Freight Shipping from Memphis to Chicago
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,350-$1,664, LTL from $545-$934. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
628 mi
Drive Time
11 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,350-$1,664
LTL Rate Est.
$545-$934
Memphis to Chicago 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.
Chicago is the freight capital of North America, full stop. One-third of all US rail freight passes through the metro, and the I-55/I-80 corridor south of the city contains the highest concentration of intermodal facilities and mega-distribution centers in the world. BNSF's Logistics Park Chicago in Elwood alone processes over 2 million container lifts annually. The I-294 corridor warehouses from Bedford Park to Elk Grove Village process more cross-dock volume than any other US metro, making Chicago the pivot point for transcontinental freight in every direction.
The Memphis-to-Chicago corridor spans 628 miles via I-55. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to logistics & intermodal and food manufacturing demand in Chicago. 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 Chicago Receives
Chicago's logistics & intermodal, food manufacturing, financial services sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
consumer goods
automotive parts
containerized imports
raw materials
agricultural products
energy products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Chicago, 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.
$1,350-$1,664 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.
$1,790-$2,292 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.
$545-$934 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Chicago lane (628 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,350-$1,664 | 11 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $545-$934 | 13-15 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,041-$2,826 | 8 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $848-$1,162 | 14-16 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Chicago that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Walmart (Elwood mega-DC)
Abbott Laboratories
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Chicago
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.
Chicago Seasonal Advisory
Holiday import season (September-December) pushes intermodal yards to capacity. Agricultural export season (October-January) adds grain and soybean volume. January-February is the slowest period, with spot rates often dropping 15-20% below annual averages.
Overnight Transit
This 628-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 Chicago Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Chicago?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL currently range from $1,350-$1,664 for a standard dry van load over the 628-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $545-$934 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 Chicago?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Chicago is approximately 11 hrs by truck over 628 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 Chicago 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. Chicago commonly receives consumer goods, automotive parts, containerized imports. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Chicago to Memphis?
Yes. Chicago is a strong outbound market shipping processed foods, steel products, pharmaceuticals. Carriers returning from Chicago to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Chicago lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Chicago?
The Memphis-to-Chicago corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Chicago's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, automotive parts, containerized imports, raw materials, agricultural products, energy products. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and logistics & intermodal and food manufacturing in Chicago.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Chicago
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