Nashville, TN
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Nashville.
#14
Freight Rank
1,920
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Southeast
Region
Who Operates Out of Nashville
1,920 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Nashville. 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.
898
Owner-operators (1 truck)
466
Small fleets (2-5)
173
Mid fleets (6-20)
110
Large fleets (20+)
47% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 155 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 | $2.85 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- I-24 and I-440 interchange is one of the worst bottlenecks in the Southeast
- Rapid population growth is increasing traffic congestion annually
- Tornado risk in spring months can disrupt routes
- Downtown Nashville delivery restrictions during events and concerts
Opportunities
- Dollar General HQ ships to 19,000+ stores nationwide — enormous outbound volume
- Healthcare logistics from HCA and other hospital systems provide steady freight
- Three interstates converge making Nashville a natural relay and fuel stop
- Music and entertainment events create specialized freight demand
Seasonal Freight Patterns
CMA Fest (June) and other music events create freight spikes. Dollar General back-to-school and holiday peaks drive August-December volumes. Construction season (March-October) is strong. Tornado season (March-May) occasionally disrupts operations.
Trucking in Nashville — FAQ
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