Freight Shipping from Duluth to Memphis
Ship freight from Duluth, MN to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,266-$2,793, LTL from $780-$1,296. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,054 mi
Drive Time
19 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,266-$2,793
LTL Rate Est.
$780-$1,296
Duluth to Memphis Freight Corridor
Duluth-Superior is the largest port by tonnage on the Great Lakes, moving 35+ million tons of iron ore, grain, and coal annually through its harbor. The Iron Range taconite mines north of the city generate massive bulk commodity movements by rail and truck. As a remote northern market, carriers earn premium rates but face long repositioning distances to their next load.
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 Duluth-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,054 miles via I-35, US-53, I-40, I-55. This lane connects iron ore mining and grain export freight from the Duluth 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 Duluth
Duluth's economy is driven by iron ore mining, grain export, timber & paper, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
iron ore pellets
grain & soybeans
taconite
timber & logs
coal
paper products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Duluth.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Duluth 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.
$2,266-$2,793 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.
$3,004-$3,847 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,320-$4,480 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.
$780-$1,296 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Duluth to Memphis lane (1,054 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,266-$2,793 | 19 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $780-$1,296 | 21-23 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,426-$4,743 | 13 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,423-$1,950 | 22-24 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Duluth and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
U.S. Steel (Minntac)
Cleveland-Cliffs
CHS Inc.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Duluth to Memphis
Duluth Seasonal Advisory
Great Lakes shipping season runs April through mid-January when the port is ice-free. Winter mine shutdowns and frozen harbor conditions from mid-January through March dramatically reduce freight volumes.
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 1,054 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 19 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.
Duluth to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Duluth to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Duluth, MN to Memphis, TN currently range from $2,266-$2,793 for a standard dry van load over the 1,054-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $780-$1,296 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 Duluth to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Duluth to Memphis is approximately 19 hrs by truck over 1,054 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 Duluth to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Duluth commonly ships iron ore pellets, grain & soybeans, taconite, 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 Duluth?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Duluth can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Duluth-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Duluth to Memphis?
The Duluth-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Duluth's top outbound commodities include iron ore pellets, grain & soybeans, taconite, timber & logs, coal, paper 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 iron ore mining and grain export from Duluth and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Duluth to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Duluth to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts