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
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
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.