Freight Shipping from Memphis to Huntsville
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Huntsville, AL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $555-$684, LTL from $342-$619. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
258 mi
Drive Time
5 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$555-$684
LTL Rate Est.
$342-$619
Memphis to Huntsville 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.
Huntsville's freight profile is unlike any other mid-sized city in the Southeast. Redstone Arsenal and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center generate a constant flow of oversize, high-value defense and aerospace cargo requiring specialized carriers with security clearances. The new Mazda Toyota joint venture plant adds 300,000 vehicles annually, creating dedicated automotive lanes to ports in Brunswick and Jacksonville.
The Memphis-to-Huntsville corridor spans 258 miles via I-40, I-55, I-65, US-72. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to aerospace & defense and rocket propulsion demand in Huntsville. 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 Huntsville Receives
Huntsville's aerospace & defense, rocket propulsion, cybersecurity sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
raw aluminum & titanium
electronic components
specialized chemicals
lab equipment
semiconductor wafers
composite materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Huntsville, 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.
$555-$684 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.
$735-$942 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$813-$1,097 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.
$342-$619 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Huntsville lane (258 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $555-$684 | 5 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $342-$619 | 7-9 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $839-$1,161 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Huntsville that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Raytheon Technologies
Boeing Defense
Blue Origin
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Huntsville
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.
Huntsville Seasonal Advisory
Government fiscal year-end (September) drives a freight surge as defense contractors rush shipments before budget deadlines. Automotive production follows a steady cadence with brief shutdowns in July and late December.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 258 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 Huntsville Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Huntsville?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Huntsville, AL currently range from $555-$684 for a standard dry van load over the 258-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $342-$619 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 Huntsville?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Huntsville is approximately 5 hrs by truck over 258 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 Huntsville 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. Huntsville commonly receives raw aluminum & titanium, electronic components, specialized chemicals. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Huntsville to Memphis?
Yes. Huntsville is a strong outbound market shipping aerospace components, defense electronics, missile assemblies. Carriers returning from Huntsville to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Huntsville lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Huntsville?
The Memphis-to-Huntsville corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Huntsville's primary inbound freight includes raw aluminum & titanium, electronic components, specialized chemicals, lab equipment, semiconductor wafers, composite materials. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and aerospace & defense and rocket propulsion in Huntsville.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Huntsville
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