Freight Shipping from Milwaukee to Memphis
Ship freight from Milwaukee, WI to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,557-$1,919, LTL from $598-$1,015. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
724 mi
Drive Time
13 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,557-$1,919
LTL Rate Est.
$598-$1,015
Milwaukee to Memphis Freight Corridor
Milwaukee is a manufacturing powerhouse that punches well above its population weight in freight generation. Rockwell Automation, Harley-Davidson, GE Healthcare, and Briggs & Stratton all maintain major operations here, creating a diverse mix of industrial freight that includes everything from motorcycles to MRI machines. The city's position on I-94 between Chicago and Minneapolis places it on one of the Midwest's highest-volume freight corridors, while the Port of Milwaukee provides Great Lakes shipping access for bulk commodities.
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.
The Milwaukee-to-Memphis corridor spans 724 miles via I-94, I-43, I-40, I-55. This lane connects manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing freight from the Milwaukee market to logistics & distribution (fedex) and medical devices demand in Memphis. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Milwaukee
Milwaukee's economy is driven by manufacturing (engines, controls), brewing & food processing, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton)
electrical controls (Rockwell)
processed foods & beverages
industrial machinery
medical devices
paper products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Milwaukee.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Milwaukee and Memphis, 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.
$1,557-$1,919 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$1,919-$2,425 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.
$2,063-$2,643 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,281-$3,077 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Milwaukee to Memphis lane (724 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,557-$1,919 | 13 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $598-$1,015 | 15-17 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,353-$3,258 | 9 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $977-$1,339 | 16-18 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Milwaukee and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Rockwell Automation (HQ)
Harley-Davidson (HQ)
Kohl's (Menomonee Falls)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Milwaukee to Memphis
Milwaukee Seasonal Advisory
Manufacturing runs year-round with summer maintenance shutdowns at some plants. Harley-Davidson production peaks in spring for summer riding season deliveries. Kohl's distribution surges during Q4 holiday season. Lake Michigan port operations shut down mid-December through mid-March due to ice.
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.
Overnight Transit
This 724-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.
Milwaukee to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Milwaukee to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Milwaukee, WI to Memphis, TN currently range from $1,557-$1,919 for a standard dry van load over the 724-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $598-$1,015 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 Milwaukee to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Milwaukee to Memphis is approximately 13 hrs by truck over 724 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 Milwaukee to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Milwaukee commonly ships engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton), electrical controls (Rockwell), processed foods & beverages, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Memphis commonly receives e-commerce packages (FedEx), consumer goods, raw cotton. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Memphis to Milwaukee?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Milwaukee can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Milwaukee-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Milwaukee to Memphis?
The Milwaukee-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Milwaukee's top outbound commodities include engines & power systems (Briggs & Stratton), electrical controls (Rockwell), processed foods & beverages, industrial machinery, medical devices, paper products. Memphis's primary inbound freight includes e-commerce packages (FedEx), consumer goods, raw cotton, steel & metals, petroleum products, agricultural inputs. Industries driving this lane include manufacturing (engines, controls) and brewing & food processing from Milwaukee and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Milwaukee to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Milwaukee to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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