Freight Shipping from Memphis to Oakland
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $5,005-$6,169, LTL from $1,480-$2,379. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,328 mi
Drive Time
42 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$5,005-$6,169
LTL Rate Est.
$1,480-$2,379
Memphis to Oakland 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.
Oakland is Northern California's freight nerve center. The Port of Oakland is the 8th busiest container port in North America and the primary export gateway for Central Valley agricultural products, particularly almonds bound for Asia and hay destined for Japan and the Middle East. The Oakland International Gateway intermodal facility provides direct rail connections to UP's transcontinental network, enabling shippers to avoid the congestion of Southern California ports.
The Memphis-to-Oakland corridor spans 2,328 miles via I-40, I-55, I-80, I-880. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to port operations & logistics and food & beverage distribution demand in Oakland. 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 Oakland Receives
Oakland's port operations & logistics, food & beverage distribution, technology sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
containerized imports
automobiles
building materials
electronics
furniture
apparel
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Oakland, 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.
$5,005-$6,169 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.
$6,635-$8,497 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.
$1,480-$2,379 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Oakland lane (2,328 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $5,005-$6,169 | 42 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,480-$2,379 | 44-46 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $7,566-$10,476 | 28 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,143-$4,307 | 45-47 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Oakland that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Dreyer's/Nestle
Clorox (HQ)
Peet's Coffee (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Oakland
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.
Oakland Seasonal Advisory
Export volumes peak September through December as post-harvest agricultural commodities move to overseas markets. Import volumes follow retail patterns with an August-November surge for holiday goods.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,328 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 42 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 Oakland Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Oakland?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA currently range from $5,005-$6,169 for a standard dry van load over the 2,328-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,480-$2,379 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 Oakland?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Oakland is approximately 42 hrs by truck over 2,328 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 Oakland 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. Oakland commonly receives containerized imports, automobiles, building materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Oakland to Memphis?
Yes. Oakland is a strong outbound market shipping agricultural exports (almonds, hay), recycled commodities, manufactured goods. Carriers returning from Oakland to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Oakland lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Oakland?
The Memphis-to-Oakland corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Oakland's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports, automobiles, building materials, electronics, furniture, apparel. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and port operations & logistics and food & beverage distribution in Oakland.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Oakland
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Memphis to Oakland lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts