United States
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Memphis
Memphis is one of the busiest cargo airports in the world thanks to its express hub.
Services in Memphis
- Air freight in MemphisAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in MemphisFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in MemphisImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Memphis
- AirportMemphis
MEM - SeaportInland rail ramps and Mississippi river port
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is one of the busiest cargo airports in the world, because it hosts the FedEx World Hub, the global headquarters hub of FedEx Express. Most of the airport's cargo volume is express traffic, while general freighter service is limited. Memphis has no ocean port; sea containers arrive by rail from the East, West and Gulf Coast ports. The city also has a port on the Mississippi River, which handles barge traffic for bulk goods and connects Memphis with New Orleans.
I-40 (east-west from the Atlantic to California) and I-55 (north-south from Chicago to New Orleans) cross in Memphis, with I-240 and I-269 as ring roads and I-22 to Birmingham. Memphis is served by five Class I railroads, which makes it a major rail and intermodal hub, and the Mississippi River adds a waterway connection.
Industries in Memphis and how we support them
Memphis is a major centre for medical devices, especially orthopaedic implants and instruments, produced by several large manufacturers in the city. Its location, transport links and express hub have attracted large distribution centres for retail, healthcare and e-commerce. Agriculture, including cotton trading, is also part of the regional economy. We support these supply chains with air freight under our own air waybills, Next Flight Out for urgent instruments and implants, On-Board Courier for surgical kits and samples, and sea freight with rail delivery to Memphis. FDA and customs data is prepared before arrival.
Operational logistics facts for Memphis
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis International Airport (MEM) | Express hub operations | Express capacity for urgent shipments |
| Memphis orthopaedic device cluster | Implants, instruments and surgical kits | Time-critical medical shipments |
| Class I railroad hub | Rail containers from all US coasts | Inland delivery of sea freight to the Mid-South |
| I-40 / I-55 junction | Truck distribution across the US | Central location for nationwide distribution |
Customs clearance in the United States
Ziem network
Customs clearance in the United States is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from the United States we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in the United States need an importer of record number and, for most formal entries, a customs bond.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use Memphis for international air freight?
Yes, for suitable cargo. Memphis (MEM) is mainly an express hub, so for general cargo we often compare routings via Chicago, Atlanta or Dallas with trucking to Memphis. We book under our own air waybills and choose the best option for each shipment.
How do you handle urgent orthopaedic instruments from Memphis?
Surgical kits and implants are often needed for scheduled operations. We book Next Flight Out, prepare the export data in advance and coordinate delivery at destination. For the most time-critical cases, an On-Board Courier can carry the kit to the hospital.
Do you collect from distribution centres in the Memphis area?
Yes. We arrange pick-up from distribution centres in Memphis and the surrounding areas of Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas with trusted road partners, and connect the cargo to the most suitable flight.
Who handles customs clearance for shipments into Memphis?
Clearance is done by a partner team in the Ziem network under the Ziem Logistics brand, to our procedures and with the shipment data we prepare. Entries are filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through ACE, and you deal only with Ziem Logistics.
What applies to the import of medical devices via Memphis?
In addition to CBP, medical devices are regulated by the FDA. Importers usually need establishment registration and device listing information as well as the correct FDA product codes. Complete information reduces the risk of holds.
Can sea containers be cleared in Memphis?
Yes. Containers can move in bond by rail from the port of arrival to Memphis and be cleared there, which avoids clearance at the coast. We agree the option that best fits your delivery plan before the vessel arrives.