I-40 Truck Parking in Memphis: Your Guide to Safe, Reliable Parking Near I-40, I-55 & the Hernando-Desoto Bridge

I-40, I-55 & Memphis: A Critical Crossroads for Truck Parking

If you run freight on I-40 or I-55, you already know Memphis isn’t just another dot on the map. It’s a major logistics choke point where north-south traffic on I-55 meets east-west freight on I-40 at what many drivers call “Memphis Junction.” The interchange constantly handles heavy truck volumes heading toward Little Rock, Nashville, Chicago, Dallas, and beyond.

That much freight moving through one highway knot has consequences. During peak hours—typically 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM—congestion around the I-40/I-55 and I-40/I-240 interchanges can back up quickly. When you add limited truck parking near these crossings, it becomes a real problem for drivers trying to stay legal and rested.

Rest break and off-duty rules make Memphis a logical stopping point along the I-40 corridor. But with so few safe spaces near the interchange, drivers are often forced to choose between pushing on to the next city, circling full truck stops, or parking at unsecured locations where cargo theft and disturbance risks go up.

That’s where dedicated, secure facilities like National Truck Parking Memphis at 4867 Getwell Road come in—far enough from downtown chaos to be easy, but close enough to I-40 to keep your clock and miles on track.

Hernando-Desoto Bridge (Mississippi River Crossing)

On the west side of Memphis, I-40 makes its critical Mississippi River crossing over the Hernando-Desoto Bridge, connecting Tennessee and Arkansas. More than 50,000 vehicles cross this bridge daily, and a large share of that volume is heavy trucks moving freight along the I-40 corridor.

When weather hits—ice, fog, or severe storms—the bridge and its approaches can slow to a crawl or even shut down. Drivers can find themselves stuck on ramps and shoulders, waiting out closures with nowhere safe to park. Sitting on the approach with a loaded trailer, in stop-and-go traffic or freezing conditions, is the last place most drivers want to be.

Having reliable parking options off the mainline—rather than idling on the bridge or stacking up on highway shoulders—makes a huge difference in both safety and stress. A secured lot within 10–15 minutes of the Hernando-Desoto Bridge allows you to get clear of the bottleneck, log your break, and wait for conditions to improve without risking your equipment, cargo, or HOS compliance.

I-40 Rest Areas Near Memphis - The Current Situation

Tennessee I-40 Rest Areas

On the Tennessee side of I-40 near Memphis, there are official welcome centers and rest areas that many drivers rely on as their first option. You’ll find:

• An eastbound I-40 welcome center/rest area near Memphis at approximately mile marker [XX – update with exact marker].
• A westbound I-40 rest area in West Tennessee at approximately mile marker [XX – update with exact marker].

On paper, these seem like reasonable stops. In reality, they’re often at or over capacity—especially during evening and nighttime hours when most OTR drivers are looking for a place to log their 10 or 11. Rest areas also come with limitations: some locations have restricted hours, some close overnight for maintenance or security reasons, and many are in isolated stretches of highway.

Drivers frequently report safety concerns at remote rest areas: no active security, limited lighting, and little monitoring of who is coming and going. That combination increases the risk of cargo theft, fuel theft, and vehicle tampering. Time limits can also be enforced, which makes multi-day parking almost impossible.

For drivers who need to stay more than just a few hours—especially those planning 34-hour resets or waiting on a backhaul—these Tennessee I-40 rest areas are usually not a viable long-term option.

Arkansas I-40 Rest Areas (West Memphis)

Just across the Mississippi River in West Memphis, Arkansas, there are additional rest areas and facilities that I-40 drivers use when approaching Memphis from the west. While these sites can provide short-term relief, they face many of the same issues as their Tennessee counterparts:

• Limited capacity and high demand, especially for overnight stays.
• Distance from Memphis distribution centers, shippers, and receivers.
• Cross-state considerations—drivers might prefer to be parked on the Tennessee side for the next morning’s route or pickup.
• Different parking and enforcement rules between Arkansas and Tennessee.

For drivers running tight schedules, it’s not always practical to park 20–30 minutes away in another state and then fight back through bridge traffic in the morning. That’s why more and more I-40 drivers are looking for secure parking options on the Memphis side of the river, closer to their deliveries and pickups.

Why Rest Areas Aren't Enough

The nationwide truck parking shortage is well documented, and Memphis is part of that story. According to ongoing studies and planning efforts highlighted in the FMCSA truck parking study, drivers across the country regularly struggle to find safe, legal spots to park near major freight corridors.

The Memphis I-40 corridor is exactly the kind of critical need area those reports describe: tens of thousands of trucks move through the region, while the combined capacity of official rest areas and welcome centers is often in the range of only dozens of spaces. When you put 30,000+ trucks against 50–100 rest area spots, it’s clear the math doesn’t work.

Rest areas also weren’t built for multi-day stays. Most prohibit long-term parking, lack services beyond basic restrooms, and provide minimal security. For drivers hauling high-value loads, parking at an unsecured location with no cameras, fencing, or on-site oversight can feel like an unnecessary risk.

That’s why professional, dedicated facilities—like secure overnight truck parking in Memphis—have become so important to I-40 and I-55 drivers. They offer a solution that rest areas simply can’t match.

National Truck Parking Memphis - Your I-40 Solution

Easy I-40 Access from Getwell Road

National Truck Parking Memphis is located at 4867 Getwell Road, Memphis, TN 38118, just a few minutes off I-240 and about five minutes from the I-40/I-240 interchange. That location is what makes it such a powerful tool for I-40 drivers.

From eastbound I-40, you simply connect to I-240 South and take Exit 15 for Getwell Road. From westbound I-40, the route is the same: I-240 South, Exit 15 Getwell Road. There’s no complicated city driving, no downtown congestion, and no tight neighborhood turns—just straightforward interstate-to-arterial navigation.

For drivers on a schedule, easy on/off access matters. Being able to exit, park, rest, and get back on I-40 in under 10 minutes helps protect your hours, your ETA, and your stress level. It also allows you to plan your breaks around traffic patterns instead of getting stuck in them.

Perfect for Cross-Country Haulers

Memphis sits in a natural midpoint zone along I-40. Whether you’re running from the West Coast to the Carolinas, or from Oklahoma City to Knoxville and beyond, Memphis often falls at a perfect 10–11-hour driving window.

National Truck Parking Memphis is built specifically for that use case:

• Ideal for overnight parking to log your 10–11 hour break.
• Multi-day parking available if you’re waiting for a backhaul or next dispatch.
• Secure parking while you work the Memphis freight market—FedEx, LTL carriers, Amazon, and more.
• Stay near the I-40 corridor without burning extra miles hunting for parking.

With 1,600+ truck and trailer spaces, the facility is designed so you don’t hear “we’re full” when you’re out of hours. That scale sets National Truck Parking apart from smaller lots and crowded truck stops along I-40.

Services for I-40 Drivers

This isn’t an abandoned gravel lot or an unmonitored field. National Truck Parking Memphis is a professionally managed, purpose-built facility designed around driver safety and convenience:

• 24/7/365 access – come and go on your schedule, not someone else’s.
• Accommodates all common truck sizes, including 53' trailers and bobtails.
• Designated bobtail parking for company drivers between loads.
• Trailer drop and drop-yard services for carriers needing flexible storage.
• CCTV camera coverage to help protect your cargo and equipment.
• Well-lit parking areas so you can clearly see your truck at night.
• Clean, maintained grounds that feel more like a professional yard than a forgotten corner of a truck stop.

By pairing these features with its location near I-40 and I-55, the facility gives Memphis-area drivers a dependable base instead of a nightly scramble for a spot.

Pricing for I-40 Travelers

National Truck Parking Memphis keeps pricing simple for I-40 travelers:

• Daily rate: $20 – ideal for a single I-40 layover or reset.
• Weekly rate: $100 – for extended stays or freight delays in the Memphis market.
• Monthly rate: $150 – perfect for drivers and carriers who route through Memphis regularly.

When you compare that to the cost of driving extra miles searching for free parking, or the potential costs of cargo theft at unsecured locations, the math is straightforward. Parking is also a legitimate, tax-deductible business expense for most owner-operators and carrier operations.

There’s no reservation required—you can pay on arrival and park. For fleets, custom arrangements and invoicing can be discussed with management to simplify regular use.

I-40 Truck Stops vs. Professional Parking

I-40 Truck Stops in the Memphis Area

The Memphis area has several major-brand truck stops along and near I-40: Flying J, Loves, Pilot, and others. They’re excellent for fuel, food, showers, and quick services, and they absolutely have a place in any driver’s route plan.

However, they tend to share a few common issues:

• Parking fills quickly—often well before evening.
• Lots can be tight and congested, especially near pumps.
• Noise levels stay high (reefers, idling, constant traffic).
• There’s often an unspoken pressure to fuel or spend money if you plan to stay overnight.
• Some locations charge overnight parking fees in the $15–$20 range.

For drivers just needing a secure, quiet place to park a rig for the night or for a reset, a dedicated parking facility often delivers better value and a better night’s sleep than a crowded truck stop lot.

Why Dedicated Parking Is Better for Overnight Stays

Professional truck parking facilities are built with one goal: give drivers a safe, reliable place to park. That focus pays off in several ways:

• Quieter environment – fewer drive-thru vehicles and less constant movement.
• More space per truck – easier maneuvering, less risk of door dings or scraped bumpers.
• Improved security – controlled access, cameras, and defined perimeter.
• Lower cost when all you need is parking, not fuel or retail.
• No fuel-purchase pressure or time limits.
• Scalable capacity – at National Truck Parking, 1,600 spaces dwarf the 50–100 spaces at a typical truck stop.

For I-40 and I-55 drivers who treat Memphis as a strategic stop, dedicated truck parking provides a level of predictability that’s hard to find elsewhere on the corridor.

Truck Stops for Services + National Truck Parking for Rest

The most efficient strategy for many Memphis-area drivers is combining both options: use truck stops primarily for fuel and services, and use National Truck Parking for secure rest and staging.

• Fuel, grab food, and shower at nearby Flying J/Loves or other major stops within a few minutes’ drive.
• Handle shopping or basic errands at truck-accessible locations like Walmart.
• Then move to National Truck Parking for quiet, secure overnight or multi-day parking.

This “best of both worlds” approach helps you avoid truck stop congestion at night while still getting the services you need during the day. You also avoid overnight parking fees at some truck stops by choosing a facility designed around parking—not just retail.

Memphis I-40 Logistics Hub Opportunities

Finding Backhauls in Memphis

Memphis isn’t just a crossing—it’s a freight hub. The city sits at the intersection of I-40 (east-west) and I-55 (north-south), making it a strategic launch point whether you’re heading toward Little Rock, Nashville, Chicago, New Orleans, or Atlanta.

While you’re parked at National Truck Parking Memphis, you can actively work load boards like DAT and Truckstop.com to line up your next haul. Memphis has strong LTL activity, e-commerce freight, and regional runs that can help you minimize deadhead miles.

By staging at a secure, central facility, you can:

• Stay close to shippers and distribution centers.
• Respond quickly when a broker posts a promising load.
• Plan efficient routes that leverage Memphis’ highway connections.

This is where the I-40 corridor freight data and broader freight flows work in your favor—Memphis generates freight options in every direction.

FedEx and Major Shippers

Memphis is home to the FedEx World Hub and several major distribution centers, including Nike, Amazon, and other national brands. For owner-operators and small fleets, that translates into consistent contract and spot opportunities.

From National Truck Parking Memphis:

• You’re roughly 20 minutes from the FedEx World Hub (subject to traffic).
• Close to local distribution centers and warehouses on the east and southeast sides of the city.
• Positioned to move quickly when brokers and shippers in Memphis post short-haul or long-haul outbound loads.

Staging at a secure facility gives you a professional “home base” in the Memphis market, helping you turn I-40 and I-55 crossings into revenue instead of deadhead miles.

I-40 Seasonal and Weather Considerations

Winter Weather on I-40

Between December and February, ice storms and winter systems can disrupt traffic on I-40 in and around Memphis. When road conditions deteriorate, closures or severe slowdowns on the Hernando-Desoto Bridge and its approaches are not unusual.

Instead of waiting out weather on the shoulder or at a crowded, unprotected location, having a secure lot like National Truck Parking gives you an alternative. You can exit, park safely, and monitor updates from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Their Tennessee I-40 rest areas and SmartWay tools provide current road and facility status information.

National Truck Parking is open 24/7/365, regardless of weather, so you have a place to park when I-40 or I-55 conditions are marginal or closed. That’s a major advantage compared to facilities that shut down or rest areas that overflow during storms.

Summer Heat

Summers in Memphis can be intense, with July and August temperatures frequently in the 95–100°F range. For drivers, that means managing cab temperatures, reefer units, and comfort during breaks and 34-hour resets.

While the lot itself is mostly open pavement, you’re close to air-conditioned amenities at nearby truck stops, restaurants, and retail locations. Many drivers choose to split their time—running errands or grabbing a meal in AC, then returning to a secure spot to rest and reset.

Spring Storms and Flooding

From March through May, the Mid-South sees its share of severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and occasional tornado warnings. Good drainage and a solid surface are important for truck parking during those events.

National Truck Parking’s paved, properly graded surface helps prevent pooling water around tires and landing gear. While Mississippi River flooding can affect some riverfront areas, the facility’s location away from the banks helps reduce direct impact from river-level changes.

When the weather turns rough, being in a secure facility instead of on the shoulder or a low-lying lot gives drivers another layer of safety and peace of mind.

I-40 Driver Tips for Memphis

Best Times to Arrive in Memphis

Like any major metro area, Memphis has predictable rush patterns—especially where I-40 and I-240 meet. To make the most of your route:

• Avoid 7–9 AM on weekdays if possible—morning commuter traffic adds to freight movement.
• Avoid 4–6 PM for the same reason—PM rush plus regional freight.
• Consider early morning arrivals between 5–6 AM for the easiest traffic conditions.
• Late evening arrivals (8–10 PM) also tend to be smoother.
• Weekend traffic is generally lighter, though holiday periods can create heavier congestion.

Planning your arrival to hit these lower-traffic windows makes it easier to reach National Truck Parking quickly and safely from I-40.

Navigating to National Truck Parking from I-40

Here’s a simple step-by-step from I-40 to the Getwell Road facility:

1. From either direction on I-40, take the connector to I-240 South toward Tupelo/Memphis International Airport.
2. Continue on I-240 South to Exit 15 – Getwell Road.
3. Take Exit 15 and turn right onto Getwell Road.
4. Continue along Getwell Road for approximately [X miles – update with exact distance].
5. Look for National Truck Parking at 4867 Getwell Road on the [right/left – update as needed].
6. GPS coordinates: [insert facility GPS coordinates here].
7. Follow posted signage and enter your gate code (provided upon registration/check-in).

Because the route is almost entirely interstate and a single surface road, most drivers find it easier than many city-adjacent facilities they use on other routes.

Memphis Driver Amenities Near I-40

While National Truck Parking focuses on secure parking, you’re only a short drive from a full range of driver-friendly services:

• Major-brand truck stops (Flying J, Loves, Pilot) with fuel, showers, and food options.
• Memphis BBQ restaurants accessible to trucks—perfect for a local meal before or after parking.
• Walmart and other big-box stores with truck-friendly parking for shopping and restocking supplies.
• Truck wash and detailing services in the broader Memphis area.
• CAT scales at nearby truck stops to verify axle and gross weights before heading out on I-40 or I-55.
• 24-hour restaurants and fast-food options that fit irregular driver schedules.

For more on Memphis-area options and general truck parking strategies, you can also review our Truck Parking Memphis Complete Guide, which covers city-wide parking, truck stop options, and long-term strategies.

I-40 Corridor Comparison: Memphis vs. Other Cities

When you compare Memphis to other major I-40 cities—Little Rock (about 130 miles west), Nashville (about 200 miles east), Oklahoma City (about 460 miles west), and Knoxville (about 390 miles east)—a few things stand out.

First, Memphis offers an unusually large dedicated parking capacity in the form of National Truck Parking’s 1,600-space facility. Many other I-40 segments rely more heavily on smaller truck stops and limited rest areas, which fill up quickly and offer fewer long-term options.

Second, Memphis functions as a freight hub with strong access to multiple markets and modes, as highlighted in resources like the Freight Analysis Framework. That means more backhaul and outbound opportunities compared to many mid-corridor stops.

Finally, Memphis parking pricing remains competitive relative to other major freight hubs. Instead of paying high city-adjacent rates or settling for unsecured lots, drivers can use National Truck Parking as a central, affordable base with direct access to I-40 and I-55.

Long-Term I-40 Parking for Regular Memphis Routes

For Drivers with Regular Memphis Stops

If Memphis is a regular stop on your I-40 or I-55 routes, the monthly parking option at National Truck Parking is hard to beat. At $150 per month, you can treat the facility as your “Memphis home base.”

Benefits include:

• Keeping the same general area or spot on your regular routes.
• Building familiarity with yard layout, entry, and exit patterns.
• Getting to know facility management and staff, which makes communication and special requests easier.
• Planning trips around a known, reliable stop rather than guessing where you’ll park next time.

For OTR drivers, that consistency is valuable—not just for safety, but for stress reduction and predictable planning.

For Fleet Managers with Memphis Operations

Fleet managers routing multiple drivers through Memphis can use National Truck Parking as a centralized hub for parking and drop-yard operations. With 1,600 spaces and professional management, the facility supports:

• Multiple truck and trailer parking under one account.
• Potential fleet rates (inquire directly for details).
• A central Memphis location close to key freight corridors and shippers.
• Drop yard services for trailer pooling and flexible asset positioning.
• Invoicing options and documentation suitable for company accounting.
• Consistent, reliable parking that drivers can count on every trip.

By giving drivers a known, safe place to park in Memphis, fleets can reduce HOS violations, late deliveries caused by parking hunts, and risk of theft or damage at unsecured locations.

Frequently Asked Questions - I-40 Memphis Truck Parking

1. How far is National Truck Parking from I-40?

National Truck Parking Memphis is about five minutes from the I-40/I-240 interchange via I-240 South and Exit 15 (Getwell Road). It’s designed as a quick on/off option for drivers who want to stay close to their I-40 route.

2. Can I park overnight on I-40 in Memphis?

There are rest areas and some unofficial spots along I-40, but they’re often full and may present safety concerns. For a secure, legal overnight option with no time limit, National Truck Parking’s overnight truck parking is a better choice.

3. What’s the closest truck parking to the I-40/I-55 interchange?

National Truck Parking at 4867 Getwell Road offers one of the closest large-scale, secure parking options to the I-40/I-55 interchange, without requiring you to navigate downtown Memphis streets.

4. Is there truck parking on the east side of Memphis I-40?

Yes. The Getwell Road location serves east Memphis and provides easy access to both I-40 and I-240. It’s especially convenient if you’re heading east toward Nashville or west toward Little Rock after your break.

5. Can I park for multiple days on my I-40 route?

Yes. National Truck Parking allows multi-day and even monthly parking. You can pay daily, weekly, or monthly depending on your needs, with no strict rest-area-style time limits.

6. Is there truck parking near the Hernando-Desoto Bridge?

National Truck Parking is roughly 10–15 minutes from the Hernando-Desoto Bridge, offering a safer alternative to waiting on the bridge approaches or at unsecured roadside locations when traffic backs up or weather hits.

7. What if I-40 is closed due to weather?

If I-40 is closed or partially shut down, you can exit to I-240, head to Getwell Road, and park at National Truck Parking to wait out the closure. The facility operates 24/7/365, so it remains available when you need somewhere safe to stop.

8. Do you have parking for oversized loads on I-40?

The facility is designed with wide lanes and large parking areas that can accommodate a range of truck and trailer sizes. For specific oversize or overweight configurations, call ahead to confirm availability and any special requirements.

Conclusion: Next Time You’re on I-40 in Memphis, Park with Us

Memphis sits at the heart of the I-40 corridor and the I-55 north-south route, making it one of the most important—and most challenging—places for truck parking in the country. Rest areas fill up. Truck stops get crowded. Weather and traffic can shut down the Hernando-Desoto Bridge and surrounding interchanges with little warning.

National Truck Parking Memphis solves those problems with a secure, professionally managed, 1,600-space facility just minutes from I-40 via I-240 Exit 15 (Getwell Road). You get 24/7 access, strong lighting, CCTV coverage, trailer drop options, and flexible daily, weekly, and monthly pricing.

Instead of gambling on rest area availability or unsecured roadside spots, you can make Memphis a reliable, stress-free stop on your regular I-40 and I-55 routes. Whether you’re staying one night, a full reset, or staging for Memphis backhauls, you’ll have a safe place to park and plan next steps.

For more information, visit our truck parking services page, check out our Memphis location overview, or explore related articles like our Truck Parking Memphis Complete Guide, our upcoming I-55 parking guide, and our future FedEx hub parking article. You can also review local information and regulations for commercial vehicles through official resources like Memphis commercial vehicle regulations.

When you’re planning your next I-40 run, remember:

• Address: 4867 Getwell Road, Memphis, TN 38118
• Phone: (901) 350-6669
• Access: About 5 minutes off I-40 via I-240 South, Exit 15 (Getwell Road)