Freight Shipping from Lubbock to Memphis
Ship freight from Lubbock, TX to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,905-$2,348, LTL from $687-$1,153. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
886 mi
Drive Time
16 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,905-$2,348
LTL Rate Est.
$687-$1,153
Lubbock to Memphis Freight Corridor
Lubbock is the hub of the South Plains cotton empire, producing more cotton than any metro area in the United States. The Plains Cotton Cooperative Association processes millions of bales that ship from here to textile mills across the Southeast and to export terminals on the Gulf Coast. Texas Tech University is the region's largest employer, and its agricultural research programs have helped make the South Plains one of the most productive dryland farming regions in the world. Wind energy development across the open plains has added a significant new freight category.
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 Lubbock-to-Memphis corridor spans 886 miles via I-27, US-84, I-40, I-55. This lane connects cotton farming and higher education (texas tech) freight from the Lubbock 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 Lubbock
Lubbock's economy is driven by cotton farming, higher education (texas tech), healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
raw cotton
cottonseed
grain sorghum
wine grapes
cattle
wind turbine components
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Lubbock.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Lubbock 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.
$1,905-$2,348 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.
$2,525-$3,234 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,791-$3,766 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.
$687-$1,153 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Lubbock to Memphis lane (886 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,905-$2,348 | 16 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $687-$1,153 | 18-20 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,880-$3,987 | 11 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,196-$1,639 | 19-21 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Lubbock and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Plains Cotton Cooperative (PCCA)
United Supermarkets (HQ)
Texas Tech University
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Lubbock to Memphis
Lubbock Seasonal Advisory
Cotton harvest (October-January) dominates the freight calendar with intense 90-day demand. Grain sorghum harvest follows in fall. Wind turbine installation (spring through fall) provides off-season freight. Texas Tech football season (September-November) creates modest local delivery increases.
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 886-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.
Lubbock to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Lubbock to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Lubbock, TX to Memphis, TN currently range from $1,905-$2,348 for a standard dry van load over the 886-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $687-$1,153 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 Lubbock to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Lubbock to Memphis is approximately 16 hrs by truck over 886 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 Lubbock to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Lubbock commonly ships raw cotton, cottonseed, grain sorghum, 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 Lubbock?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Lubbock can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Lubbock-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Lubbock to Memphis?
The Lubbock-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Lubbock's top outbound commodities include raw cotton, cottonseed, grain sorghum, wine grapes, cattle, wind turbine components. 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 cotton farming and higher education (Texas Tech) from Lubbock and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Lubbock to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Lubbock to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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