Freight Shipping from Norfolk to Memphis
Ship freight from Norfolk, VA to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,174-$2,679, LTL from $756-$1,259. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,011 mi
Drive Time
18 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,174-$2,679
LTL Rate Est.
$756-$1,259
Norfolk to Memphis Freight Corridor
Norfolk is the East Coast's deepest natural harbor and home to the Port of Virginia — the third-largest container port in the U.S. and the only East Coast port with 55-foot channels capable of handling fully loaded ultra-large container vessels at any tide. Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base, generates enormous military logistics volume. Huntington Ingalls' Newport News Shipyard builds America's aircraft carriers and submarines, creating specialized oversize freight that moves nowhere else in the country.
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 Norfolk-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,011 miles via I-64, I-264, I-40, I-55. This lane connects military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics freight from the Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Norfolk's economy is driven by military & naval operations, port & maritime logistics, shipbuilding, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
containerized exports
coal
soybeans & grain
tobacco
military equipment
forest products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Norfolk.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Norfolk 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.
$2,174-$2,679 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.
$2,881-$3,690 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,185-$4,297 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.
$756-$1,259 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Norfolk to Memphis lane (1,011 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,174-$2,679 | 18 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $756-$1,259 | 20-22 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,286-$4,550 | 12 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,365-$1,870 | 21-23 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Norfolk and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base)
Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding)
Virginia Port Authority
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Norfolk to Memphis
Norfolk Seasonal Advisory
Import container volumes peak August through November during retail peak season. Coal exports fluctuate with global energy demand and Asian steel production. Military freight is steady year-round but surges during deployment cycles and fleet maintenance periods.
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 1,011 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 18 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.
Norfolk to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Norfolk to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Norfolk, VA to Memphis, TN currently range from $2,174-$2,679 for a standard dry van load over the 1,011-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $756-$1,259 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 Norfolk to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Norfolk to Memphis is approximately 18 hrs by truck over 1,011 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 Norfolk to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Norfolk commonly ships containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain, 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 Norfolk?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Norfolk can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Norfolk-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Norfolk to Memphis?
The Norfolk-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Norfolk's top outbound commodities include containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain, tobacco, military equipment, forest 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 military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics from Norfolk and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Norfolk to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Norfolk to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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