Hazmat freight from Tennessee to Texas
Mid-South to Gulf Coast reverse corridor. Tennessee-manufactured chemicals and packaged goods flowing to Texas industrial and distribution markets.
Distance
~900 miles
Transit time
2 days
Hazmat surcharge
$125–$275
The TN–TX reverse flow carries different commodity mixes than the westbound lane. Tennessee is a significant producer of industrial coatings, cleaning chemicals, and automotive supply chain materials — all of which move to Texas manufacturing and distribution in substantial volumes.
What moves on this lane
Finished specialty coatings and adhesives from Tennessee manufacturers (class 3, PG II/III) moving to Texas auto assembly plants and industrial distributors. Cleaning chemical products (class 8 corrosives, some class 5.1 oxidizers) from Tennessee consumer brands moving to Texas retail distribution centers. Class 9 materials (batteries, electronic components) from Memphis-area distribution hubs moving west.
Distance and transit: Nashville to Houston runs approximately 870 miles. Memphis to Dallas is approximately 470 miles — a substantially shorter transit that approaches overnight feasibility for early morning pickups.
Rate structure: The TN–TX direction typically runs slightly lower than TX–TN due to carrier repositioning. Carriers that deliver hazmat to Nashville and Memphis frequently reposition to Texas for more lucrative Gulf Coast loads, creating competitive pressure on TN–TX rates.
Memphis as an origin advantage: Memphis is one of the largest freight consolidation markets in the US. FedEx Freight, XPO, and numerous regional hazmat LTL carriers operate major terminals in Memphis. Origin loads from Memphis on this lane benefit from high carrier availability and competitive pricing.
Rate variance factors
- Origin point: Memphis-origin loads run $75–$125 less than Nashville origins (carrier availability difference)
- Destination: Houston delivery requires navigating the Ship Channel industrial zone; pricing reflects appointment and compliance requirements
- Class and PG: Same structure as reverse direction