Freight Shipping from Des Moines to Houston
Ship freight from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,301-$2,836, LTL from $789-$1,310. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,070 mi
Drive Time
19 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,301-$2,836
LTL Rate Est.
$789-$1,310
Des Moines to Houston Freight Corridor
Des Moines sits at the junction of I-80 and I-35, making it the natural crossroads of the upper Midwest agricultural belt. The city punches above its weight in freight thanks to a concentration of food processing plants (Tyson, Barilla, Kemin) and Hy-Vee's distribution network that services grocery stores across eight states. Meta's massive data center campus in Altoona has added a new dimension of high-value technology freight for server equipment and infrastructure.
Houston is the energy capital of the world, and its freight profile reflects it. The Houston Ship Channel — a 52-mile industrial corridor lined with the highest concentration of refineries and petrochemical plants on Earth — generates massive tanker, flatbed, and hazmat freight volumes. Port Houston ranks first in the U.S. for foreign waterborne tonnage and handles more export cargo than any other American port. The Texas Medical Center, the world's largest, adds a significant layer of pharmaceutical and medical equipment freight.
The Des Moines-to-Houston corridor spans 1,070 miles via I-80, I-35, I-10, I-45. This lane connects insurance & financial services and food processing freight from the Des Moines market to oil & gas and petrochemicals demand in Houston. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Des Moines
Des Moines's economy is driven by insurance & financial services, food processing, agriculture, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
processed meats
corn products & ethanol
insurance documents
animal feed
soybeans
egg products
What Houston Receives
Houston's oil & gas, petrochemicals, healthcare (texas medical center) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Des Moines.
crude oil
containerized imports
steel pipe
industrial chemicals
consumer goods
drilling equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Des Moines and Houston, 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.
$2,301-$2,836 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$2,836-$3,585 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.
$3,050-$3,906 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,371-$4,548 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Des Moines to Houston lane (1,070 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,301-$2,836 | 19 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $789-$1,310 | 21-23 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,478-$4,815 | 13 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,445-$1,980 | 22-24 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Des Moines and Houston that drive volume on this lane.
John Deere (Des Moines Works)
Hy-Vee (HQ)
Principal Financial (HQ)
ExxonMobil (Spring)
Phillips 66 (HQ)
Houston Ship Channel Refineries
Shipping Tips for Des Moines to Houston
Des Moines Seasonal Advisory
Harvest season (September-November) transforms the freight market as grain trucks flood the highways and competition for drivers intensifies. Holiday food processing peaks October through December. Data center construction freight has become a year-round constant.
Houston Seasonal Advisory
Hurricane season (June-November) is the dominant variable — storms can shut down the Ship Channel and port for days, creating massive freight backlogs and rate spikes. Petrochemical production is year-round but refinery turnarounds in spring and fall temporarily shift freight patterns.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,070 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 19 hours without mandatory 10-hour rest breaks, cutting transit time nearly in half compared to a solo driver.
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.
Des Moines to Houston Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Des Moines to Houston?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX currently range from $2,301-$2,836 for a standard dry van load over the 1,070-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $789-$1,310 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 Des Moines to Houston?
Standard FTL transit from Des Moines to Houston is approximately 19 hrs by truck over 1,070 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%. Intermodal rail-truck service takes 5-7 days but offers significant cost savings.
What equipment do I need for Des Moines to Houston freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Des Moines commonly ships processed meats, corn products & ethanol, insurance documents, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Houston commonly receives crude oil, containerized imports, steel pipe. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Houston to Des Moines?
Yes. Houston is a strong outbound market shipping refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins. Carriers returning from Houston to Des Moines can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Des Moines-to-Houston lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Des Moines to Houston?
The Des Moines-to-Houston corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Des Moines's top outbound commodities include processed meats, corn products & ethanol, insurance documents, animal feed, soybeans, egg products. Houston's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, containerized imports, steel pipe, industrial chemicals, consumer goods, drilling equipment. Industries driving this lane include insurance & financial services and food processing from Des Moines and oil & gas and petrochemicals in Houston.
Get Exact Rates for Des Moines to Houston
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Des Moines to Houston lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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