Dry Van Dispatch in Tennessee
Tennessee is strategically positioned in the Southeast with Memphis and Nashville serving as critical freight hubs. Memphis is America's distribution capital (home to FedEx), while Nashville offers strong consumer goods freight. No state income tax is a major bonus for owner-operators.
Why Dry Van Thrives in Tennessee
Memphis is home to FedEx's global hub — the world's busiest cargo airport — plus major intermodal yards. Nashville is one of the fastest-growing distribution markets in the US. Tennessee's central location puts you within a day's drive of 48% of the US population. And zero state income tax means you keep $3,000-$6,000 more per year.
Top Dry Van Lanes in Tennessee
FedEx corridor via I-40/I-30 with distribution freight. 450 miles at $2.80-$3.20/mile with massive volume.
Southeast connector via I-24/I-75 with auto parts and retail. 250 miles at $3.20-$3.80/mile short-haul.
North-South corridor via I-55 with FedEx overflow and food products. 530 miles at $2.70-$3.10/mile.
Regional lane via I-65 with automotive freight and consumer goods. 175 miles with quick turnaround.
September through December peaks with FedEx holiday surge in Memphis (creating overflow loads paying 15-20% premiums) and Nashville retail distribution. Spring automotive production ramp-ups at Nissan and GM plants boost freight. Summer is steady with construction. January-February is slowest but Memphis maintains baseline volume from FedEx operations year-round.
Dry Van Freight in Tennessee
FedEx overflow loads during peak season (October-December) pay 15-20% above market rates — FF Dispatch has relationships with FedEx brokers to secure these premium loads.
Dry Van Rates in Tennessee
FedEx overflow loads during peak season (October-December) are some of the best dry van freight in the Southeast — 15-20% above market rates for time-sensitive parcels. FF Dispatch has relationships with FedEx brokers to secure these premium loads for our carriers.
Best Dry Van Lanes Nationwide
Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis to Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis. High volume consumer goods and automotive parts. Rates: $2.50-3.20/mile.
Los Angeles, San Francisco to Dallas, Houston. Heavy retail and consumer product flow. Rates: $2.80-3.50/mile.
New York, Philadelphia, Boston loop. Dense population centers with consistent demand. Rates: $2.60-3.00/mile.
Dallas, Houston, San Antonio circuit. Strong industrial and retail freight. Rates: $2.40-2.90/mile.
Dry Van Equipment for Tennessee
- ✓53-foot dry van trailer (most common)
- ✓Standard commercial insurance ($1M liability minimum)
- ✓No special certifications required
- ✓Air ride suspension preferred but not required
Dry Van Challenges in Tennessee & How We Solve Them
High Competition
Dry van is the most common equipment type, leading to intense competition for loads and pressure on rates.
Our exclusive broker relationships and premium load board access get you loads other carriers never see. We negotiate rates 20-30% higher than posted rates.
Rate Volatility
Dry van rates fluctuate significantly with seasonality, with slow periods in Q1 and peaks in Q4.
We track seasonal patterns and position you in high-demand lanes before peak seasons. We also secure contract lanes for consistent income during slow periods.
Deadhead Miles
Finding quality backhauls can be challenging, especially from less populated areas.
Strategic load planning and our network of shippers reduces your deadhead by 40%, keeping you loaded and profitable.
Detention Time
Dry van loads frequently experience delays at warehouses and distribution centers.
We negotiate detention pay upfront ($50-75/hour) and aggressively pursue detention claims, averaging $400-600/month in recovered fees.
Dry Van Dispatch FAQs for Tennessee
How does Tennessee's no income tax help truckers?
Tennessee charges zero state income tax on earned income. An owner-operator earning $80,000/year saves $3,000-$6,000 compared to states like California or New Jersey. This is real money that goes straight to your bottom line.
What are FedEx overflow loads?
During peak season (October-December), FedEx contracts with outside carriers for overflow parcel freight. These loads pay 15-20% above market rates and are time-sensitive. FF Dispatch secures these premium loads through our FedEx broker relationships.
Nashville vs Memphis — which is better for dry van?
Both are excellent. Memphis offers higher volume from FedEx and intermodal operations. Nashville has faster-growing distribution and better rate trends. Many carriers run both — the 210-mile I-40 run between them is a solid connector lane.
What makes dry van dispatch different from other equipment types?
Dry van is the most versatile and common freight type, meaning more load availability but also more competition. Our dispatch service gives you an edge by accessing loads and rates that self-dispatching carriers can't find. We specialize in dry van freight patterns and have relationships with brokers who prefer working with professional dispatch services.
What are typical dry van rates in 2024?
National average for dry van is $2.10-2.30/mile for spot market loads, but rates vary significantly by lane and season. Our dispatchers consistently negotiate $2.60-3.20/mile by leveraging market data and broker relationships. High-demand lanes like CA to TX or Midwest to Southeast can command $3.00-3.50/mile during peak seasons.
Start Dry Van Dispatching in Tennessee Today
Join Tennessee carriers earning $2.85/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.