Freight Shipping from Tacoma to Memphis
Ship freight from Tacoma, WA to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $5,205-$6,416, LTL from $1,532-$2,458. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,421 mi
Drive Time
44 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$5,205-$6,416
LTL Rate Est.
$1,532-$2,458
Tacoma to Memphis Freight Corridor
Tacoma is the southern anchor of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, handling the bulk of container vessel calls for the Pacific Northwest. The Port of Tacoma's deep-water terminals process millions of TEUs annually, with direct rail connections to BNSF's transcontinental network. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest military installation on the West Coast, generates substantial defense logistics freight including vehicle movements, equipment deployments, and supply chain operations.
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 Tacoma-to-Memphis corridor spans 2,421 miles via I-5, SR-16, I-40, I-55. This lane connects port logistics and military (joint base lewis-mcchord) freight from the Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Tacoma's economy is driven by port logistics, military (joint base lewis-mcchord), manufacturing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
containerized exports (grain, hay)
lumber & wood products
military equipment
frozen seafood
scrap metal
paper products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Tacoma.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Tacoma 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.
$5,205-$6,416 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.
$6,416-$8,110 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.
$6,900-$8,837 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$7,626-$10,289 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Tacoma to Memphis lane (2,421 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $5,205-$6,416 | 44 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,532-$2,458 | 46-48 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $7,868-$10,895 | 29 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,268-$4,479 | 47-49 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Tacoma and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Port of Tacoma / NW Seaport Alliance
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Simpson Tacoma Kraft
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Tacoma to Memphis
Tacoma Seasonal Advisory
Container import volumes peak mid-summer through early fall for holiday retail inventory. Military freight follows deployment and exercise schedules at JBLM. Grain export season (August-November) from eastern Washington drives heavy truck-to-ship transfers at the port.
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 2,421 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.
Tacoma to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Tacoma to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Tacoma, WA to Memphis, TN currently range from $5,205-$6,416 for a standard dry van load over the 2,421-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,532-$2,458 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 Tacoma to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Tacoma to Memphis is approximately 44 hrs by truck over 2,421 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 Tacoma to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Tacoma commonly ships containerized exports (grain, hay), lumber & wood products, military equipment, 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 Tacoma?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Tacoma can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Tacoma-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Tacoma to Memphis?
The Tacoma-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Tacoma's top outbound commodities include containerized exports (grain, hay), lumber & wood products, military equipment, frozen seafood, scrap metal, paper 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 port logistics and military (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) from Tacoma and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Tacoma to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Tacoma to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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