Freight Shipping from Austin to San Antonio
Ship freight from Austin, TX to San Antonio, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $206-$254, LTL from $253-$482. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
96 mi
Drive Time
2 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$206-$254
LTL Rate Est.
$253-$482
Austin to San Antonio Freight Corridor
Austin has transformed from a state capital and college town into a technology and manufacturing powerhouse. Tesla's Gigafactory Texas in southeast Travis County produces the Model Y and Cybertruck, creating a massive new automotive freight corridor. Samsung's $17 billion semiconductor fab in Taylor and NXP's chipmaking facilities make the Austin metro one of America's most important semiconductor freight origins. The city's explosive growth — the fastest-growing large metro in the U.S. — generates enormous inbound construction and consumer goods freight.
San Antonio's freight economy is uniquely driven by the military — Joint Base San Antonio encompasses three installations and is the largest Department of Defense joint base in the country. Toyota's Tundra and Sequoia assembly plant in south San Antonio creates dedicated automotive lanes to suppliers across Texas and Mexico. H-E-B, the beloved Texas grocery chain headquartered here, operates one of the most efficient private distribution networks in the retail industry.
The Austin-to-San Antonio corridor spans 96 miles via I-35. This lane connects technology and semiconductor manufacturing freight from the Austin market to military & defense and healthcare demand in San Antonio. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Austin
Austin's economy is driven by technology, semiconductor manufacturing, state government, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
semiconductors (Samsung/NXP)
Tesla vehicles
computers & electronics
processed foods
technology equipment
building materials
What San Antonio Receives
San Antonio's military & defense, healthcare, cybersecurity sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Austin.
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
food products
fuel
vehicles
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Austin and San Antonio, these equipment types best serve this corridor.
Dry Van (FTL)
Ideal for palletized consumer goods, electronics, packaged foods, and general merchandise. Enclosed protection from weather and theft.
$206-$254 estimated for this lane
Flatbed
Best for steel, lumber, machinery, building materials, and oversized loads that cannot be palletized or loaded through standard dock doors.
$274-$350 estimated for this lane
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets. Shared trailer space with other shippers reduces cost for smaller loads.
$253-$482 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Austin to San Antonio lane (96 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $206-$254 | 2 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $253-$482 | 4-6 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $312-$432 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Austin and San Antonio that drive volume on this lane.
Tesla Gigafactory Texas
Samsung Austin Semiconductor
NXP Semiconductors
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Austin to San Antonio
Austin Seasonal Advisory
Tesla production runs year-round but new model launches create unpredictable freight spikes. Samsung fab output is consistent but construction of new fab capacity generates enormous heavy-haul and oversize equipment moves. SXSW (March) and ACL Festival (October) create temporary local delivery surges.
San Antonio Seasonal Advisory
Military freight follows federal fiscal year cycles with a September surge. Toyota production runs year-round with July and December shutdowns. H-E-B distribution intensifies ahead of holidays and during severe weather events when Texans stock up.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 96 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
Book Early for Best Rates
Spot market rates fluctuate daily. Booking 3-5 days in advance typically saves 10-15% compared to same-day or next-day freight requests. For recurring shipments, ask about contract rates.
Austin to San Antonio Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Austin to San Antonio?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Austin, TX to San Antonio, TX currently range from $206-$254 for a standard dry van load over the 96-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $253-$482 depending on freight class, weight, and dimensions. Request a custom quote for exact pricing based on your specific shipment details.
How long does freight take from Austin to San Antonio?
Standard FTL transit from Austin to San Antonio is approximately 2 hrs by truck over 96 miles. LTL shipments add 2-4 business days due to terminal transfers. Expedited service with team drivers can reduce FTL transit by up to 40%.
What equipment do I need for Austin to San Antonio freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Austin commonly ships semiconductors (Samsung/NXP), Tesla vehicles, computers & electronics, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. San Antonio commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, military supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from San Antonio to Austin?
Yes. San Antonio is a strong outbound market shipping military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods. Carriers returning from San Antonio to Austin can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Austin-to-San Antonio lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Austin to San Antonio?
The Austin-to-San Antonio corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Austin's top outbound commodities include semiconductors (Samsung/NXP), Tesla vehicles, computers & electronics, processed foods, technology equipment, building materials. San Antonio's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, food products, fuel, vehicles. Industries driving this lane include technology and semiconductor manufacturing from Austin and military & defense and healthcare in San Antonio.
Get Exact Rates for Austin to San Antonio
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Austin to San Antonio lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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