Freight Shipping from Memphis to New Orleans
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,004-$1,238, LTL from $457-$797. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
467 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,004-$1,238
LTL Rate Est.
$457-$797
Memphis to New Orleans 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.
New Orleans commands the mouth of the Mississippi River, the most important commercial waterway in the Western Hemisphere. The Port of South Louisiana complex (stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge) handles more tonnage than any other port district in the US, with grain exports from the Midwest heartland meeting oceangoing vessels at 60+ terminals along the river. The city's petrochemical corridor generates hazmat tanker freight on an industrial scale, while the tourism economy demands a constant flow of food, beverage, and hospitality supplies.
The Memphis-to-New Orleans corridor spans 467 miles via I-55. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to petrochemicals and port operations demand in New Orleans. 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 New Orleans Receives
New Orleans's petrochemicals, port operations, tourism & hospitality sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
crude oil
steel & metals
containerized imports
construction materials
food service supplies
industrial chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and New Orleans, 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.
$1,004-$1,238 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.
$1,331-$1,705 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,471-$1,985 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.
$457-$797 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to New Orleans lane (467 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,004-$1,238 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $457-$797 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,518-$2,102 | 6 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and New Orleans that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Port of New Orleans
Entergy
Folgers/J.M. Smucker (coffee roasting)
Shipping Tips for Memphis to New Orleans
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.
New Orleans Seasonal Advisory
Mardi Gras (February-March) drives a spike in food service and event freight. Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt port and refinery operations for weeks. Grain export season peaks October through January as the harvest moves downriver.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 467 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 New Orleans Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to New Orleans?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA currently range from $1,004-$1,238 for a standard dry van load over the 467-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $457-$797 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 New Orleans?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to New Orleans is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 467 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 New Orleans 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. New Orleans commonly receives crude oil, steel & metals, containerized imports. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from New Orleans to Memphis?
Yes. New Orleans is a strong outbound market shipping petroleum products, chemical products, grain exports. Carriers returning from New Orleans to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-New Orleans lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to New Orleans?
The Memphis-to-New Orleans corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. New Orleans's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, steel & metals, containerized imports, construction materials, food service supplies, industrial chemicals. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and petrochemicals and port operations in New Orleans.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to New Orleans
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Memphis to New Orleans lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts