Freight Shipping from Newark to Memphis
Ship freight from Newark, NJ to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,642-$3,257, LTL from $876-$1,445. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,229 mi
Drive Time
22 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,642-$3,257
LTL Rate Est.
$876-$1,445
Newark to Memphis Freight Corridor
Newark is the epicenter of East Coast container freight, with Port Newark-Elizabeth handling 8+ million TEUs annually as the busiest port on the Atlantic seaboard. The drayage market from the port terminals to regional distribution centers is one of the highest-volume, most competitive trucking segments in the nation. Newark Liberty Airport adds significant air cargo volume, making this one of the densest multimodal freight zones in the world.
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 Newark-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,229 miles via I-95/NJ Turnpike, I-78, I-40, I-55. This lane connects port logistics & drayage and air cargo freight from the Newark 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 Newark
Newark's economy is driven by port logistics & drayage, air cargo, pharmaceuticals, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
containerized exports
pharmaceuticals
refined petroleum
chemicals
food products
e-commerce returns
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Newark.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Newark 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.
$2,642-$3,257 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.
$3,257-$4,117 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.
$3,503-$4,486 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,871-$5,223 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Newark to Memphis lane (1,229 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,642-$3,257 | 22 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $876-$1,445 | 24-26 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,994-$5,531 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,659-$2,274 | 25-27 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Newark and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Maersk (Port Newark)
Amazon EWR Fulfillment
Anheuser-Busch Newark
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Newark to Memphis
Newark Seasonal Advisory
Import volumes peak August through October as retailers stock for the holiday season, creating severe chassis shortages and 3-5 day terminal wait times. Post-Lunar New Year (February-March) brings a second surge as Asian factories resume production.
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 1,229 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 22 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.
Newark to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Newark to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Newark, NJ to Memphis, TN currently range from $2,642-$3,257 for a standard dry van load over the 1,229-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $876-$1,445 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 Newark to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Newark to Memphis is approximately 22 hrs by truck over 1,229 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 Newark to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Newark commonly ships containerized exports, pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum, 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 Newark?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Newark can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Newark-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Newark to Memphis?
The Newark-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Newark's top outbound commodities include containerized exports, pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum, chemicals, food products, e-commerce returns. 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 port logistics & drayage and air cargo from Newark and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Newark to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Newark to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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