Memphis, United States
Air freight in Memphis
Ziem Logistics books air freight to and from Memphis via Memphis (MEM). We arrange pick-up and delivery in the Memphis area and prepare the customs entries before the cargo flies. For air freight to and from the United States we issue our own air waybills.
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.
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 |
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.
Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier in Memphis
Next Flight Out means your shipment travels on the first available flight to or from Memphis (MEM), booked and documented by our operations desk.
An On-Board Courier is the option when even that is too slow or the goods need to stay in sight: a courier travels with the shipment and delivers it to the consignee in the Memphis area.
Our own air waybills in the United States
We issue our own air waybills for shipments to and from the United States. We book directly with the airline, control the shipment data and can make changes without waiting for a third party.
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.
How do I get a quote for air freight to or from Memphis?
Send us the origin, destination, goods description, weight and dimensions. Our operations desk replies with a routing via Memphis (MEM) and an itemised quote.