Freight Shipping from Des Moines to Memphis
Ship freight from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,357-$1,672, LTL from $547-$936. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
631 mi
Drive Time
11 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,357-$1,672
LTL Rate Est.
$547-$936
Des Moines to Memphis Freight Corridor
Des Moines sits at the junction of I-80 and I-35, making it the natural crossroads of the upper Midwest agricultural belt. The city punches above its weight in freight thanks to a concentration of food processing plants (Tyson, Barilla, Kemin) and Hy-Vee's distribution network that services grocery stores across eight states. Meta's massive data center campus in Altoona has added a new dimension of high-value technology freight for server equipment and infrastructure.
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 Des Moines-to-Memphis corridor spans 631 miles via I-80, I-35, I-40, I-55. This lane connects insurance & financial services and food processing freight from the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Des Moines's economy is driven by insurance & financial services, food processing, agriculture, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
processed meats
corn products & ethanol
insurance documents
animal feed
soybeans
egg products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Des Moines.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Des Moines 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.
$1,357-$1,672 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.
$1,672-$2,114 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.
$1,798-$2,303 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,988-$2,682 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Des Moines to Memphis lane (631 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,357-$1,672 | 11 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $547-$936 | 13-15 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,051-$2,840 | 8 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $852-$1,167 | 14-16 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Des Moines and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
John Deere (Des Moines Works)
Hy-Vee (HQ)
Principal Financial (HQ)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Des Moines to Memphis
Des Moines Seasonal Advisory
Harvest season (September-November) transforms the freight market as grain trucks flood the highways and competition for drivers intensifies. Holiday food processing peaks October through December. Data center construction freight has become a year-round constant.
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 631-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.
Des Moines to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Des Moines to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN currently range from $1,357-$1,672 for a standard dry van load over the 631-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $547-$936 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 Des Moines to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Des Moines to Memphis is approximately 11 hrs by truck over 631 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 Des Moines to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Des Moines commonly ships processed meats, corn products & ethanol, 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 Des Moines?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Des Moines can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Des Moines-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Des Moines to Memphis?
The Des Moines-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Des Moines's top outbound commodities include processed meats, corn products & ethanol, insurance documents, animal feed, soybeans, egg 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 insurance & financial services and food processing from Des Moines and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Des Moines to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Des Moines to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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