Freight Shipping from Huntsville to Memphis
Ship freight from Huntsville, AL to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $555-$684, LTL from $342-$619. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
258 mi
Drive Time
5 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$555-$684
LTL Rate Est.
$342-$619
Huntsville to Memphis Freight Corridor
Huntsville's freight profile is unlike any other mid-sized city in the Southeast. Redstone Arsenal and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center generate a constant flow of oversize, high-value defense and aerospace cargo requiring specialized carriers with security clearances. The new Mazda Toyota joint venture plant adds 300,000 vehicles annually, creating dedicated automotive lanes to ports in Brunswick and Jacksonville.
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 Huntsville-to-Memphis corridor spans 258 miles via I-65, US-72, I-40, I-55. This lane connects aerospace & defense and rocket propulsion freight from the Huntsville 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 Huntsville
Huntsville's economy is driven by aerospace & defense, rocket propulsion, cybersecurity, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
aerospace components
defense electronics
missile assemblies
precision instruments
automotive parts
cotton
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Huntsville.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Huntsville 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.
$555-$684 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.
$735-$942 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$813-$1,097 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.
$342-$619 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Huntsville to Memphis lane (258 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $555-$684 | 5 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $342-$619 | 7-9 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $839-$1,161 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Huntsville and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Raytheon Technologies
Boeing Defense
Blue Origin
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Huntsville to Memphis
Huntsville Seasonal Advisory
Government fiscal year-end (September) drives a freight surge as defense contractors rush shipments before budget deadlines. Automotive production follows a steady cadence with brief shutdowns in July and late December.
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 258 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.
Huntsville to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Huntsville to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Huntsville, AL to Memphis, TN currently range from $555-$684 for a standard dry van load over the 258-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $342-$619 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 Huntsville to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Huntsville to Memphis is approximately 5 hrs by truck over 258 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 Huntsville to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Huntsville commonly ships aerospace components, defense electronics, missile assemblies, 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 Huntsville?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Huntsville can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Huntsville-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Huntsville to Memphis?
The Huntsville-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Huntsville's top outbound commodities include aerospace components, defense electronics, missile assemblies, precision instruments, automotive parts, cotton. 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 aerospace & defense and rocket propulsion from Huntsville and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Huntsville to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Huntsville to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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