San Antonio, TX
#29 US freight hub — owner-operator guide to rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities.
#29
Freight Rank
1,434,625
Population
Good
Truck Parking
Southwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.25 |
| Reefer | $2.65 |
| Flatbed | $2.90 |
Key Highways
I-10I-35I-37I-410Loop 1604US-90
Top Industries
Military (Joint Base San Antonio)
Grocery distribution (H-E-B)
Automotive manufacturing
Cybersecurity
Healthcare
Major Distribution Centers
Amazon SAT1 (San Antonio)
H-E-B Corporate HQ & Arsenal DC (San Antonio)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (San Antonio)
Walmart Distribution Center (New Braunfels)
USAA Corporate HQ (San Antonio)
Rackspace Technology HQ (San Antonio)
Top Shippers
H
H-E-B GroceryT
ToyotaU
USAAV
Valero EnergyN
NuStar EnergyNearby Ports
Port of Corpus Christi (145 mi)Port of Houston (200 mi)
Truck Stops
Buc-ee's (New Braunfels — world's largest)
Pilot Travel Center (Seguin)
Love's Travel Stop (Von Ormy)
TA Petro (San Antonio)
Flying J (Balcones Heights)
Challenges
- I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin is one of the most congested stretches in Texas
- Summer heat regularly exceeds 100F
- Spread-out metro means long local drayage distances
- Limited freight diversity compared to Dallas or Houston
Opportunities
- Toyota Tundra plant creates steady auto parts inbound and vehicle outbound
- H-E-B is the dominant Texas grocery chain — massive distribution network radiates from here
- Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland, Randolph, Fort Sam Houston) generates military freight
- I-35 and I-10 intersection makes it a natural stopover between Laredo and Dallas/Houston
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Military freight follows federal fiscal year patterns (peaks before September 30). H-E-B holiday distribution peaks October through December. Construction stays strong year-round due to mild winters. Produce from the Rio Grande Valley passes through en route north.
Trucking in San Antonio — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of San Antonio: Dry Van $2.25, Reefer $2.65, Flatbed $2.90. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions. San Antonio is ranked #29 among US freight hubs by volume.
Truck parking in San Antonio is rated "good." Popular stops include Buc-ee's (New Braunfels — world's largest), Pilot Travel Center (Seguin), Love's Travel Stop (Von Ormy). Parking availability is generally reliable, but popular stops still fill up on busy nights.
Top shippers operating in the San Antonio freight market include H-E-B Grocery, Toyota, USAA, Valero Energy, NuStar Energy. Key industries driving freight demand are military (joint base san antonio), grocery distribution (h-e-b), automotive manufacturing.
The biggest challenges for truckers in San Antonio include: I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin is one of the most congested stretches in Texas; Summer heat regularly exceeds 100F; Spread-out metro means long local drayage distances. However, opportunities include toyota tundra plant creates steady auto parts inbound and vehicle outbound.