Memphis, TN
#6 US freight hub — owner-operator guide to rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities.
#6
Freight Rank
633,104
Population
Good
Truck Parking
Southeast
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.20 |
| Reefer | $2.60 |
| Flatbed | $2.90 |
Key Highways
I-40I-55I-240I-22US-78
Top Industries
Air freight & logistics
Medical devices
Automotive parts
Consumer retail
Paper & packaging
Major Distribution Centers
FedEx World Hub (Memphis International Airport)
Nike North American Distribution Center (Memphis)
Williams-Sonoma Distribution Center (Olive Branch, MS)
Medtronic Distribution (Memphis)
AutoZone Corporate HQ & DC (Memphis)
International Paper (Memphis)
Top Shippers
F
FedExN
NikeA
AutoZoneI
International PaperM
MedtronicNearby Ports
Port of Memphis (Mississippi River)
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (West Memphis, AR)
Love's Travel Stop (Marion, AR)
TA Petro (West Memphis, AR)
Flying J (Millington)
Petro Stopping Center (West Memphis, AR)
Challenges
- Mississippi River bridge closures cause massive rerouting headaches
- Limited east-west interstate options — I-40 is the only major crossing
- Summer humidity and heat stress equipment and drivers
- FedEx hub traffic creates late-night congestion near the airport
Opportunities
- FedEx World Hub makes Memphis the air-to-ground freight capital
- Central US location enables 2-day ground delivery to 75% of the population
- Strong demand for team drivers on FedEx relay loads
- Nike DC generates massive outbound retail freight year-round
Seasonal Freight Patterns
FedEx peak season runs October through January with enormous volume. Holiday retail shipments from Nike and Williams-Sonoma DCs drive fall demand. Cotton harvest (September-November) creates agricultural freight. Summer sees moderate activity with steady e-commerce.
Trucking in Memphis — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Memphis: Dry Van $2.20, Reefer $2.60, Flatbed $2.90. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions. Memphis is ranked #6 among US freight hubs by volume.
Truck parking in Memphis is rated "good." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (West Memphis, AR), Love's Travel Stop (Marion, AR), TA Petro (West Memphis, AR). Parking availability is generally reliable, but popular stops still fill up on busy nights.
Top shippers operating in the Memphis freight market include FedEx, Nike, AutoZone, International Paper, Medtronic. Key industries driving freight demand are air freight & logistics, medical devices, automotive parts.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Memphis include: Mississippi River bridge closures cause massive rerouting headaches; Limited east-west interstate options; Summer humidity and heat stress equipment and drivers. However, opportunities include fedex world hub makes memphis the air-to-ground freight capital.