Freight Shipping from Memphis to Nashville
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $548-$676, LTL from $340-$617. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
255 mi
Drive Time
5 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$548-$676
LTL Rate Est.
$340-$617
Memphis to Nashville 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.
Nashville has emerged as one of America's fastest-growing freight markets, fueled by explosive population growth and a diversified economy anchored by healthcare and automotive. Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant — the most productive auto plant in North America — builds 640,000+ vehicles annually, while HCA Healthcare's headquarters drives medical supply distribution across 180+ hospitals. The I-40/I-65/I-24 triple junction gives Nashville reach to virtually every major market east of the Rockies.
The Memphis-to-Nashville corridor spans 255 miles via I-40. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to healthcare and music & entertainment demand in Nashville. 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 Nashville Receives
Nashville's healthcare, music & entertainment, automotive manufacturing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
automotive components
consumer electronics
construction materials
food products
retail merchandise
medical supplies
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Nashville, 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.
$548-$676 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.
$727-$931 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.
$340-$617 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Nashville lane (255 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $548-$676 | 5 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $340-$617 | 7-9 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $829-$1,148 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Nashville that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Nissan North America (HQ & Smyrna Plant)
HCA Healthcare (HQ)
Bridgestone Americas (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Nashville
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.
Nashville Seasonal Advisory
Nissan production runs year-round with brief shutdowns in July and December. Healthcare supply distribution peaks during flu season (October-March). The massive construction boom for Nashville's growth creates steady building material demand March through November.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 255 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 Nashville Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Nashville?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN currently range from $548-$676 for a standard dry van load over the 255-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $340-$617 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 Nashville?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Nashville is approximately 5 hrs by truck over 255 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 Nashville 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. Nashville commonly receives automotive components, consumer electronics, construction materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Nashville to Memphis?
Yes. Nashville is a strong outbound market shipping healthcare products, automotive parts (Nissan), consumer goods. Carriers returning from Nashville to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Nashville lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Nashville?
The Memphis-to-Nashville corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Nashville's primary inbound freight includes automotive components, consumer electronics, construction materials, food products, retail merchandise, medical supplies. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and healthcare and music & entertainment in Nashville.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Nashville
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Memphis to Nashville lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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