Freight Shipping from Nashville to Allentown
Ship freight from Nashville, TN to Allentown, PA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,911-$2,356, LTL from $689-$1,156. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
889 mi
Drive Time
16 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,911-$2,356
LTL Rate Est.
$689-$1,156
Nashville to Allentown Freight Corridor
Nashville has emerged as one of America's fastest-growing freight markets, fueled by explosive population growth and a diversified economy anchored by healthcare and automotive. Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant — the most productive auto plant in North America — builds 640,000+ vehicles annually, while HCA Healthcare's headquarters drives medical supply distribution across 180+ hospitals. The I-40/I-65/I-24 triple junction gives Nashville reach to virtually every major market east of the Rockies.
The Lehigh Valley has exploded into one of the East Coast's premier distribution corridors, with over 100 million square feet of warehouse space concentrated along I-78. The region's position — 80 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia — makes it the ideal last-mile staging area for the entire Northeast megalopolis. The former Bethlehem Steel site has been transformed into a 3,000-acre logistics and commerce center, symbolizing the Valley's shift from heavy industry to distribution.
The Nashville-to-Allentown corridor spans 889 miles via I-40, I-65, I-78, US-22. This lane connects healthcare and music & entertainment freight from the Nashville market to logistics & distribution and food processing demand in Allentown. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Nashville
Nashville's economy is driven by healthcare, music & entertainment, automotive manufacturing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
healthcare products
automotive parts (Nissan)
consumer goods
publishing & media
processed foods
building materials
What Allentown Receives
Allentown's logistics & distribution, food processing, healthcare sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Nashville.
raw materials
consumer goods
food ingredients
packaging materials
imported merchandise
chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Nashville and Allentown, 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.
$1,911-$2,356 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.
$2,534-$3,245 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,800-$3,778 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.
$689-$1,156 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Nashville to Allentown lane (889 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,911-$2,356 | 16 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $689-$1,156 | 18-20 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,889-$4,001 | 11 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,200-$1,645 | 19-21 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Nashville and Allentown that drive volume on this lane.
Nissan North America (HQ & Smyrna Plant)
HCA Healthcare (HQ)
Bridgestone Americas (HQ)
FedEx Ground (regional hub)
Amazon ABE Fulfillment
Utz Brands (Hanover)
Shipping Tips for Nashville to Allentown
Nashville Seasonal Advisory
Nissan production runs year-round with brief shutdowns in July and December. Healthcare supply distribution peaks during flu season (October-March). The massive construction boom for Nashville's growth creates steady building material demand March through November.
Allentown Seasonal Advisory
E-commerce fulfillment drives a massive Q4 surge — Amazon and FedEx Ground ramp seasonal staffing and truck volume by 40-60% from October through December. Cement and construction material shipments peak March through November.
Overnight Transit
This 889-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.
Nashville to Allentown Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Nashville to Allentown?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Nashville, TN to Allentown, PA currently range from $1,911-$2,356 for a standard dry van load over the 889-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $689-$1,156 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 Nashville to Allentown?
Standard FTL transit from Nashville to Allentown is approximately 16 hrs by truck over 889 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 Nashville to Allentown freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Nashville commonly ships healthcare products, automotive parts (Nissan), consumer goods, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Allentown commonly receives raw materials, consumer goods, food ingredients. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Allentown to Nashville?
Yes. Allentown is a strong outbound market shipping consumer packaged goods, cement & concrete products, processed foods. Carriers returning from Allentown to Nashville can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Nashville-to-Allentown lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Nashville to Allentown?
The Nashville-to-Allentown corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Nashville's top outbound commodities include healthcare products, automotive parts (Nissan), consumer goods, publishing & media, processed foods, building materials. Allentown's primary inbound freight includes raw materials, consumer goods, food ingredients, packaging materials, imported merchandise, chemicals. Industries driving this lane include healthcare and music & entertainment from Nashville and logistics & distribution and food processing in Allentown.
Get Exact Rates for Nashville to Allentown
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Nashville to Allentown lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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