Memphis, TN → Lake Charles, LA · Regional long-distance move
About 458 road miles heading southwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,040–$4,520, delivery in 1–3 days, 534 carriers on the Memphis side and 25 in Lake Charles.
The route from Memphis, TN to Lake Charles, LA covers roughly 458 miles by road, a southwest-bound trip that falls into the regional long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $3,040 to $4,520 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 3 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 8 h 36 min.
On the Memphis side there are 534 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (397 of them authorized for interstate work), and 25 around Lake Charles (18 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Lake Charles.
Memphis has a population of about 609,647 and Lake Charles about 80,000. The two cities have comparable density (2,132 and 1,788 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends. Note that Louisiana does collect a state income tax, unlike Tennessee, so factor that into the cost-of-living comparison.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,810 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,820 | $2,220 | $2,710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,040 | $3,700 | $4,520 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $4,860 | $5,930 | $7,230 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $6,680 | $8,150 | $9,940 |
$770–$1,090
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,430–$2,100
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,040–$4,520
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Memphis, TN → Lake Charles, LA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Jit - Ex LLC
Legal name: James G Gobert INC
Legal name: Cbl Jones LLC
Legal name: Mike Hooks LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,210 to $1,810 for a studio, $1,820 to $2,710 for a one-bedroom, $3,040 to $4,520 for a two-bedroom, $4,860 to $7,230 for a three-bedroom and $6,680 to $9,940 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 458 road miles (388 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 8 h 36 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 3 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Tennessee into Louisiana makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $770 to $1,090 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,430 to $2,100. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Memphis–Lake Charles corridor.