Freight Shipping from Tucson to Memphis
Ship freight from Tucson, AZ to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,502-$4,317, LTL from $1,096-$1,785. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,629 mi
Drive Time
30 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,502-$4,317
LTL Rate Est.
$1,096-$1,785
Tucson to Memphis Freight Corridor
Tucson punches above its weight in specialized freight thanks to Raytheon's massive missile production campus, which is the city's largest employer and generates steady oversize and high-security shipments. The I-10 corridor through Tucson serves as the primary truck route between El Paso and Phoenix, funneling cross-border freight from Nogales northward. Copper mining operations in the surrounding mountains keep flatbed carriers busy year-round.
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 Tucson-to-Memphis corridor spans 1,629 miles via I-10, I-19, I-40, I-55. This lane connects defense & missile systems and mining & copper freight from the Tucson 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 Tucson
Tucson's economy is driven by defense & missile systems, mining & copper, optics manufacturing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
missiles & defense systems
copper concentrate
optical instruments
aircraft parts
produce
mining equipment
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Tucson.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Tucson 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.
$3,502-$4,317 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.
$4,317-$5,457 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.
$4,643-$5,946 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$5,131-$6,923 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Tucson to Memphis lane (1,629 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,502-$4,317 | 30 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,096-$1,785 | 32-34 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,294-$7,331 | 20 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,199-$3,014 | 33-35 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Tucson and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense
Caterpillar Mining
Bombardier Aerospace
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Tucson to Memphis
Tucson Seasonal Advisory
Winter produce season (November-March) from Nogales drives massive reefer demand. Summer monsoon season can temporarily disrupt I-10 with flash flooding, causing short-term rate spikes.
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 1,629 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 30 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.
Tucson to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Tucson to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Tucson, AZ to Memphis, TN currently range from $3,502-$4,317 for a standard dry van load over the 1,629-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,096-$1,785 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 Tucson to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Tucson to Memphis is approximately 30 hrs by truck over 1,629 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 Tucson to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Tucson commonly ships missiles & defense systems, copper concentrate, optical instruments, 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 Tucson?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Tucson can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Tucson-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Tucson to Memphis?
The Tucson-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Tucson's top outbound commodities include missiles & defense systems, copper concentrate, optical instruments, aircraft parts, produce, mining equipment. 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 defense & missile systems and mining & copper from Tucson and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Tucson to Memphis
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Tucson to Memphis lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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