Freight Shipping from Portland to Memphis
Ship freight from Portland, ME to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,367-$4,150, LTL from $1,061-$1,731. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,566 mi
Drive Time
28 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,367-$4,150
LTL Rate Est.
$1,061-$1,731
Portland to Memphis Freight Corridor
Portland is northern New England's primary freight gateway, with the International Marine Terminal handling containerized cargo from Iceland and Canada. The city's booming seafood processing industry ships temperature-controlled lobster and shellfish to markets nationwide, while IDEXX Laboratories generates steady pharmaceutical-grade freight requiring climate-controlled transport.
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 Portland-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,566 miles via I-95, I-295, I-40, I-55. This lane connects seafood processing and craft brewing & distilling freight from the Portland 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 Portland
Portland's economy is driven by seafood processing, craft brewing & distilling, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
lobster & seafood
craft beer
blueberries
paper products
potatoes
wood pellets
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Portland.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Portland 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.
$3,367-$4,150 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.
$4,150-$5,246 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.
$4,463-$5,716 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,933-$6,656 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Portland to Memphis lane (1,566 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,367-$4,150 | 28 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,061-$1,731 | 30-32 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,090-$7,047 | 19 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,114-$2,897 | 31-33 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Portland and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Cooke Aquaculture
IDEXX Laboratories
WEX Inc.
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Portland to Memphis
Portland Seasonal Advisory
Lobster season peaks July through November, creating intense reefer demand. Heating oil deliveries surge October through March, tightening tanker capacity across the region.
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 1,566 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 28 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.
Portland to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Portland to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Portland, ME to Memphis, TN currently range from $3,367-$4,150 for a standard dry van load over the 1,566-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,061-$1,731 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 Portland to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Portland to Memphis is approximately 28 hrs by truck over 1,566 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 Portland to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Portland commonly ships lobster & seafood, craft beer, blueberries, 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 Portland?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Portland can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Portland-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Portland to Memphis?
The Portland-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Portland's top outbound commodities include lobster & seafood, craft beer, blueberries, paper products, potatoes, wood pellets. 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 seafood processing and craft brewing & distilling from Portland and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Portland to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Portland to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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