Shipping Heavy Equipment from Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN

Route Overview: Memphis to Nashville

The route follows I-40 East from Memphis through Jackson, TN, and into Nashville. Total distance is approximately 210–212 miles. Transit time for a permitted heavy-haul move is typically 3.5–5 hours of driving, making this a common same-day delivery lane for standard oversize loads. The route is well-maintained and has good truck stop infrastructure throughout, with major facilities in Jackson at the midpoint.

Alternative routes via US-70 or the Natchez Trace Parkway are not suitable for heavy equipment transport — US-70 has lower speed limits and weight restrictions on some segments, and the Natchez Trace Parkway prohibits commercial vehicles entirely. I-40 is the only practical route for heavy haul on this corridor.

Permit Requirements: Tennessee

Single-state permitting is one of the advantages of this lane. Tennessee DOT issues oversize permits through the Tennessee Permit Office:

• Standard oversize permits (loads up to 14 feet wide, 15 feet tall, 120 feet long) are typically processed within 1–2 business days.
• Loads over 14 feet wide require special authorization and may need a route survey.
• Tennessee restricts oversize movement on Sundays and holidays, and during peak traffic hours in Memphis and Nashville metro areas.
• Loads over 16 feet wide are classified as super loads and require engineering review, which can take 1–3 weeks.
• Tennessee has specific restrictions for loads crossing bridges on I-40 — carriers must verify bridge ratings for very heavy loads.

Trailer Selection for This Lane

Tennessee's construction and agricultural sectors drive a diverse mix of equipment types on this lane:

• RGN / Lowboy: Standard for tracked equipment (excavators, dozers, track loaders) and tall wheeled equipment. The low deck height is essential for machines with cabs and ROPS structures that would otherwise exceed the 13.5-foot height limit.
• Step Deck: Good for mid-size equipment like telehandlers, compact track loaders, and small cranes. The step deck's lower rear deck adds 18–24 inches of height clearance over a standard flatbed.
• Flatbed: Used for equipment under 8.5 feet wide and under 8.5 feet tall — attachments, small skid steers, and light construction equipment often ship flatbed on this lane.
• Multi-Axle: Required for loads over 80,000 lbs GVW. Large cranes, industrial equipment, and heavy machinery moving between the two metros may require 4–7 axle configurations.

Memphis and Nashville Metro Considerations

Both Memphis and Nashville have specific routing considerations for oversize loads. Memphis has several low-clearance bridges and overpasses near the I-40/I-240 interchange that require careful routing for tall loads. Nashville's I-40/I-440 interchange and the downtown corridor have similar challenges. Carriers experienced on this lane know the preferred entry and exit routes for both metros.

Nashville's construction boom has made the city one of the most active equipment markets in the Southeast. Crane moves, concrete equipment, and utility machinery are in constant demand, and the Memphis-Nashville lane sees significant volume from equipment dealers and rental companies serving both markets.

Common Equipment Moved on This Lane

• Construction equipment from auction sites in both metros
• Agricultural equipment moving between West Tennessee farms and Nashville-area dealers
• Cranes and crane components for Nashville's active construction market
• Utility equipment for the active underground utility sector in Middle Tennessee
• Industrial equipment moving between Memphis's logistics hub and Nashville's manufacturing base

Cost Factors on the Memphis–Nashville Lane

Single-state permitting and strong carrier availability make this one of the more cost-effective lanes in the Southeast. A standard lowboy move of a mid-size excavator on this lane typically runs $1,100–$2,200. Loads requiring escorts (typically over 12 feet wide) add $400–$800 for pilot car services. The short distance and good infrastructure keep fuel costs manageable.

IronHaul Logistics moves equipment throughout Tennessee and handles all permitting in-house. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit a quote request online to get a fast rate for your Memphis-to-Nashville move.