Freight Shipping from Tulsa to Memphis
Ship freight from Tulsa, OK to Memphis, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $952-$1,174, LTL from $444-$777. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
443 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$952-$1,174
LTL Rate Est.
$444-$777
Tulsa to Memphis Freight Corridor
Tulsa is the aerospace maintenance capital of the central U.S., with American Airlines operating its largest MRO facility here — capable of servicing widebody aircraft. The Port of Catoosa, America's most inland river port, connects Tulsa to the Gulf of Mexico via the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, enabling barge-to-truck transloading for heavy industrial freight. The city's legacy oil refining infrastructure creates steady tanker and hazmat volumes.
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 Tulsa-to-Memphis corridor spans 443 miles via I-44, US-75, I-40, I-55. This lane connects aerospace manufacturing and energy freight from the Tulsa 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 Tulsa
Tulsa's economy is driven by aerospace manufacturing, energy, steel fabrication, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
aircraft components
refined fuels
steel pipe & fittings
oil & gas equipment
processed foods
glass products
What Memphis Receives
Memphis's logistics & distribution (fedex), medical devices, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Tulsa.
e-commerce packages (FedEx)
consumer goods
raw cotton
steel & metals
petroleum products
agricultural inputs
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Tulsa 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.
$952-$1,174 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.
$1,263-$1,617 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,395-$1,883 estimated for this lane
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets. Shared trailer space with other shippers reduces cost for smaller loads.
$444-$777 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Tulsa to Memphis lane (443 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $952-$1,174 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $444-$777 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,440-$1,994 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Tulsa and Memphis that drive volume on this lane.
American Airlines Maintenance Base
NORDAM Group
Holly Frontier Refining
FedEx (Global HQ & SuperHub)
Smith & Nephew
International Paper
Shipping Tips for Tulsa to Memphis
Tulsa Seasonal Advisory
Aerospace MRO work peaks during winter when airlines pull aircraft from service for heavy maintenance checks. Refinery output is steady but turnaround seasons (spring and fall) temporarily reduce outbound tanker volumes while increasing inbound equipment freight.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 443 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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.
Tulsa to Memphis Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Tulsa to Memphis?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Tulsa, OK to Memphis, TN currently range from $952-$1,174 for a standard dry van load over the 443-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $444-$777 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 Tulsa to Memphis?
Standard FTL transit from Tulsa to Memphis is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 443 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%.
What equipment do I need for Tulsa to Memphis freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Tulsa commonly ships aircraft components, refined fuels, steel pipe & fittings, 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 Tulsa?
Yes. Memphis is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce packages (FedEx), medical devices, cotton. Carriers returning from Memphis to Tulsa can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Tulsa-to-Memphis lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Tulsa to Memphis?
The Tulsa-to-Memphis corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Tulsa's top outbound commodities include aircraft components, refined fuels, steel pipe & fittings, oil & gas equipment, processed foods, glass 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 aerospace manufacturing and energy from Tulsa and logistics & distribution (FedEx) and medical devices in Memphis.
Get Exact Rates for Tulsa to Memphis
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