Freight Shipping from Gulfport to Houston
Ship freight from Gulfport, MS to Houston, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,056-$1,301, LTL from $470-$817. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
491 mi
Drive Time
9 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,056-$1,301
LTL Rate Est.
$470-$817
Gulfport to Houston Freight Corridor
Gulfport-Biloxi is the Mississippi Gulf Coast's freight anchor, with the Port of Gulfport serving as a major Dole fruit import terminal receiving banana and pineapple shipments from Central America. Nearby Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula is the nation's largest military shipbuilder, generating oversize defense cargo. Keesler AFB adds steady government freight volume.
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 Gulfport-to-Houston corridor spans 491 miles via I-10. This lane connects port & maritime and military (keesler afb) freight from the Gulfport 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 Gulfport
Gulfport's economy is driven by port & maritime, military (keesler afb), gaming & casinos, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
frozen poultry (export)
forest products
resin & polymers
military equipment
seafood
scrap metal
What Houston Receives
Houston's oil & gas, petrochemicals, healthcare (texas medical center) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Gulfport.
crude oil
containerized imports
steel pipe
industrial chemicals
consumer goods
drilling equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Gulfport 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.
$1,056-$1,301 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.
$1,301-$1,645 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.
$1,399-$1,792 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,547-$2,087 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Gulfport to Houston lane (491 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,056-$1,301 | 9 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $470-$817 | 11-13 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,596-$2,210 | 6 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Gulfport and Houston that drive volume on this lane.
Dole Fresh Fruit
Keesler Air Force Base
Huntington Ingalls (Pascagoula)
ExxonMobil (Spring)
Phillips 66 (HQ)
Houston Ship Channel Refineries
Shipping Tips for Gulfport to Houston
Gulfport Seasonal Advisory
Hurricane season (June-November) poses significant risk to port operations and can shut down I-10 coastal routes. Post-hurricane rebuild freight surges have historically lasted 12-18 months and dramatically inflate local rates.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 491 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.
Gulfport to Houston Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Gulfport to Houston?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Gulfport, MS to Houston, TX currently range from $1,056-$1,301 for a standard dry van load over the 491-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $470-$817 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 Gulfport to Houston?
Standard FTL transit from Gulfport to Houston is approximately 9 hrs by truck over 491 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 Gulfport to Houston freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Gulfport commonly ships frozen poultry (export), forest products, resin & polymers, 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 Gulfport?
Yes. Houston is a strong outbound market shipping refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins. Carriers returning from Houston to Gulfport can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Gulfport-to-Houston lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Gulfport to Houston?
The Gulfport-to-Houston corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Gulfport's top outbound commodities include frozen poultry (export), forest products, resin & polymers, military equipment, seafood, scrap metal. Houston's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, containerized imports, steel pipe, industrial chemicals, consumer goods, drilling equipment. Industries driving this lane include port & maritime and military (Keesler AFB) from Gulfport and oil & gas and petrochemicals in Houston.
Get Exact Rates for Gulfport to Houston
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Gulfport to Houston lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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