Trucking in Texas
Owner-operator guide for Texas (TX) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Austin state.
Quick Stats
Freight Volume
very highO-O Friendly
8/10
Fuel Tax
20.0 c/gal
Parking
moderateAverage Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.40 |
| Reefer | $2.75 |
| Flatbed | $3.00 |
Key Highways
I-35I-10I-20I-45I-30I-37I-69E
These corridors connect Texas's major freight cities: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, Laredo. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.
Top Industries
1Oil and gas
2Agriculture
3Technology
4Aerospace
5Manufacturing
6Cross-border trade
7Port operations
Top Shippers
Amazon (25+ FCs)
Toyota (San Antonio)
Samsung (Austin)
Port of Houston
Walmart (10+ DCs)
Tesla (Austin)
Trucking Regulations
- Biggest freight market in US
- Laredo #1 land port for Mexico trade
- DFW toll roads add up FAST
- Houston port #1 in US for tonnage
- No state income tax
- Summer heat destroys tires
Toll Roads & Winter Conditions
Toll Information
Extensive DFW/Houston toll roads — TxTag; $100-200/month
Winter Conditions
Extreme summer heat; ice storms shut state down; hurricane season; tornadoes
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Texas
In Texas, dry van rates average $2.40/mile, reefer rates average $2.75/mile, and flatbed rates average $3.00/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Texas scores 8/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has very high freight volume with moderate truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Oil and gas, Agriculture, Technology.
Key trucking regulations in Texas include: Biggest freight market in US. Laredo #1 land port for Mexico trade. DFW toll roads add up FAST. Houston port #1 in US for tonnage. No state income tax. Summer heat destroys tires. The state fuel tax rate is 20.0 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Texas are I-35, I-10, I-20, I-45, I-30, I-37, I-69E. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, Laredo. Extensive DFW/Houston toll roads — TxTag; $100-200/month.