Memphis, TN
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Memphis.
#6
Freight Rank
2,926
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Southeast
Region
Who Operates Out of Memphis
2,926 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Memphis. 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.
1,363
Owner-operators (1 truck)
615
Small fleets (2-5)
166
Mid fleets (6-20)
88
Large fleets (20+)
47% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 245 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 | $2.20 |
| Reefer | $2.60 |
| Flatbed | $2.90 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
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
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