Freight Shipping from Memphis to Los Angeles
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Los Angeles, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,478-$5,520, LTL from $1,346-$2,171. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,083 mi
Drive Time
38 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,478-$5,520
LTL Rate Est.
$1,346-$2,171
Memphis to Los Angeles 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.
The Los Angeles basin is the undisputed freight capital of the Western Hemisphere. The San Pedro Bay port complex (LA + Long Beach) handles 40% of all US containerized imports, generating a tidal wave of drayage and long-haul freight that radiates outward on I-10, I-15, and I-5. The Inland Empire east of LA has become the largest warehouse market in the world, with over 600 million square feet of distribution space absorbing and redistributing Asian imports to every corner of the country.
The Memphis-to-Los Angeles corridor spans 2,083 miles via I-40, I-55, I-5, I-10. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to entertainment & media and international trade demand in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles Receives
Los Angeles's entertainment & media, international trade, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
consumer electronics
furniture & housewares
automotive parts
textiles & fabrics
industrial machinery
toys & games
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Los Angeles, 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.
$4,478-$5,520 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.
$5,937-$7,603 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.
$1,346-$2,171 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Los Angeles lane (2,083 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,478-$5,520 | 38 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,346-$2,171 | 40-42 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $6,770-$9,374 | 25 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,812-$3,854 | 41-43 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Los Angeles that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Los Angeles
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.
Los Angeles Seasonal Advisory
Import surge begins in August for holiday retail season, peaking in October-November. Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a brief lull followed by a restocking wave in March.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,083 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 38 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 Los Angeles Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Los Angeles?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Los Angeles, CA currently range from $4,478-$5,520 for a standard dry van load over the 2,083-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,346-$2,171 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 Los Angeles?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Los Angeles is approximately 38 hrs by truck over 2,083 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 Los Angeles 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. Los Angeles commonly receives consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Los Angeles to Memphis?
Yes. Los Angeles is a strong outbound market shipping containerized imports (re-distribution), entertainment equipment, apparel & fashion. Carriers returning from Los Angeles to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Los Angeles lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Los Angeles?
The Memphis-to-Los Angeles corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Los Angeles's primary inbound freight includes consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts, textiles & fabrics, industrial machinery, toys & games. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and entertainment & media and international trade in Los Angeles.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Los Angeles
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