Freight Shipping from Memphis to Birmingham
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $604-$745, LTL from $355-$639. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
281 mi
Drive Time
5 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$604-$745
LTL Rate Est.
$355-$639
Memphis to Birmingham 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.
Birmingham sits at the crossroads of I-20 and I-65, making it the natural distribution pivot between the Gulf Coast and the upper Southeast. The metro's steel heritage lives on through McWane and U.S. Steel operations that keep flatbed demand consistently high. Mercedes-Benz and Honda assembly plants in Tuscaloosa and Lincoln create a steady diet of JIT automotive freight moving on dedicated lanes to suppliers across the Midwest.
The Memphis-to-Birmingham corridor spans 281 miles via I-40, I-55, I-20, I-65. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to automotive manufacturing and steel production demand in Birmingham. 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 Birmingham Receives
Birmingham's automotive manufacturing, steel production, medical devices sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
raw iron ore
automotive components
consumer electronics
building materials
petroleum products
packaging materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Birmingham, 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.
$604-$745 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.
$801-$1,026 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$885-$1,194 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.
$355-$639 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Birmingham lane (281 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $604-$745 | 5 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $355-$639 | 7-9 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $913-$1,265 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Birmingham that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
U.S. Steel
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Birmingham
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.
Birmingham Seasonal Advisory
Steel shipments peak Q1-Q2 as construction season ramps up. Automotive freight dips during the two-week July shutdown at Mercedes and Honda plants.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 281 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 Birmingham Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Birmingham?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL currently range from $604-$745 for a standard dry van load over the 281-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $355-$639 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 Birmingham?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Birmingham is approximately 5 hrs by truck over 281 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 Birmingham 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. Birmingham commonly receives raw iron ore, automotive components, consumer electronics. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Birmingham to Memphis?
Yes. Birmingham is a strong outbound market shipping steel coils & pipe, automotive parts, medical equipment. Carriers returning from Birmingham to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Birmingham lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Birmingham?
The Memphis-to-Birmingham corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Birmingham's primary inbound freight includes raw iron ore, automotive components, consumer electronics, building materials, petroleum products, packaging materials. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and automotive manufacturing and steel production in Birmingham.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Birmingham
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Memphis to Birmingham lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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