Freight Shipping from Gulfport to Nashville
Ship freight from Gulfport, MS to Nashville, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,180-$1,455, LTL from $502-$867. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
549 mi
Drive Time
10 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,180-$1,455
LTL Rate Est.
$502-$867
Gulfport to Nashville Freight Corridor
Gulfport-Biloxi is the Mississippi Gulf Coast's freight anchor, with the Port of Gulfport serving as a major Dole fruit import terminal receiving banana and pineapple shipments from Central America. Nearby Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula is the nation's largest military shipbuilder, generating oversize defense cargo. Keesler AFB adds steady government freight volume.
Nashville has emerged as one of America's fastest-growing freight markets, fueled by explosive population growth and a diversified economy anchored by healthcare and automotive. Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant — the most productive auto plant in North America — builds 640,000+ vehicles annually, while HCA Healthcare's headquarters drives medical supply distribution across 180+ hospitals. The I-40/I-65/I-24 triple junction gives Nashville reach to virtually every major market east of the Rockies.
The Gulfport-to-Nashville corridor spans 549 miles via I-10, US-49, I-40, I-65. This lane connects port & maritime and military (keesler afb) freight from the Gulfport market to healthcare and music & entertainment demand in Nashville. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Gulfport
Gulfport's economy is driven by port & maritime, military (keesler afb), gaming & casinos, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
frozen poultry (export)
forest products
resin & polymers
military equipment
seafood
scrap metal
What Nashville Receives
Nashville's healthcare, music & entertainment, automotive manufacturing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Gulfport.
automotive components
consumer electronics
construction materials
food products
retail merchandise
medical supplies
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Gulfport and Nashville, 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.
$1,180-$1,455 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.
$1,455-$1,839 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.
$1,565-$2,004 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.
$502-$867 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Gulfport to Nashville lane (549 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,180-$1,455 | 10 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $502-$867 | 12-14 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,784-$2,471 | 7 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $741-$1,016 | 13-15 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Gulfport and Nashville that drive volume on this lane.
Dole Fresh Fruit
Keesler Air Force Base
Huntington Ingalls (Pascagoula)
Nissan North America (HQ & Smyrna Plant)
HCA Healthcare (HQ)
Bridgestone Americas (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Gulfport to Nashville
Gulfport Seasonal Advisory
Hurricane season (June-November) poses significant risk to port operations and can shut down I-10 coastal routes. Post-hurricane rebuild freight surges have historically lasted 12-18 months and dramatically inflate local rates.
Nashville Seasonal Advisory
Nissan production runs year-round with brief shutdowns in July and December. Healthcare supply distribution peaks during flu season (October-March). The massive construction boom for Nashville's growth creates steady building material demand March through November.
Overnight Transit
This 549-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.
Gulfport to Nashville Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Gulfport to Nashville?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Gulfport, MS to Nashville, TN currently range from $1,180-$1,455 for a standard dry van load over the 549-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $502-$867 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 Gulfport to Nashville?
Standard FTL transit from Gulfport to Nashville is approximately 10 hrs by truck over 549 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 Gulfport to Nashville freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Gulfport commonly ships frozen poultry (export), forest products, resin & polymers, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Nashville commonly receives automotive components, consumer electronics, construction materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Nashville to Gulfport?
Yes. Nashville is a strong outbound market shipping healthcare products, automotive parts (Nissan), consumer goods. Carriers returning from Nashville to Gulfport can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Gulfport-to-Nashville lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Gulfport to Nashville?
The Gulfport-to-Nashville corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Gulfport's top outbound commodities include frozen poultry (export), forest products, resin & polymers, military equipment, seafood, scrap metal. Nashville's primary inbound freight includes automotive components, consumer electronics, construction materials, food products, retail merchandise, medical supplies. Industries driving this lane include port & maritime and military (Keesler AFB) from Gulfport and healthcare and music & entertainment in Nashville.
Get Exact Rates for Gulfport to Nashville
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Gulfport to Nashville lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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