Freight Shipping from Syracuse to Memphis
Ship freight from Syracuse, NY to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,576-$3,175, LTL from $859-$1,418. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,198 mi
Drive Time
22 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,576-$3,175
LTL Rate Est.
$859-$1,418
Syracuse to Memphis Freight Corridor
Syracuse sits at the crossroads of I-90 (New York State Thruway) and I-81, making it central New York's natural distribution hub. CSX's DeWitt Yard is one of the largest rail classification yards on the East Coast, generating significant intermodal and transload activity. Lockheed Martin's Syracuse facility produces advanced radar and electronic warfare systems for the military, creating high-security, high-value freight demand.
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 Syracuse-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,198 miles via I-90, I-81, I-40, I-55. This lane connects higher education and healthcare freight from the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Syracuse's economy is driven by higher education, healthcare, defense electronics, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
defense radar systems
dairy products
processed foods
medical supplies
salt & road chemicals
maple products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Syracuse.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Syracuse 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.
$2,576-$3,175 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.
$3,175-$4,013 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.
$3,414-$4,373 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,774-$5,092 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Syracuse to Memphis lane (1,198 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,576-$3,175 | 22 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $859-$1,418 | 24-26 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,894-$5,391 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,617-$2,216 | 25-27 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Syracuse and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Lockheed Martin (Syracuse)
Byrne Dairy
Amazon SYR Fulfillment
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Syracuse to Memphis
Syracuse Seasonal Advisory
Syracuse is the snowiest major city in the U.S., averaging 130+ inches annually. Winter carriers earn premium rates but must budget for chain laws, mandatory snow equipment, and frequent I-81 closures through the Tug Hill Plateau.
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 1,198 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.
Syracuse to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Syracuse to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Syracuse, NY to Memphis, TN currently range from $2,576-$3,175 for a standard dry van load over the 1,198-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $859-$1,418 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 Syracuse to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Syracuse to Memphis is approximately 22 hrs by truck over 1,198 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 Syracuse to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Syracuse commonly ships defense radar systems, dairy products, processed foods, 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 Syracuse?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Syracuse can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Syracuse-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Syracuse to Memphis?
The Syracuse-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Syracuse's top outbound commodities include defense radar systems, dairy products, processed foods, medical supplies, salt & road chemicals, maple 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 higher education and healthcare from Syracuse and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Syracuse to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Syracuse to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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