Freight Shipping from Montgomery to Memphis
Ship freight from Montgomery, AL to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $804-$991, LTL from $406-$718. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
374 mi
Drive Time
7 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$804-$991
LTL Rate Est.
$406-$718
Montgomery to Memphis Freight Corridor
Montgomery is Alabama's capital city and home to Hyundai's first U.S. manufacturing plant, which produces the Santa Cruz, Tucson, and Elantra for the entire North American market. The plant and its supplier network generate a massive JIT automotive supply chain that keeps flatbed and van carriers busy year-round. Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base adds defense logistics demand, while the surrounding Black Belt region's poultry operations create steady reefer freight. Montgomery's position at the I-65/I-85 junction makes it a natural crossroads for Southeast freight.
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 Montgomery-to-Memphis corridor spans 374 miles via I-65, I-85, I-40, I-55. This lane connects automotive manufacturing (hyundai) and government (state capital) freight from the Montgomery 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 Montgomery
Montgomery's economy is driven by automotive manufacturing (hyundai), government (state capital), military (maxwell-gunter afb), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
Hyundai vehicles
automotive parts
processed poultry
government materials
military equipment
agricultural products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Montgomery.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Montgomery 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.
$804-$991 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.
$991-$1,253 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.
$1,066-$1,365 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,178-$1,590 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Montgomery to Memphis lane (374 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $804-$991 | 7 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $406-$718 | 9-11 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,216-$1,683 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Montgomery and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base
ALFA Insurance (HQ)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Montgomery to Memphis
Montgomery Seasonal Advisory
Automotive production runs year-round with brief summer and holiday shutdowns. Poultry processing is steady with modest seasonal variations. State government procurement cycles drive Q3-Q4 purchasing. Maxwell AFB training cycles create periodic freight surges.
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 374 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.
Montgomery to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Montgomery to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Montgomery, AL to Memphis, TN currently range from $804-$991 for a standard dry van load over the 374-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $406-$718 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 Montgomery to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Montgomery to Memphis is approximately 7 hrs by truck over 374 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 Montgomery to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Montgomery commonly ships Hyundai vehicles, automotive parts, processed poultry, 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 Montgomery?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Montgomery can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Montgomery-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Montgomery to Memphis?
The Montgomery-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Montgomery's top outbound commodities include Hyundai vehicles, automotive parts, processed poultry, government materials, military equipment, agricultural 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 automotive manufacturing (Hyundai) and government (state capital) from Montgomery and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Montgomery to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Montgomery to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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