Freight Shipping from Memphis to Allentown
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Allentown, PA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,453-$3,024, LTL from $828-$1,370. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,141 mi
Drive Time
21 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,453-$3,024
LTL Rate Est.
$828-$1,370
Memphis to Allentown Freight 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 Lehigh Valley has exploded into one of the East Coast's premier distribution corridors, with over 100 million square feet of warehouse space concentrated along I-78. The region's position — 80 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia — makes it the ideal last-mile staging area for the entire Northeast megalopolis. The former Bethlehem Steel site has been transformed into a 3,000-acre logistics and commerce center, symbolizing the Valley's shift from heavy industry to distribution.
The Memphis-to-Allentown corridor spans 1,141 miles via I-40, I-55, I-78, US-22. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to logistics & distribution and food processing demand in Allentown. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Memphis
Memphis's economy is driven by logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
medical devices
cotton
lumber
processed foods
automotive parts
What Allentown Receives
Allentown's logistics & distribution, food processing, healthcare sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
raw materials
consumer goods
food ingredients
packaging materials
imported merchandise
chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Allentown, 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.
$2,453-$3,024 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.
$3,252-$4,165 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,594-$4,849 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.
$828-$1,370 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Allentown lane (1,141 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,453-$3,024 | 21 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $828-$1,370 | 23-25 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,708-$5,135 | 14 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,540-$2,111 | 24-26 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Allentown that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
FedEx Ground (regional hub)
Amazon ABE Fulfillment
Utz Brands (Hanover)
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Allentown
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.
Allentown Seasonal Advisory
E-commerce fulfillment drives a massive Q4 surge — Amazon and FedEx Ground ramp seasonal staffing and truck volume by 40-60% from October through December. Cement and construction material shipments peak March through November.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,141 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 21 hours without mandatory 10-hour rest breaks, cutting transit time nearly in half compared to a solo driver.
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.
Memphis to Allentown Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Allentown?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Allentown, PA currently range from $2,453-$3,024 for a standard dry van load over the 1,141-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $828-$1,370 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 Memphis to Allentown?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Allentown is approximately 21 hrs by truck over 1,141 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 Memphis to Allentown freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Memphis commonly ships e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Allentown commonly receives raw materials, consumer goods, food ingredients. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Allentown to Memphis?
Yes. Allentown is a strong outbound market shipping consumer packaged goods, cement & concrete products, processed foods. Carriers returning from Allentown to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Allentown lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Allentown?
The Memphis-to-Allentown corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Allentown's primary inbound freight includes raw materials, consumer goods, food ingredients, packaging materials, imported merchandise, chemicals. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and logistics & distribution and food processing in Allentown.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Allentown
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