Trucking in Tennessee

In Tennessee, dry van rates average $2.40/mile, reefer rates average $2.70/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.95/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.

Tennessee scores 8/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has very high freight volume with moderate truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Automotive, Music/entertainment, Healthcare.

Key trucking regulations in Tennessee include: Memphis FedEx SuperHub — overnight freight capital. Nashville fastest growing for distribution. No state income tax. I-40 Nashville construction eternal. The state fuel tax rate is 26.4 cents per gallon.

The major freight highways in Tennessee are I-40, I-65, I-24, I-75, I-81, I-240. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville. No toll roads.

Truck driver earnings in Tennessee vary by equipment type and experience. Based on current Tennessee freight rates, a dry van owner-operator running 120,000 miles/year can expect to gross $245,000-$317,000 annually. After expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance), net take-home typically ranges from $74,000-$143,000. Reefer and flatbed operators often earn more — $2.70/mile and $2.95/mile respectively. Company drivers in Tennessee generally earn $55,000-$75,000 depending on the carrier and route type.

The primary freight corridors in Tennessee run along I-40, I-65, I-24, plus I-75, I-81, I-240. These routes connect major freight hubs like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and serve the state's top industries: Automotive, Music/entertainment, Healthcare. Major shippers along these corridors include Nissan (Smyrna) and GM (Spring Hill). Freight volume on Tennessee corridors is rated very high, making it a strong market for finding loads.

Standard operations in Tennessee require a valid USDOT number, MC authority (for interstate), and TN base plates or IRP registration. For oversize/overweight loads, Tennessee requires permits — contact the Tennessee DOT for permit details. Standard FMCSA hazmat endorsements apply for dangerous goods. The state motor fuel excise tax is roughly 26.4 cents/gallon; interstate carriers report fuel tax through IFTA, using the official quarterly IFTA rate matrix.

Major shippers and carriers operating in Tennessee include Nissan (Smyrna), GM (Spring Hill), Amazon BNA2-BNA7, FedEx SuperHub (Memphis), Pilot Flying J HQ. These companies generate consistent freight across the state's top industries: Automotive, Music/entertainment, Healthcare, Logistics. For owner-operators, Tennessee's very high freight volume means plenty of load opportunities from both direct shippers and load boards. Key freight cities like Nashville and Memphis are good places to establish regular lanes.

Compared to nearby states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee ranks favorably with a 8/10 owner-operator friendliness score. Tennessee has very high freight volume and a fuel tax of 26.4 cents/gallon. Alabama has a fuel tax of 29.2 cents/gallon for comparison. Factors like moderate truck parking and mild winters also affect profitability.

Tennessee's state motor fuel excise tax is around 26.4 cents per gallon, on top of the federal 24.4 cents/gallon on diesel. This is roughly in line with the national average. Major truck stops along I-40 and I-65 offer competitive diesel pricing. For a truck averaging 6.5 MPG over 10,000 miles/month, monthly fuel expense in Tennessee varies based on current pump prices. IFTA-registered carriers file quarterly to reconcile fuel taxes across states — use the official IFTA, Inc. quarterly tax rate matrix for filing figures rather than the approximate rate above, since diesel and gasoline are taxed at different rates in many states and the rates change quarterly. No toll roads.