Tennessee → Missouri · Interstate 40 / Interstate 55
On heavy-rain or dense-fog days the Memphis, Tennessee, to St. Louis, Missouri, leg routinely demands well more than the 4h 21m estimated: Interstate 40 / Interstate 55 carries known hydroplaning hot spots and reduced-visibility corridors that justify dropping to 35 mph through a few short stretches. The outbound run covers 457 km (284 miles) over varied topography between Memphis (the Mississippi River blues capital and the global FedEx superhub) and St. Louis (the historic Gateway to the West and a major Mississippi River freight port), demanding sharper attention on mountain descents and shoulder-less curves. Before pulling out, check brake-pad wear, tire tread depth, and washer-fluid level in the reservoir. Fuel spend holds near $38.18 for the 41.5 liters (11.0 gallons) consumed. Even in adverse conditions, the flat tariff of $0.43/km guarantees the standard outbound payout of $196.51 — log any incidental costs (extra toll, mandatory meal, emergency lodging) in a separate field on the Clara receipt.