Freight Shipping from Memphis to Tampa
Ship freight from Memphis, TN to Tampa, FL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,868-$2,303, LTL from $678-$1,139. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
869 mi
Drive Time
16 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,868-$2,303
LTL Rate Est.
$678-$1,139
Memphis to Tampa 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.
Tampa Bay's freight economy revolves around three pillars: Mosaic's massive Bone Valley phosphate mining operations that generate millions of tons of bulk freight annually, the Port Tampa Bay petroleum and bulk cargo terminals, and the rapidly growing I-4 corridor distribution zone stretching east toward Orlando and Lakeland. The region's population growth consistently ranks among the fastest in the US, fueling construction material demand that keeps flatbed carriers busy year-round.
The Memphis-to-Tampa corridor spans 869 miles via I-40, I-55, I-75, I-4. This lane connects logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices freight from the Memphis market to healthcare and financial services demand in Tampa. 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 Tampa Receives
Tampa's healthcare, financial services, tourism sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Memphis.
construction materials
consumer goods
petroleum products
food & beverage
automotive vehicles
industrial equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Memphis and Tampa, 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.
$1,868-$2,303 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.
$2,477-$3,172 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,737-$3,693 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.
$678-$1,139 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Memphis to Tampa lane (869 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,868-$2,303 | 16 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $678-$1,139 | 18-20 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,824-$3,911 | 11 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,173-$1,608 | 19-21 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Memphis and Tampa that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Mosaic Company (HQ)
Amazon (3 facilities)
Jabil Inc. (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Memphis to Tampa
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.
Tampa Seasonal Advisory
Citrus season (November-May) drives reefer demand from groves in Polk and Highlands counties. Strawberry harvest from Plant City peaks January through March. Hurricane season can disrupt port operations and trigger emergency supply freight.
Overnight Transit
This 869-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
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 Tampa Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Memphis to Tampa?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Memphis, TN to Tampa, FL currently range from $1,868-$2,303 for a standard dry van load over the 869-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $678-$1,139 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 Tampa?
Standard FTL transit from Memphis to Tampa is approximately 16 hrs by truck over 869 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 Tampa 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. Tampa commonly receives construction materials, consumer goods, petroleum products. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tampa to Memphis?
Yes. Tampa is a strong outbound market shipping phosphate rock & fertilizer, citrus products, medical devices. Carriers returning from Tampa to Memphis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Memphis-to-Tampa lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Memphis to Tampa?
The Memphis-to-Tampa corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Memphis's top outbound commodities include e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton, lumber, processed foods, automotive parts. Tampa's primary inbound freight includes construction materials, consumer goods, petroleum products, food & beverage, automotive vehicles, industrial equipment. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices from Memphis and healthcare and financial services in Tampa.
Get Exact Rates for Memphis to Tampa
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