Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN

530-mile freight corridor via I-55 S through Springfield and St. Louis, continuing through the Missouri Bootheel to Memphis. 1-2 days transit. Easy difficulty.

Distance

530 mi

Transit Time

1-2 days

Difficulty

Easy

Toll Cost

$5-10

Average Rates Per Mile

Equipment	Rate/Mile	Est. Total
Dry Van	$2.20	$1,166
Reefer	$2.65	$1,404.5
Flatbed	$2.85	$1,510.5

Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.

Route Details

Recommended Route

I-55 S through Springfield and St. Louis, continuing through the Missouri Bootheel to Memphis

Fuel Stops

3 recommended

Tolls

$5-10

Common Freight Types

Parcels/E-commerceCottonLumberConsumer Goods

Backhaul Information

Good Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $2.00/mi

Common return cargo: Cotton, lumber, FedEx parcels from Memphis hub

Key Stops Along the Route

Chicago, IL

Origin

Joliet, IL

Springfield, IL

St. Louis, MO

Sikeston, MO

Blytheville, AR

Memphis, TN

Destination

Seasonal Trends

FedEx hub in Memphis drives consistent demand year-round. Holiday shipping surge November-January. Mississippi River flooding spring can close portions of I-55 near Cape Girardeau. Cotton harvest August-November increases flatbed demand.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

I-55 through downtown St. Louis merges with I-44 and I-64 -- three interstates in one lane. Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM.

The Poplar Bluff to Memphis stretch through the Bootheel has fog issues in fall and winter mornings.

Memphis receivers near the FedEx hub (Airways Blvd area) are extremely time-sensitive. Do not be late.

Fuel is cheapest in Missouri between Springfield and Sikeston.

Strong reload market from Memphis -- it is one of the top 5 freight origins in the US thanks to FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper.

Chicago to Memphis FAQ

Current average rates on the Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN lane are approximately $2.20/mi for dry van, $2.65/mi for reefer, and $2.85/mi for flatbed. Rates fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and market demand. The most common equipment types on this lane are Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed.

The 530-mile route from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN typically takes 1-2 days. The recommended route is I-55 S through Springfield and St. Louis, continuing through the Missouri Bootheel to Memphis. Actual transit time depends on weather, traffic, HOS compliance, and whether you run solo or team. Plan for 3 fuel stops along the way.

Yes, backhaul availability on the return trip is good. Average backhaul rates run around $2.00/mi. Common backhaul cargo includes Cotton, lumber, FedEx parcels from Memphis hub. Check DAT, Truckstop, and local brokers for the best return loads.

Estimated toll costs on the Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN corridor are $5-10. Factor these tolls into your rate negotiation -- they directly impact your net revenue per mile. Electronic transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass, etc.) can reduce costs and save time at toll plazas.

Related Freight Lanes

Chicago → Atlanta

716 mi · 1-2 days

easyDV $2.25

Dallas → Chicago

920 mi · 2 days

moderateDV $2.10

Chicago → New York

790 mi · 2 days

challengingDV $2.45

Equipment

Rate/Mile

Est. Total

Dry Van

$2.20

$1,166

Reefer

$2.65

$1,404.5

Flatbed

$2.85

$1,510.5

Trucker Tips for This Lane

I-55 through downtown St. Louis merges with I-44 and I-64 -- three interstates in one lane. Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM.

The Poplar Bluff to Memphis stretch through the Bootheel has fog issues in fall and winter mornings.

Memphis receivers near the FedEx hub (Airways Blvd area) are extremely time-sensitive. Do not be late.

Fuel is cheapest in Missouri between Springfield and Sikeston.

Strong reload market from Memphis -- it is one of the top 5 freight origins in the US thanks to FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper.

Chicago to Memphis FAQ