Freight Shipping from Memphis to Atlanta
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Atlanta, GA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $942-$1,161, LTL from $441-$772. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
438 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$942-$1,161
LTL Rate Est.
$441-$772
Memphis to Atlanta 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.
Atlanta is the freight crossroads of the Southeast and arguably the most balanced truck market in the country. The convergence of I-75, I-85, and I-20 creates a natural hub where carriers can find loads heading in virtually any direction within hours. UPS and The Home Depot both headquarter their logistics operations here, contributing to a freight ecosystem so dense that the metro has more warehouse space than most states. Norfolk Southern and CSX both maintain major intermodal operations, making Atlanta the rail freight capital of the Southeast.
The Memphis-to-Atlanta corridor spans 438 miles via I-40, I-55, I-75, I-85. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to logistics & distribution and film & entertainment demand in Atlanta. 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 Atlanta Receives
Atlanta's logistics & distribution, film & entertainment, financial technology sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
consumer goods
construction materials
automotive parts
electronics
food ingredients
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Atlanta, 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.
$942-$1,161 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.
$1,248-$1,599 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.
$441-$772 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Atlanta lane (438 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $942-$1,161 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $441-$772 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,424-$1,971 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Atlanta that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
The Home Depot (HQ)
UPS (HQ)
Coca-Cola (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Atlanta
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.
Atlanta Seasonal Advisory
Home improvement freight (Home Depot's supply chain) peaks March through June. Carpet shipments from the Dalton mills 90 miles north run heaviest in spring and fall. Coca-Cola distribution spikes ahead of summer and holiday seasons.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 438 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.
Memphis to Atlanta Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Atlanta?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Atlanta, GA currently range from $942-$1,161 for a standard dry van load over the 438-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $441-$772 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 Atlanta?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Atlanta is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 438 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 Memphis to Atlanta 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. Atlanta commonly receives consumer goods, construction materials, automotive parts. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Atlanta to Memphis?
Yes. Atlanta is a strong outbound market shipping automobiles (Kia), poultry products, soft drinks & beverages. Carriers returning from Atlanta to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Atlanta lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Atlanta?
The Memphis-to-Atlanta corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Atlanta's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, construction materials, automotive parts, electronics, food ingredients, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and logistics & distribution and film & entertainment in Atlanta.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Atlanta
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