Knoxville, TN
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Knoxville.
1,187
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Southeast
Region
Who Operates Out of Knoxville
1,187 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Knoxville. Here is how that base breaks down by fleet size — useful for judging whether you would be competing against owner-operators or against fleets with dedicated freight locked up.
458
Owner-operators (1 truck)
341
Small fleets (2-5)
130
Mid fleets (6-20)
72
Large fleets (20+)
39% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 136 are registered to haul hazardous materials.
Source: FMCSA Motor Carrier Census (active carriers, US physical addresses), retrieved 2026-07-18.
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.40 |
| Reefer | $2.83 |
| Flatbed | $2.94 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- The I-40/I-75 Malfunction Junction interchange is notorious for congestion and accidents, steep grades on I-75 through the Cumberland Plateau and I-40 through the Smoky Mountains, fog in the Tennessee Valley during fall and winter mornings, and limited truck parking in the metro area despite being Pilot Company headquarters.
- Hurricane season (June-November) poses risk to operations and cargo
- Summer heat and humidity require attention to temperature-sensitive freight
- Rapid population growth increases congestion on key corridors
Opportunities
- Rapidly growing population drives sustained freight demand
- Automotive manufacturing belt creates steady parts and finished vehicle freight
- Port of Savannah and Port of Charleston generate strong import volumes
- Year-round operations without severe winter weather interruptions
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Florida produce season (October-May) drives strong northbound reefer demand. Hurricane season (June-November) creates both risks and emergency freight surges. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Year-round construction keeps flatbed demand steady.
Trucking in Knoxville — FAQ
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