Dry Van Trucking in Tennessee

Complete dry van owner-operator guide for Tennessee (TN) — estimated market rates, top freight lanes, key industries, and regulations affecting dry van carriers in the Southeast region.

Dry Van Market Rates in Tennessee

Rate Per Mile

$2.48

+1.2% vs national avg

Est. Gross Monthly

$21,080

Est. Net Monthly

$13,702

After ~35% expenses

Tennessee vs National Average

Metric	Tennessee	National Avg	Difference
Rate/Mile	$2.48	$2.45	+1.2%
Fuel Tax	26.4c/gal	~32c/gal	Below avg
Freight Volume	very high	moderate	-

Dry Van Market Overview — Southeast Region

The Southeast is one of the nation's strongest dry van markets, fueled by Atlanta's role as a distribution hub and Florida's massive consumer base. Savannah and Charleston ports generate steady import freight, while automotive manufacturing in Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina adds reliable contract lanes. Deadhead rates are generally favorable thanks to high freight density along the I-75 and I-85 corridors.

Top Dry Van Freight Lanes

1Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC

2Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN

3Savannah GA → Memphis TN

4Miami FL → Atlanta GA

Lanes are based on the Southeast region where Tennessee is located. Actual lane availability varies by season and market conditions.

Industries Driving Dry Van Demand in Tennessee

1Automotive

2Beverage distribution

3Retail distribution

4E-commerce fulfillment

Tennessee's major shippers including Nissan (Smyrna) and GM (Spring Hill) generate consistent dry van freight. The state's very high freight volume and 8/10 owner-operator friendliness score make it a strong market for dry van carriers.

Top Freight Cities in Tennessee for Dry Van

Nashville, TN

Key hub on I-40 corridor

Memphis, TN

Key hub on I-40 corridor

Knoxville, TN

Key hub on I-40 corridor

Chattanooga, TN

Key hub on I-40 corridor

Clarksville, TN

Key hub on I-40 corridor

Tennessee Regulations Affecting Dry Van Operations

Memphis FedEx SuperHub — overnight freight capital
Nashville fastest growing for distribution
Standard 80,000 lbs GVW applies to dry van operations in TN
Dry van carriers should monitor seasonal weight restriction periods in Tennessee

Fuel tax in Tennessee: 26.4 cents/gallon. No toll roads. Mild; occasional ice storms; Smoky Mountain fog; spring tornadoes.

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Dry Van Trucking in Tennessee — FAQ

Based on our market rate engine, dry van carriers in Tennessee (southeast region) can expect approximately $2.48/mile. This translates to an estimated gross of $21,080/month and net of $13,702/month after typical expenses. Rates vary by lane, season, and individual shipper negotiations.

The top industries driving dry van demand in Tennessee include Automotive, Music/entertainment, Healthcare. Major shippers in the state include Nissan (Smyrna) and GM (Spring Hill). The state's very high freight volume creates strong opportunities for dry van carriers.

Tennessee trucking regulations that affect dry van operations include: Memphis FedEx SuperHub — overnight freight capital. Nashville fastest growing for distribution. The state fuel tax rate is 26.4 cents per gallon. Always verify current regulations with TN DOT before dispatching.

Top dry van freight lanes in the Southeast region include Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC; Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN; Savannah GA → Memphis TN. Tennessee's key highways (I-40, I-65, I-24) connect the state's major freight cities: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville. Securing round-trip loads on these lanes minimizes deadhead miles.

Tennessee scores 8/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale with very high freight volume and moderate truck parking. The fuel tax of 26.4 cents/gallon is near the national average. Mild; occasional ice storms; Smoky Mountain fog; spring tornadoes. No toll roads.