Freight Shipping from Memphis to Bakersfield
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,552-$5,610, LTL from $1,364-$2,199. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,117 mi
Drive Time
38 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,552-$5,610
LTL Rate Est.
$1,364-$2,199
Memphis to Bakersfield 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.
Bakersfield is where California's two biggest freight industries — oil and agriculture — collide. Kern County is the state's top oil-producing county and its most productive agricultural county, creating a unique dual freight market. Grimmway Farms and Bolthouse Farms ship more carrots from here than anywhere else on Earth, while Chevron's Kern River oilfield operations generate tanker and flatbed freight year-round. The Tejon Commerce Center near the Grapevine (I-5/SR-99 junction) has emerged as a major distribution hub serving both LA and the Central Valley.
The Memphis-to-Bakersfield corridor spans 2,117 miles via I-40, I-55, SR-99, SR-58. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to oil & gas and agriculture demand in Bakersfield. 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 Bakersfield Receives
Bakersfield's oil & gas, agriculture, logistics & distribution sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
drilling equipment
consumer goods
fertilizers
fuel products
building materials
packaging supplies
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Bakersfield, 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.
$4,552-$5,610 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.
$6,033-$7,727 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.
$1,364-$2,199 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Bakersfield lane (2,117 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,552-$5,610 | 38 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,364-$2,199 | 40-42 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $6,880-$9,527 | 26 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,858-$3,916 | 41-43 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Bakersfield that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Chevron (Kern River oilfields)
Grimmway Farms (world's largest carrot grower)
Bolthouse Farms
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Bakersfield
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.
Bakersfield Seasonal Advisory
Grape harvest (August-October) is the biggest produce freight event. Carrot and vegetable shipments run nearly year-round. Oil production is steady but drilling activity varies with crude prices. Solar farm construction in the Mojave (spring-fall) creates heavy haul opportunities.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,117 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 38 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 Bakersfield Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Bakersfield?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA currently range from $4,552-$5,610 for a standard dry van load over the 2,117-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,364-$2,199 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 Bakersfield?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Bakersfield is approximately 38 hrs by truck over 2,117 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 Bakersfield 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. Bakersfield commonly receives drilling equipment, consumer goods, fertilizers. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Bakersfield to Memphis?
Yes. Bakersfield is a strong outbound market shipping crude oil, grapes & table fruit, carrots & vegetables. Carriers returning from Bakersfield to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Bakersfield lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Bakersfield?
The Memphis-to-Bakersfield corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Bakersfield's primary inbound freight includes drilling equipment, consumer goods, fertilizers, fuel products, building materials, packaging supplies. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and oil & gas and agriculture in Bakersfield.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Bakersfield
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