Trucking in Texas

Texas moves more freight than any other state in the country. Between the Laredo border crossing (the busiest inland port in the U.S.), the Port of Houston, DFW warehousing, and the Permian Basin oilfield boom, a truck can spend an entire career running Texas freight without repeating a lane twice.

Major corridors

I-10 crosses the state east-to-west from Beaumont through Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso. I-35 runs the NAFTA corridor south-to-north from Laredo through San Antonio, Austin, and DFW into Oklahoma. I-45 links Houston and Dallas. I-20 handles east-west traffic through Dallas, Abilene, and Midland-Odessa. I-30 connects DFW to Little Rock.

Laredo border crossing

Laredo is the #1 inland port in the United States by dollar volume. World Trade Bridge handles commercial northbound and southbound freight 24/6. Colombia Solidarity Bridge is the empty and overweight-permit option. Expect 2–6 hours crossing during peak; longer during produce season.

Houston port and petrochemical

The Port of Houston handles the largest tonnage on the Gulf. Barbours Cut and Bayport are the container terminals. The petrochemical complex along the Houston Ship Channel generates constant chemical, tanker, and specialized freight.

Permian Basin freight

Oilfield activity around Midland-Odessa generates enormous demand for sand, water, pipe, and equipment. Rates are volatile with rig counts. Truck parking is scarce; many drivers overnight at customer sites or truck stops in Big Spring and Pecos.

Weigh stations and parking

Texas DPS operates fixed inspection facilities on I-10, I-20, I-35, I-40, and I-45. Rest area coverage on I-10 west of San Antonio is thin — plan fuel and 10-hour breaks in advance.

Frequently asked

Do I need a Texas overweight permit?

Anything over 80,000 lbs gross or exceeding standard axle limits requires a TxDMR permit. Oversize/overweight permits are issued online and typically valid for a single trip.

Is Laredo a good place to base a truck?

For carriers running Mexico freight, yes — the freight is constant. For general OTR, DFW or Houston give better lane variety.