Shipping from Minneapolis to Nashville: Rates, Times, and Best Options (2026)
Shipping from Minneapolis to Nashville: Rates, Times, and Best Options (2026)
Shipping from Minneapolis, MN to Nashville, TN covers roughly 880 miles through the heart of the Midwest and into the Upper South. This mid-distance route follows well-established freight lanes along the I-35 and I-65 corridors, with packages typically passing through carrier hubs in Chicago, St. Louis, or Memphis along the way. The moderate distance keeps ground rates reasonable while still delivering in a competitive timeframe — a practical sweet spot for cost-conscious shippers.
Carrier Comparison
Estimated rates for a standard 3 lb package from Minneapolis to Nashville:
| Carrier | Service | Estimated Rate | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Priority Mail | ~$10.20 | 2–3 business days |
| USPS | Ground Advantage | ~$7.00 | 3–5 business days |
| UPS | Ground | ~$11.80 | 3–4 business days |
| UPS | 2nd Day Air | ~$23.50 | 2 business days |
| FedEx | Ground | ~$11.40 | 3–4 business days |
| FedEx | Express Saver | ~$22.50 | 2 business days |
At this distance, USPS Priority Mail typically delivers in 2–3 days and undercuts UPS and FedEx ground rates — making it the standout choice for packages under 10 lb.
Cheapest Option by Package Size
- Small packages (under 1 lb): USPS Ground Advantage at ~$3.75–$5.25 is the cheapest option. First-Class Package Service covers items under 13 oz for roughly the same cost with slightly faster delivery.
- Medium packages (1–5 lb): USPS Priority Mail at ~$8.00–$13.50 delivers excellent value with 2–3 day transit. The Small Flat Rate box at ~$10.40 simplifies pricing for compact shipments. Ground Advantage at ~$5.50–$9.50 saves money when timing is flexible.
- Heavy packages (5–20 lb): UPS Ground and FedEx Ground are closely matched at ~$15.00–$28.00. FedEx routes through its Memphis superhub — just 210 miles southwest of Nashville — which can shave a day off transit. USPS Priority Mail remains viable for 5–10 lb packages at ~$14.00–$20.00.
- Large/heavy packages (20+ lb): FedEx and UPS Ground handle these at ~$28.00–$58.00. The mid-range distance keeps rates significantly lower than cross-country shipments at the same weight. For items over 70 lb, look into freight shipping options.
Delivery Time Comparison
| Speed Tier | USPS | UPS | FedEx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground / Economy | 3–5 days | 3–4 days | 3–4 days |
| Express / Priority | 2–3 days | 2 days (2nd Day Air) | 2 days (Express Saver) |
| Overnight | 1 day (Priority Mail Express) | 1 day (Next Day Air) | 1 day (Standard Overnight) |
The Memphis FedEx hub gives this route an edge for FedEx shipments — packages heading to Nashville are already close to their destination once they clear the superhub.
Tips for This Route
- FedEx’s Memphis advantage. FedEx’s global superhub in Memphis, TN is only about 210 miles from Nashville. Packages routed through this facility get priority processing, and FedEx Ground shipments on this route frequently arrive a day ahead of schedule.
- Spee-Dee Delivery for Minneapolis pickup. Spee-Dee is a regional carrier covering Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and surrounding states. While it won’t deliver all the way to Nashville, it can handle outbound logistics from Minneapolis at lower rates if your shipping platform supports regional-to-national handoffs.
- Winter weather factor. Minneapolis is one of the coldest major cities in the US, and winter storms between December and February can delay ground pickups and processing by 1–2 days. If reliability matters during winter months, USPS Priority Mail’s air transport gives it an advantage over ground-only services.
- Drop off at the right location. Minneapolis has multiple USPS processing centers and UPS Customer Centers. Dropping packages at a major facility rather than a neighborhood drop box ensures same-day scanning and faster entry into the network.
Key Takeaways
- Best budget option: USPS Ground Advantage at ~$3.75–$9.50 for packages under 5 lb with 3–5 day delivery.
- Best overall value: USPS Priority Mail at ~$10.20 for a 3 lb package — 2–3 day delivery at ground-level pricing.
- FedEx edge for heavy items: The Memphis superhub proximity to Nashville gives FedEx Ground a speed advantage on this route.
- Winter planning: Budget an extra day for Minneapolis pickups during December through February.
Next Steps
Nail down exact rates using our USPS Rate Guide or see how all carriers compare for your specific package with our Compare Shipping Services tool. Printing labels at home? Our guide to printing shipping labels at home walks you through the process and shows how to access discounted commercial rates that can save 10–20% on every shipment.
Shipping rates are estimates based on published carrier rates and may vary. Verify current rates with your carrier.