Freight Shipping from Knoxville to Memphis
Ship freight from Knoxville, TN to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $976-$1,203, LTL from $450-$786. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
454 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$976-$1,203
LTL Rate Est.
$450-$786
Knoxville to Memphis Freight Corridor
Knoxville commands the junction of I-40 and I-75, two of the most heavily trafficked freight corridors in the eastern United States. The Tennessee Valley Authority's headquarters drives energy infrastructure freight, while Japanese automotive suppliers like Denso maintain major manufacturing operations in the surrounding counties. The Great Smoky Mountains to the southeast create a natural bottleneck that funnels east-west freight through the Knoxville corridor.
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 Knoxville-to-Memphis corridor spans 454 miles via I-40. This lane connects energy (tva) and automotive parts freight from the Knoxville 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 Knoxville
Knoxville's economy is driven by energy (tva), automotive parts, advanced manufacturing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
automotive components
coal
aluminum products
building materials
fabricated metals
food products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Knoxville.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Knoxville 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.
$976-$1,203 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.
$1,294-$1,657 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,430-$1,930 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.
$450-$786 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Knoxville to Memphis lane (454 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $976-$1,203 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $450-$786 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,476-$2,043 | 6 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Knoxville and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Tennessee Valley Authority (HQ)
Denso Manufacturing (Maryville)
Bush Brothers & Company
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Knoxville to Memphis
Knoxville Seasonal Advisory
Automotive parts production runs steadily year-round with standard July and December shutdowns. University of Tennessee football season (September-November) creates unusual local delivery surges. Coal freight has declined but still moves consistently to TVA plants.
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 454 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.
Knoxville to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Knoxville to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Knoxville, TN to Memphis, TN currently range from $976-$1,203 for a standard dry van load over the 454-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $450-$786 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 Knoxville to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Knoxville to Memphis is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 454 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 Knoxville to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Knoxville commonly ships automotive components, coal, aluminum 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 Knoxville?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Knoxville can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Knoxville-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Knoxville to Memphis?
The Knoxville-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Knoxville's top outbound commodities include automotive components, coal, aluminum products, building materials, fabricated metals, food 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 energy (TVA) and automotive parts from Knoxville and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Knoxville to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Knoxville to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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