Freight Shipping from Nashville to Montgomery
Ship freight from Nashville, TN to Montgomery, AL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $735-$906, LTL from $388-$691. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
342 mi
Drive Time
6 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$735-$906
LTL Rate Est.
$388-$691
Nashville to Montgomery 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.
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.
The Nashville-to-Montgomery corridor spans 342 miles via I-65. This lane connects healthcare and music & entertainment freight from the Nashville market to automotive manufacturing (hyundai) and government (state capital) demand in Montgomery. 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 Montgomery Receives
Montgomery's automotive manufacturing (hyundai), government (state capital), military (maxwell-gunter afb) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Nashville.
automotive components (Korea/Mexico)
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
food products
industrial equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Nashville and Montgomery, 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.
$735-$906 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.
$975-$1,248 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.
$388-$691 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Nashville to Montgomery lane (342 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $735-$906 | 6 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $388-$691 | 8-10 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,112-$1,539 | 4 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Nashville and Montgomery that drive volume on this lane.
Nissan North America (HQ & Smyrna Plant)
HCA Healthcare (HQ)
Bridgestone Americas (HQ)
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base
ALFA Insurance (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Nashville to Montgomery
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.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 342 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.
Nashville to Montgomery Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Nashville to Montgomery?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Nashville, TN to Montgomery, AL currently range from $735-$906 for a standard dry van load over the 342-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $388-$691 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 Montgomery?
Standard FTL transit from Nashville to Montgomery is approximately 6 hrs by truck over 342 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 Nashville to Montgomery 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. Montgomery commonly receives automotive components (Korea/Mexico), consumer goods, building materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Montgomery to Nashville?
Yes. Montgomery is a strong outbound market shipping Hyundai vehicles, automotive parts, processed poultry. Carriers returning from Montgomery to Nashville can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Nashville-to-Montgomery lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Nashville to Montgomery?
The Nashville-to-Montgomery 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. Montgomery's primary inbound freight includes automotive components (Korea/Mexico), consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, food products, industrial equipment. Industries driving this lane include healthcare and music & entertainment from Nashville and automotive manufacturing (Hyundai) and government (state capital) in Montgomery.
Get Exact Rates for Nashville to Montgomery
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Nashville to Montgomery lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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