Freight Shipping from Mobile to Memphis
Ship freight from Mobile, AL to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $920-$1,134, LTL from $435-$764. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
428 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$920-$1,134
LTL Rate Est.
$435-$764
Mobile to Memphis Freight Corridor
Mobile is the Gulf Coast's overlooked freight powerhouse. The Port of Mobile handles 60+ million tons annually and the Airbus A320 final assembly line creates a unique mix of containerized imports, oversize aerospace cargo, and bulk commodities. The AM/NS Calvert steel mill (a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel) is one of the most advanced in North America, generating heavy flatbed volume on I-65 northbound.
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 Mobile-to-Memphis corridor spans 428 miles via I-10, I-65, I-40, I-55. This lane connects shipbuilding and petrochemicals freight from the Mobile 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 Mobile
Mobile's economy is driven by shipbuilding, petrochemicals, aerospace assembly, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
lumber & timber
petrochemicals
aircraft assemblies
coal exports
paper products
seafood
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Mobile.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Mobile 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.
$920-$1,134 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.
$1,134-$1,434 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.
$1,220-$1,562 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,348-$1,819 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Mobile to Memphis lane (428 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $920-$1,134 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $435-$764 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,391-$1,926 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Mobile and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Austal USA
AM/NS Calvert Steel
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Mobile to Memphis
Mobile Seasonal Advisory
Hurricane season (June-November) can shut down port operations for days, creating massive post-storm freight surges. Shrimp season drives reefer demand from May through October.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 428 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.
Mobile to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Mobile to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Mobile, AL to Memphis, TN currently range from $920-$1,134 for a standard dry van load over the 428-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $435-$764 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 Mobile to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Mobile to Memphis is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 428 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 Mobile to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Mobile commonly ships lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, 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 Mobile?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Mobile can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Mobile-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Mobile to Memphis?
The Mobile-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Mobile's top outbound commodities include lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, coal exports, paper products, seafood. 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 shipbuilding and petrochemicals from Mobile and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Mobile to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Mobile to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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