Freight Shipping from Fort Smith to Memphis
Ship freight from Fort Smith, AR to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $688-$848, LTL from $376-$672. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
320 mi
Drive Time
6 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$688-$848
LTL Rate Est.
$376-$672
Fort Smith to Memphis Freight Corridor
Fort Smith is the unlikely headquarters of ArcBest Corporation, one of the nation's largest LTL carriers, which means this small metro punches well above its weight in freight industry knowledge and infrastructure. Sitting right on the Oklahoma border at the I-40/I-49 junction, the city serves as a natural crossroads for freight moving between the Southern Plains and the mid-South. Mars Petcare's massive plant keeps dry van carriers busy with shipments to distribution centers nationwide.
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 Fort Smith-to-Memphis corridor spans 320 miles via I-40. This lane connects food processing and furniture manufacturing freight from the Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith
Fort Smith's economy is driven by food processing, furniture manufacturing, plastics, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
processed poultry
furniture & fixtures
plastic products
canned goods
aerospace parts
pet food
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Fort Smith.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Fort Smith 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.
$688-$848 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.
$848-$1,072 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.
$912-$1,168 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,008-$1,360 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Fort Smith to Memphis lane (320 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $688-$848 | 6 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $376-$672 | 8-10 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,040-$1,440 | 4 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Fort Smith and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
ArcBest Corporation (HQ)
Mars Petcare
Trane Technologies
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Fort Smith to Memphis
Fort Smith Seasonal Advisory
Poultry processing peaks in spring and fall. Furniture shipments trend higher March through May as consumers furnish new homes during spring buying season.
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 320 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.
Fort Smith to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Fort Smith to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Fort Smith, AR to Memphis, TN currently range from $688-$848 for a standard dry van load over the 320-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $376-$672 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 Fort Smith to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Fort Smith to Memphis is approximately 6 hrs by truck over 320 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 Fort Smith to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Fort Smith commonly ships processed poultry, furniture & fixtures, plastic products, 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 Fort Smith?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Fort Smith can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Fort Smith-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Fort Smith to Memphis?
The Fort Smith-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Fort Smith's top outbound commodities include processed poultry, furniture & fixtures, plastic products, canned goods, aerospace parts, pet food. 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 food processing and furniture manufacturing from Fort Smith and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Fort Smith to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Fort Smith to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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