Freight Shipping from New Orleans to Memphis
Ship freight from New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,004-$1,238, LTL from $457-$797. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
467 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,004-$1,238
LTL Rate Est.
$457-$797
New Orleans to Memphis Freight Corridor
New Orleans commands the mouth of the Mississippi River, the most important commercial waterway in the Western Hemisphere. The Port of South Louisiana complex (stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge) handles more tonnage than any other port district in the US, with grain exports from the Midwest heartland meeting oceangoing vessels at 60+ terminals along the river. The city's petrochemical corridor generates hazmat tanker freight on an industrial scale, while the tourism economy demands a constant flow of food, beverage, and hospitality supplies.
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 New Orleans-to-Memphis corridor spans 467 miles via I-55. This lane connects petrochemicals and port operations freight from the New Orleans 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 New Orleans
New Orleans's economy is driven by petrochemicals, port operations, tourism & hospitality, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
petroleum products
chemical products
grain exports
coffee (re-export)
seafood
rubber & plastics
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like New Orleans.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between New Orleans 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.
$1,004-$1,238 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.
$1,238-$1,564 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.
$1,331-$1,705 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,471-$1,985 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the New Orleans to Memphis lane (467 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,004-$1,238 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $457-$797 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,518-$2,102 | 6 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both New Orleans and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Port of New Orleans
Entergy
Folgers/J.M. Smucker (coffee roasting)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for New Orleans to Memphis
New Orleans Seasonal Advisory
Mardi Gras (February-March) drives a spike in food service and event freight. Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt port and refinery operations for weeks. Grain export season peaks October through January as the harvest moves downriver.
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 467 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.
New Orleans to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from New Orleans to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN currently range from $1,004-$1,238 for a standard dry van load over the 467-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $457-$797 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 New Orleans to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from New Orleans to Memphis is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 467 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 New Orleans to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. New Orleans commonly ships petroleum products, chemical products, grain exports, 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 New Orleans?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to New Orleans can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the New Orleans-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from New Orleans to Memphis?
The New Orleans-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. New Orleans's top outbound commodities include petroleum products, chemical products, grain exports, coffee (re-export), seafood, rubber & plastics. 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 petrochemicals and port operations from New Orleans and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for New Orleans to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the New Orleans to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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