HQ)
Honda of America (Marysville)
Cardinal Health (HQ)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Columbus to Memphis
Columbus Seasonal Advisory
Holiday retail distribution drives a massive Q4 peak, with Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, and Amazon operating 24/7 from October through December. Honda's Marysville plant follows standard automotive shutdown cycles in July and December.
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.
Overnight Transit
This 662-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
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.
Columbus to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Columbus to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Columbus, OH to Memphis, TN currently range from $1,423-$1,754 for a standard dry van load over the 662-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $564-$963 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 Columbus to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Columbus to Memphis is approximately 12 hrs by truck over 662 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 Columbus to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Columbus commonly ships consumer packaged goods, retail merchandise, auto parts, 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 Columbus?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Columbus can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Columbus-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Columbus to Memphis?
The Columbus-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Columbus's top outbound commodities include consumer packaged goods, retail merchandise, auto parts, beauty & personal care, processed foods, e-commerce shipments. 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 insurance & financial services from Columbus and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Columbus to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Columbus to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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