Freight Shipping from Memphis to Montgomery
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Montgomery, AL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $804-$991, LTL from $406-$718. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
374 mi
Drive Time
7 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$804-$991
LTL Rate Est.
$406-$718
Memphis to Montgomery 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.
Montgomery is Alabama's capital city and home to Hyundai's first U.S. manufacturing plant, which produces the Santa Cruz, Tucson, and Elantra for the entire North American market. The plant and its supplier network generate a massive JIT automotive supply chain that keeps flatbed and van carriers busy year-round. Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base adds defense logistics demand, while the surrounding Black Belt region's poultry operations create steady reefer freight. Montgomery's position at the I-65/I-85 junction makes it a natural crossroads for Southeast freight.
The Memphis-to-Montgomery corridor spans 374 miles via I-40, I-55, I-65, I-85. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to automotive manufacturing (hyundai) and government (state capital) demand in Montgomery. 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 Montgomery Receives
Montgomery's automotive manufacturing (hyundai), government (state capital), military (maxwell-gunter afb) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
automotive components (Korea/Mexico)
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
food products
industrial equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Montgomery, 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.
$804-$991 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.
$1,066-$1,365 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.
$406-$718 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Montgomery lane (374 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $804-$991 | 7 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $406-$718 | 9-11 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,216-$1,683 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Montgomery that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base
ALFA Insurance (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Montgomery
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.
Montgomery Seasonal Advisory
Automotive production runs year-round with brief summer and holiday shutdowns. Poultry processing is steady with modest seasonal variations. State government procurement cycles drive Q3-Q4 purchasing. Maxwell AFB training cycles create periodic freight surges.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 374 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 Montgomery Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Montgomery?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Montgomery, AL currently range from $804-$991 for a standard dry van load over the 374-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $406-$718 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 Montgomery?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Montgomery is approximately 7 hrs by truck over 374 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 Montgomery 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. Montgomery commonly receives automotive components (Korea/Mexico), consumer goods, building materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Montgomery to Memphis?
Yes. Montgomery is a strong outbound market shipping Hyundai vehicles, automotive parts, processed poultry. Carriers returning from Montgomery to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Montgomery lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Montgomery?
The Memphis-to-Montgomery corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Montgomery's primary inbound freight includes automotive components (Korea/Mexico), consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, food products, industrial equipment. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and automotive manufacturing (Hyundai) and government (state capital) in Montgomery.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Montgomery
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Memphis to Montgomery lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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