Freight Shipping from Tulsa to Nashville
Ship freight from Tulsa, OK to Nashville, TN with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,436-$1,770, LTL from $567-$968. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
668 mi
Drive Time
12 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,436-$1,770
LTL Rate Est.
$567-$968
Tulsa to Nashville 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.
Nashville has emerged as one of America's fastest-growing freight markets, fueled by explosive population growth and a diversified economy anchored by healthcare and automotive. Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant — the most productive auto plant in North America — builds 640,000+ vehicles annually, while HCA Healthcare's headquarters drives medical supply distribution across 180+ hospitals. The I-40/I-65/I-24 triple junction gives Nashville reach to virtually every major market east of the Rockies.
The Tulsa-to-Nashville corridor spans 668 miles via I-44, US-75, I-40, I-65. This lane connects aerospace manufacturing and energy freight from the Tulsa market to healthcare and music & entertainment demand in Nashville. 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 Nashville Receives
Nashville's healthcare, music & entertainment, automotive manufacturing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Tulsa.
automotive components
consumer electronics
construction materials
food products
retail merchandise
medical supplies
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Tulsa and Nashville, 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.
$1,436-$1,770 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.
$1,904-$2,438 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.
$567-$968 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Tulsa to Nashville lane (668 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,436-$1,770 | 12 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $567-$968 | 14-16 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,171-$3,006 | 8 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $902-$1,236 | 15-17 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Tulsa and Nashville that drive volume on this lane.
American Airlines Maintenance Base
NORDAM Group
Holly Frontier Refining
Nissan North America (HQ & Smyrna Plant)
HCA Healthcare (HQ)
Bridgestone Americas (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Tulsa to Nashville
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.
Nashville Seasonal Advisory
Nissan production runs year-round with brief shutdowns in July and December. Healthcare supply distribution peaks during flu season (October-March). The massive construction boom for Nashville's growth creates steady building material demand March through November.
Overnight Transit
This 668-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
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 Nashville Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Tulsa to Nashville?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Tulsa, OK to Nashville, TN currently range from $1,436-$1,770 for a standard dry van load over the 668-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $567-$968 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 Nashville?
Standard FTL transit from Tulsa to Nashville is approximately 12 hrs by truck over 668 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 Tulsa to Nashville 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. Nashville commonly receives automotive components, consumer electronics, construction materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Nashville to Tulsa?
Yes. Nashville is a strong outbound market shipping healthcare products, automotive parts (Nissan), consumer goods. Carriers returning from Nashville to Tulsa can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Tulsa-to-Nashville lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Tulsa to Nashville?
The Tulsa-to-Nashville 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. Nashville's primary inbound freight includes automotive components, consumer electronics, construction materials, food products, retail merchandise, medical supplies. Industries driving this lane include aerospace manufacturing and energy from Tulsa and healthcare and music & entertainment in Nashville.
Get Exact Rates for Tulsa to Nashville
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Tulsa to Nashville lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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