Freight Shipping from Memphis to Charlotte
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Charlotte, NC with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,453-$1,791, LTL from $572-$975. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
676 mi
Drive Time
12 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,453-$1,791
LTL Rate Est.
$572-$975
Memphis to Charlotte 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.
Charlotte is the Southeast's second-largest freight market after Atlanta, powered by the nation's second-biggest banking center and a booming logistics sector. Lowe's headquarters in nearby Mooresville operates one of the largest home improvement distribution networks in North America. The I-85 corridor between Charlotte and Greensboro is among the most heavily trafficked freight lanes on the East Coast.
The Memphis-to-Charlotte corridor spans 676 miles via I-40, I-55, I-85, I-77. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to banking & financial services and energy (duke energy) demand in Charlotte. 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 Charlotte Receives
Charlotte's banking & financial services, energy (duke energy), motorsports sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
consumer goods
building materials
electronics
automotive parts
food ingredients
imported merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Charlotte, 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.
$1,453-$1,791 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.
$1,927-$2,467 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.
$572-$975 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Charlotte lane (676 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,453-$1,791 | 12 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $572-$975 | 14-16 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,197-$3,042 | 8 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $913-$1,251 | 15-17 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Charlotte that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Lowe's (HQ Mooresville)
Coca-Cola Consolidated (HQ)
Hendrick Motorsports
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Charlotte
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.
Charlotte Seasonal Advisory
NASCAR season (February-November) drives specialized motorsports freight to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Lowe's spring home improvement season (March-May) creates a massive outbound surge from regional DCs.
Overnight Transit
This 676-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.
Memphis to Charlotte Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Charlotte?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Charlotte, NC currently range from $1,453-$1,791 for a standard dry van load over the 676-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $572-$975 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 Charlotte?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Charlotte is approximately 12 hrs by truck over 676 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 Charlotte 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. Charlotte commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, electronics. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Charlotte to Memphis?
Yes. Charlotte is a strong outbound market shipping food & beverage products, textiles & apparel, auto racing parts. Carriers returning from Charlotte to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Charlotte lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Charlotte?
The Memphis-to-Charlotte corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Charlotte's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, electronics, automotive parts, food ingredients, imported merchandise. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and banking & financial services and energy (Duke Energy) in Charlotte.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Charlotte
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