Freight Shipping from Lincoln to Memphis
Ship freight from Lincoln, NE to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,490-$1,836, LTL from $581-$989. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
693 mi
Drive Time
13 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,490-$1,836
LTL Rate Est.
$581-$989
Lincoln to Memphis Freight Corridor
Lincoln sits on the I-80 corridor 55 miles southwest of Omaha, serving as Nebraska's state capital and a secondary distribution hub. Kawasaki's manufacturing plant produces ATVs, rail cars, and jet skis, creating a unique mix of oversize and consumer product freight. Purina's pet food facility generates steady outbound reefer and dry van volume year-round.
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 Lincoln-to-Memphis corridor spans 693 miles via I-80, US-77, I-40, I-55. This lane connects government (state capital) and higher education freight from the Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Lincoln's economy is driven by government (state capital), higher education, food processing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
processed foods
pet food (Purina)
agricultural equipment
corn & grain
ethanol
printed materials
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Lincoln.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Lincoln 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.
$1,490-$1,836 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.
$1,975-$2,529 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,183-$2,945 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.
$581-$989 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Lincoln to Memphis lane (693 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,490-$1,836 | 13 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $581-$989 | 15-17 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,252-$3,119 | 8 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $936-$1,282 | 16-18 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Lincoln and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing
Purina (Nestle)
Windstream Communications
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Lincoln to Memphis
Lincoln Seasonal Advisory
University of Nebraska football season (September-November) creates weekend freight congestion and hotel shortages that affect carrier scheduling. Harvest season brings the same grain truck competition seen across all Nebraska markets.
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.
Overnight Transit
This 693-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.
Lincoln to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Lincoln to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Lincoln, NE to Memphis, TN currently range from $1,490-$1,836 for a standard dry van load over the 693-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $581-$989 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 Lincoln to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Lincoln to Memphis is approximately 13 hrs by truck over 693 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 Lincoln to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Lincoln commonly ships processed foods, pet food (Purina), agricultural equipment, 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 Lincoln?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Lincoln can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Lincoln-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Lincoln to Memphis?
The Lincoln-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Lincoln's top outbound commodities include processed foods, pet food (Purina), agricultural equipment, corn & grain, ethanol, printed 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 government (state capital) and higher education from Lincoln and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Lincoln to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Lincoln to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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