391 miles · Est. 5.8 hours · Avg $2.40/mile · Gross $938
Lane Overview
391
Miles
$2.40
Avg rate/mile
$938
Avg gross rate
moderate
Competition
Atlanta to Memphis westbound on I-20 west to I-22/US-78 through Birmingham is a Mid-South return corridor with strong institutional freight. FedEx World Hub in Memphis is the world's largest air cargo facility — consumer goods, e-commerce product, and food and beverage freight heading west toward the hub's sorting complex is always available. Automotive parts from Georgia's manufacturing base complete the load mix. Moderate rates at $2.30–$2.50/mile hold steady year-round.
I-20 west through Birmingham's I-20/I-59 split is straightforward — stay on I-20 west for Memphis routing. US-78 through Hamilton, AL and Tupelo, MS is the direct route — rural highway with light traffic and no tolls. Tupelo, MS has a weigh station on US-78 westbound that checks frequently during harvest season. Memphis delivery: FedEx World Hub requires pre-scheduled dock appointments and security credentials — confirm before arrival. Return Memphis to Atlanta (Lane 7) runs strong with hub-sorted freight heading back eastbound.
Driver Tip
Use our Load Profitability Calculator to check if this lane covers your operating costs before accepting a load.
Trip Costs
Fuel Estimate
$145
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$5
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$788
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Return Freight
Memphis to Atlanta
391 miles · $2.45/mile avg
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Atlanta to Memphis is the Southeast's cross-corridor — connecting Georgia's distribution infrastructure to the Mid-South's logistics hub. FedEx built its World Hub in Memphis for a reason: the city sits at the geographic center of the eastern US freight market. Running Atlanta loads into that hub is never a bad play if the rate is right.
Atlanta generates freight for Memphis from several distinct sectors. Consumer goods from the west-side Atlanta distribution corridor head toward FedEx's sorting complex and the Mississippi River export terminals. Automotive parts from Georgia's Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier network near the Volkswagen Chattanooga area and the BMW Greer supply chain move west toward Tennessee and Mississippi distribution points. Food and beverage from Atlanta's Kraft Heinz and Coca-Cola supply chain adds reefer and dry-van volume. Nike's distribution center in Memphis is a major receiver for athletic goods originating in Atlanta-area distribution.
I-20 west from Atlanta through Birmingham is the first segment. In Birmingham, the I-20/I-59 split has directional decision — stay on I-20 west for the Memphis routing (I-59 goes toward Tuscaloosa). West of Birmingham, the preferred routing is I-20/59 west to US-78 at Jasper. US-78 through Hamilton, Alabama and into Tupelo, Mississippi is the direct route — a four-lane divided highway through rural territory with light traffic and no tolls. Tupelo has a weigh station on US-78 westbound that the Mississippi DOT runs actively, especially August through November during agricultural harvest. From Tupelo, US-78 continues northwest through Holly Springs into Memphis on I-240 or I-22. Memphis delivery: FedEx World Hub at the airport requires pre-scheduled dock appointments and security badge or escort — confirm your appointment before you leave Atlanta. Nike's distribution complex in the Olive Branch area south of Memphis has different requirements — call ahead.
At $2.30–$2.50/mile for 391 miles, this is a solid same-day or overnight run. The FedEx supply chain pays reliably through their broker network; if you can get on FedEx's preferred carrier programs, the consistency of the loads compensates for a rate that's moderate rather than exceptional. Mid-week loads are stronger than Friday afternoon Atlanta departures.
Memphis to Atlanta (Lane 7) reverses the flow — hub-sorted consumer goods and food products head east at comparable rates. Memphis is a genuine freight hub, so don't leave there empty; pre-book your return or spend 30 minutes on the load board before you deliver.
What's the US-78 routing like compared to going through I-22 the whole way?
US-78 through Tupelo is the standard truck route from Birmingham to Memphis and it's efficient. I-22 is a newer interstate that parallels much of US-78's path — many carriers now prefer I-22 for its divided interstate construction over the older US-78 sections. Either works; I-22 is the faster choice where it's available.
Do I need advance credentials to deliver at FedEx World Hub?
Yes. FedEx World Hub is a secured facility with strict access control. You need a scheduled dock appointment and must present ID at the security checkpoint. Carriers delivering regularly to the Hub get enrolled in FedEx's carrier access program — first-time deliveries require coordination through your broker or the FedEx freight dock appointment line well in advance.
Is there good truck parking in Memphis for an overnight break?
Pilot Travel Center at I-55 and I-240 near the state line area is a large facility. The Petro at I-40 near the Jackson, TN exit to the east is popular for staging. Downtown Memphis truck access is poor — keep deliveries in the Olive Branch, Southaven, or airport corridor where truck infrastructure is built for commercial freight.
Dispatch Service
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