Freight Shipping from Providence to Memphis
Ship freight from Providence, RI to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,090-$3,808, LTL from $990-$1,621. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,437 mi
Drive Time
26 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,090-$3,808
LTL Rate Est.
$990-$1,621
Providence to Memphis Freight Corridor
Providence may be small but it punches hard in logistics. CVS Health's national headquarters in nearby Woonsocket drives pharmaceutical and retail distribution freight across the Northeast. Hasbro's toy and game operations generate seasonal spikes that test carrier capacity. The Port of Providence handles bulk commodities — auto imports, petroleum, and construction aggregates — while Electric Boat's submarine component work at Quonset Point creates specialized defense freight.
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 Providence-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,437 miles via I-95, I-195, I-40, I-55. This lane connects jewelry & costume accessories and healthcare freight from the Providence 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 Providence
Providence's economy is driven by jewelry & costume accessories, healthcare, defense (naval station newport), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
jewelry & fashion accessories
medical devices
fabricated metals
seafood
specialty chemicals
defense electronics
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Providence.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Providence 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.
$3,090-$3,808 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.
$3,808-$4,814 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.
$4,095-$5,245 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,527-$6,107 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Providence to Memphis lane (1,437 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,090-$3,808 | 26 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $990-$1,621 | 28-30 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,670-$6,467 | 17 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,940-$2,658 | 29-31 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Providence and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
CVS Health (HQ, Woonsocket)
Hasbro (HQ, Pawtucket)
Electric Boat (Quonset Point)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Providence to Memphis
Providence Seasonal Advisory
Hasbro's toy distribution creates a sharp Q3-Q4 peak as products ship to retailers for the holiday season. CVS distribution is steady year-round with peaks during cold/flu season. Port operations slow during winter storms but remain active.
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 1,437 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 26 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.
Providence to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Providence to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Providence, RI to Memphis, TN currently range from $3,090-$3,808 for a standard dry van load over the 1,437-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $990-$1,621 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 Providence to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Providence to Memphis is approximately 26 hrs by truck over 1,437 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 Providence to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Providence commonly ships jewelry & fashion accessories, medical devices, fabricated metals, 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 Providence?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Providence can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Providence-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Providence to Memphis?
The Providence-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Providence's top outbound commodities include jewelry & fashion accessories, medical devices, fabricated metals, seafood, specialty chemicals, defense electronics. 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 jewelry & costume accessories and healthcare from Providence and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Providence to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Providence to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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