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Laredo, TX to Dallas, TX

435-mile freight corridor via I-35 N through San Antonio, Austin, Waco, into Dallas. 1 day transit. Easy difficulty.

Distance

435 mi

Transit Time

1 day

Difficulty

Easy

Toll Cost

$0-8

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/MileEst. Total
Dry Van$2.50$1,087.5
Reefer$3.00$1,305
Flatbed$3.10$1,348.5

Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.

Route Details

Recommended Route

I-35 N through San Antonio, Austin, Waco, into Dallas

Fuel Stops

2 recommended

Tolls

$0-8

Common Freight Types

Imported GoodsProduceAuto PartsElectronics Assembly

Backhaul Information

Limited Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $1.60/mi

Common return cargo: Machinery, raw materials heading to maquiladoras

Key Stops Along the Route

Laredo, TX

Origin

Encinal, TX

San Antonio, TX

Austin, TX

Waco, TX

Dallas, TX

Destination

Seasonal Trends

Cross-border freight surges after Mexican holidays and during US produce import season (November-April). Customs delays at the Laredo port can add 4-24 hours. Avocado season (fall/winter) means premium reefer rates northbound.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

1

Laredo is the #1 US-Mexico land port by value. Expect long waits at customs -- bring food and patience.

2

SH 130 toll road bypasses Austin congestion entirely. Worth the $5-8 toll to save 1-2 hours during peak.

3

I-35 from Laredo to San Antonio is heavily patrolled by Border Patrol. Keep all paperwork accessible.

4

The backhaul from Dallas to Laredo is notoriously weak. Try to negotiate a round-trip rate or find a San Antonio drop-and-hook.

5

Mexican produce loads (avocados, tomatoes, peppers) from Laredo brokers often pay a premium -- build relationships with cross-border freight brokers.

Laredo to Dallas FAQ

Current average rates on the Laredo, TX to Dallas, TX lane are approximately $2.50/mi for dry van, $3.00/mi for reefer, and $3.10/mi for flatbed. Rates fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and market demand. The most common equipment types on this lane are Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed.
The 435-mile route from Laredo, TX to Dallas, TX typically takes 1 day. The recommended route is I-35 N through San Antonio, Austin, Waco, into Dallas. Actual transit time depends on weather, traffic, HOS compliance, and whether you run solo or team. Plan for 2 fuel stops along the way.
Backhaul availability on the return trip is limited. When loads are available, they average around $1.60/mi. Common return cargo includes Machinery, raw materials heading to maquiladoras. Because backhaul is weak, negotiate your outbound rate accordingly or look for loads at intermediate stops.
Estimated toll costs on the Laredo, TX to Dallas, TX corridor are $0-8. Factor these tolls into your rate negotiation -- they directly impact your net revenue per mile. Electronic transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass, etc.) can reduce costs and save time at toll plazas.

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