Freight Shipping from Elizabeth to Memphis
Ship freight from Elizabeth, NJ to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,634-$3,246, LTL from $874-$1,441. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,225 mi
Drive Time
22 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,634-$3,246
LTL Rate Est.
$874-$1,441
Elizabeth to Memphis Freight Corridor
Elizabeth is home to the largest container terminal complex in the Port of New York and New Jersey, processing millions of TEUs annually across the APM and Maersk terminals. The ExpressRail on-dock intermodal facility allows containers to move directly from ship to rail without a truck drayage move. Phillips 66's Bayway Refinery adds petroleum freight volume, while IKEA's massive distribution center serves the entire Northeast.
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 Elizabeth-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,225 miles via NJ Turnpike, I-278 (Goethals Bridge), I-40, I-55. This lane connects container port operations and intermodal logistics freight from the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
Elizabeth's economy is driven by container port operations, intermodal logistics, petroleum refining, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
re-exported containers
refined petroleum
chemicals
scrap metal
food products
recycled materials
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Elizabeth.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Elizabeth 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.
$2,634-$3,246 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.
$3,491-$4,471 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,859-$5,206 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.
$874-$1,441 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Elizabeth to Memphis lane (1,225 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,634-$3,246 | 22 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $874-$1,441 | 24-26 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,981-$5,513 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,654-$2,266 | 25-27 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Elizabeth and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
APM Terminals (Elizabeth)
IKEA Elizabeth DC
Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Elizabeth to Memphis
Elizabeth Seasonal Advisory
Peak import season (August-October) can extend vessel wait times to 5-7 days at anchor, cascading into terminal congestion and chassis shortages that ripple through the entire regional freight 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.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,225 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.
Elizabeth to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Elizabeth to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Elizabeth, NJ to Memphis, TN currently range from $2,634-$3,246 for a standard dry van load over the 1,225-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $874-$1,441 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 Elizabeth to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Elizabeth to Memphis is approximately 22 hrs by truck over 1,225 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 Elizabeth to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Elizabeth commonly ships re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals, 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 Elizabeth?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Elizabeth can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Elizabeth-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Elizabeth to Memphis?
The Elizabeth-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Elizabeth's top outbound commodities include re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals, scrap metal, food products, recycled materials. 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 container port operations and intermodal logistics from Elizabeth and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Elizabeth to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Elizabeth to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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