Freight Shipping from Seattle to Memphis
Ship freight from Seattle, WA to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $5,209-$6,421, LTL from $1,533-$2,460. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,423 mi
Drive Time
44 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$5,209-$6,421
LTL Rate Est.
$1,533-$2,460
Seattle to Memphis Freight Corridor
Seattle is the Pacific Northwest's freight powerhouse, combining one of the nation's largest container ports with the headquarters of Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Costco. The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle + Tacoma) is the fourth-largest container gateway in North America, funneling Asian imports into the U.S. interior via BNSF and Union Pacific rail. Amazon's explosive last-mile network has transformed the region's freight landscape, with dozens of delivery stations and fulfillment centers scattered across the Puget Sound.
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 Seattle-to-Memphis corridor spans 2,423 miles via I-5, I-90, I-40, I-55. This lane connects technology and aerospace (boeing) freight from the Seattle 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 Seattle
Seattle's economy is driven by technology, aerospace (boeing), e-commerce (amazon), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
aircraft & aerospace parts
software/cloud hardware
seafood (Alaska processing)
agricultural exports (wheat, apples)
forest products
e-commerce shipments
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Seattle.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Seattle 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.
$5,209-$6,421 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.
$6,421-$8,117 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.
$6,906-$8,844 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$7,632-$10,298 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Seattle to Memphis lane (2,423 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $5,209-$6,421 | 44 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,533-$2,460 | 46-48 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $7,875-$10,904 | 29 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,271-$4,483 | 47-49 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Seattle and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (HQ)
Boeing Everett/Renton
Microsoft (Redmond)
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Seattle to Memphis
Seattle Seasonal Advisory
Port volumes peak July-October as retailers stock for holidays. Apple and cherry harvest (July-September) from eastern Washington creates heavy reefer demand. Boeing production schedules drive oversized and flatbed freight year-round. Amazon Q4 surge (October-December) is the single largest seasonal freight event in 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 2,423 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 44 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.
Seattle to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Seattle to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Seattle, WA to Memphis, TN currently range from $5,209-$6,421 for a standard dry van load over the 2,423-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,533-$2,460 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 Seattle to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Seattle to Memphis is approximately 44 hrs by truck over 2,423 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 Seattle to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Seattle commonly ships aircraft & aerospace parts, software/cloud hardware, seafood (Alaska processing), 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 Seattle?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Seattle can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Seattle-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Seattle to Memphis?
The Seattle-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Seattle's top outbound commodities include aircraft & aerospace parts, software/cloud hardware, seafood (Alaska processing), agricultural exports (wheat, apples), forest products, e-commerce shipments. 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 technology and aerospace (Boeing) from Seattle and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Seattle to Memphis
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