Freight Shipping from Memphis to Elizabeth
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Elizabeth, NJ with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,634-$3,246, LTL from $874-$1,441. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,225 mi
Drive Time
22 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,634-$3,246
LTL Rate Est.
$874-$1,441
Memphis to Elizabeth 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.
Elizabeth is home to the largest container terminal complex in the Port of New York and New Jersey, processing millions of TEUs annually across the APM and Maersk terminals. The ExpressRail on-dock intermodal facility allows containers to move directly from ship to rail without a truck drayage move. Phillips 66's Bayway Refinery adds petroleum freight volume, while IKEA's massive distribution center serves the entire Northeast.
The Memphis-to-Elizabeth corridor spans 1,225 miles via I-40, I-55, NJ Turnpike, I-278 (Goethals Bridge). This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to container port operations and intermodal logistics demand in Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth Receives
Elizabeth's container port operations, intermodal logistics, petroleum refining sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
imported containers
crude oil
consumer electronics
apparel
furniture & home goods
automotive parts
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Elizabeth, 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.
$2,634-$3,246 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.
$3,491-$4,471 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,859-$5,206 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.
$874-$1,441 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Elizabeth lane (1,225 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,634-$3,246 | 22 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $874-$1,441 | 24-26 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,981-$5,513 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,654-$2,266 | 25-27 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Elizabeth that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
APM Terminals (Elizabeth)
IKEA Elizabeth DC
Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Elizabeth
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.
Elizabeth Seasonal Advisory
Peak import season (August-October) can extend vessel wait times to 5-7 days at anchor, cascading into terminal congestion and chassis shortages that ripple through the entire regional freight market.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,225 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 22 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 Elizabeth Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Elizabeth?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Elizabeth, NJ currently range from $2,634-$3,246 for a standard dry van load over the 1,225-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $874-$1,441 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 Elizabeth?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Elizabeth is approximately 22 hrs by truck over 1,225 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 Elizabeth 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. Elizabeth commonly receives imported containers, crude oil, consumer electronics. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Elizabeth to Memphis?
Yes. Elizabeth is a strong outbound market shipping re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals. Carriers returning from Elizabeth to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Elizabeth lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Elizabeth?
The Memphis-to-Elizabeth corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Elizabeth's primary inbound freight includes imported containers, crude oil, consumer electronics, apparel, furniture & home goods, automotive parts. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and container port operations and intermodal logistics in Elizabeth.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Elizabeth
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Memphis to Elizabeth lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts