Freight Shipping from Modesto to Memphis
Ship freight from Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,814-$5,933, LTL from $1,431-$2,303. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,239 mi
Drive Time
41 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,814-$5,933
LTL Rate Est.
$1,431-$2,303
Modesto to Memphis Freight Corridor
Modesto is the food and wine capital of the northern San Joaquin Valley. E. & J. Gallo Winery, the largest wine company in the world, is headquartered here and operates massive bottling, warehousing, and distribution operations that generate a continuous stream of temperature-controlled freight. Foster Farms' poultry processing headquarters in nearby Livingston creates daily reefer loads heading to grocery distribution centers across the West Coast. The surrounding farmland produces almonds, walnuts, and stone fruit that flow through Modesto's cold storage and processing facilities.
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 Modesto-to-Memphis corridor spans 2,239 miles via SR-99, SR-132, I-40, I-55. This lane connects agriculture & food processing and wine production freight from the Modesto 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 Modesto
Modesto's economy is driven by agriculture & food processing, wine production, dairy, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
almonds & walnuts
wine & spirits
dairy products
canned fruit & vegetables
poultry products
processed tomatoes
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Modesto.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Modesto 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.
$4,814-$5,933 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.
$5,933-$7,501 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.
$6,381-$8,172 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$7,053-$9,516 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Modesto to Memphis lane (2,239 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,814-$5,933 | 41 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,431-$2,303 | 43-45 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $7,277-$10,076 | 27 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,023-$4,142 | 44-46 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Modesto and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
E. & J. Gallo Winery (HQ)
Foster Farms (HQ, Livingston)
Del Monte Foods
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Modesto to Memphis
Modesto Seasonal Advisory
Almond and walnut harvest (August-November) creates massive outbound freight demand. Wine bottling and shipments peak ahead of holiday seasons. Poultry processing runs year-round with modest Thanksgiving and Christmas surges. Stone fruit season (May-September) adds reefer demand.
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.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,239 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 41 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.
Modesto to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Modesto to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN currently range from $4,814-$5,933 for a standard dry van load over the 2,239-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,431-$2,303 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 Modesto to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Modesto to Memphis is approximately 41 hrs by truck over 2,239 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 Modesto to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Modesto commonly ships almonds & walnuts, wine & spirits, dairy products, 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 Modesto?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Modesto can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Modesto-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Modesto to Memphis?
The Modesto-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Modesto's top outbound commodities include almonds & walnuts, wine & spirits, dairy products, canned fruit & vegetables, poultry products, processed tomatoes. 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 agriculture & food processing and wine production from Modesto and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Modesto to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Modesto to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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