Freight Shipping from Memphis to Norfolk
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Norfolk, VA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,174-$2,679, LTL from $756-$1,259. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,011 mi
Drive Time
18 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,174-$2,679
LTL Rate Est.
$756-$1,259
Memphis to Norfolk 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.
Norfolk is the East Coast's deepest natural harbor and home to the Port of Virginia — the third-largest container port in the U.S. and the only East Coast port with 55-foot channels capable of handling fully loaded ultra-large container vessels at any tide. Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base, generates enormous military logistics volume. Huntington Ingalls' Newport News Shipyard builds America's aircraft carriers and submarines, creating specialized oversize freight that moves nowhere else in the country.
The Memphis-to-Norfolk corridor spans 1,011 miles via I-40, I-55, I-64, I-264. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics demand in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk Receives
Norfolk's military & naval operations, port & maritime logistics, shipbuilding sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
containerized imports (Asia/Europe)
vehicles (auto import)
crude oil
machinery
consumer goods
building materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Norfolk, 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.
$2,174-$2,679 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.
$2,881-$3,690 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,185-$4,297 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.
$756-$1,259 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Norfolk lane (1,011 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,174-$2,679 | 18 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $756-$1,259 | 20-22 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,286-$4,550 | 12 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,365-$1,870 | 21-23 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Norfolk that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base)
Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding)
Virginia Port Authority
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Norfolk
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.
Norfolk Seasonal Advisory
Import container volumes peak August through November during retail peak season. Coal exports fluctuate with global energy demand and Asian steel production. Military freight is steady year-round but surges during deployment cycles and fleet maintenance periods.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,011 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 18 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 Norfolk Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Norfolk?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Norfolk, VA currently range from $2,174-$2,679 for a standard dry van load over the 1,011-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $756-$1,259 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 Norfolk?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Norfolk is approximately 18 hrs by truck over 1,011 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 Norfolk 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. Norfolk commonly receives containerized imports (Asia/Europe), vehicles (auto import), crude oil. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Norfolk to Memphis?
Yes. Norfolk is a strong outbound market shipping containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain. Carriers returning from Norfolk to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Norfolk lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Norfolk?
The Memphis-to-Norfolk corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Norfolk's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia/Europe), vehicles (auto import), crude oil, machinery, consumer goods, building materials. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics in Norfolk.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Norfolk
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Memphis to Norfolk lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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