Skip to main content
USA Trucker Choice

Trucking in Tennessee

Owner-operator guide for Tennessee (TN) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Nashville state.

Quick Stats

Freight Volume

very high

O-O Friendly

8/10

Fuel Tax

26.4 c/gal

Parking

moderate

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/Mile
Dry Van$2.40
Reefer$2.70
Flatbed$2.95

Key Highways

I-40I-65I-24I-75I-81I-240

These corridors connect Tennessee's major freight cities: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.

Top Industries

1Automotive
2Music/entertainment
3Healthcare
4Logistics
5Agriculture

Top Shippers

Nissan (Smyrna)

GM (Spring Hill)

Amazon BNA2-BNA7

FedEx SuperHub (Memphis)

Pilot Flying J HQ

Trucking Regulations

  • Memphis FedEx SuperHub — overnight freight capital
  • Nashville fastest growing for distribution
  • No state income tax
  • I-40 Nashville construction eternal

Toll Roads & Winter Conditions

Toll Information

No toll roads

Winter Conditions

Mild; occasional ice storms; Smoky Mountain fog; spring tornadoes

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Tennessee

In Tennessee, dry van rates average $2.40/mile, reefer rates average $2.70/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.95/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Tennessee scores 8/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has very high freight volume with moderate truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Automotive, Music/entertainment, Healthcare.
Key trucking regulations in Tennessee include: Memphis FedEx SuperHub — overnight freight capital. Nashville fastest growing for distribution. No state income tax. I-40 Nashville construction eternal. The state fuel tax rate is 26.4 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Tennessee are I-40, I-65, I-24, I-75, I-81, I-240. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville. No toll roads.