Freight Shipping from Madison to Memphis
Ship freight from Madison, WI to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,533-$1,889, LTL from $592-$1,006. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
713 mi
Drive Time
13 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,533-$1,889
LTL Rate Est.
$592-$1,006
Madison to Memphis Freight Corridor
Madison combines Wisconsin's state government with the University of Wisconsin's massive research enterprise and a booming biotech corridor anchored by Epic Systems and Promega. The city's freight profile is lighter than typical Midwest metros but higher-value, with temperature-controlled biotech shipments, laboratory equipment, and medical devices making up an outsized share of outbound loads. The I-90/I-94/I-39 junction gives Madison connections to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.
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 Madison-to-Memphis corridor spans 713 miles via I-90, I-94, I-40, I-55. This lane connects government (state capital) and higher education (uw) freight from the Madison 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 Madison
Madison's economy is driven by government (state capital), higher education (uw), biotech & life sciences, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
biotech products
medical instruments
dairy products
processed foods
printed materials
laboratory equipment
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Madison.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Madison 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.
$1,533-$1,889 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.
$1,889-$2,389 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.
$2,032-$2,602 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,246-$3,030 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Madison to Memphis lane (713 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,533-$1,889 | 13 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $592-$1,006 | 15-17 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,317-$3,209 | 9 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $963-$1,319 | 16-18 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Madison and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
University of Wisconsin
Epic Systems (Verona)
Promega Corporation
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Madison to Memphis
Madison Seasonal Advisory
University of Wisconsin move-in (August-September) and move-out (May) create massive residential freight surges. State government budget cycles drive office supply and equipment purchases in Q3-Q4. Dairy production from surrounding farms runs year-round with modest spring peaks.
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 713-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.
Madison to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Madison to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Madison, WI to Memphis, TN currently range from $1,533-$1,889 for a standard dry van load over the 713-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $592-$1,006 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 Madison to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Madison to Memphis is approximately 13 hrs by truck over 713 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 Madison to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Madison commonly ships biotech products, medical instruments, dairy 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 Madison?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Madison can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Madison-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Madison to Memphis?
The Madison-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Madison's top outbound commodities include biotech products, medical instruments, dairy products, processed foods, printed materials, laboratory equipment. 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 (UW) from Madison and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Madison to Memphis
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