Freight Shipping from Houston to Corpus Christi
Ship freight from Houston, TX to Corpus Christi, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $512-$631, LTL from $331-$602. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
238 mi
Drive Time
4 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$512-$631
LTL Rate Est.
$331-$602
Houston to Corpus Christi Freight Corridor
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.
Corpus Christi is America's #1 crude oil export port and a petrochemical refining powerhouse on the Texas Gulf Coast. Flint Hills Resources and Citgo operate major refineries that process Eagle Ford Shale crude into gasoline, diesel, and petrochemical feedstocks. The port handles more tonnage than most people realize — over 100 million tons annually — making it one of the largest in the U.S. by volume. NAS Corpus Christi is the Navy's primary pilot training base, adding defense logistics to the energy-dominated freight mix.
The Houston-to-Corpus Christi corridor spans 238 miles via I-10, I-45, I-37, US-77. This lane connects oil & gas and petrochemicals freight from the Houston market to oil refining & petrochemicals and port logistics demand in Corpus Christi. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Houston
Houston's economy is driven by oil & gas, petrochemicals, healthcare (texas medical center), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
refined petroleum
petrochemicals
plastic resins
oilfield equipment
LNG equipment
medical devices
What Corpus Christi Receives
Corpus Christi's oil refining & petrochemicals, port logistics, military (nas corpus christi) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Houston.
crude oil (pipeline/tanker)
industrial chemicals
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
grain (for export)
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Houston and Corpus Christi, 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.
$512-$631 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.
$678-$869 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$750-$1,012 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.
$331-$602 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Houston to Corpus Christi lane (238 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $512-$631 | 4 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $331-$602 | 6-8 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $774-$1,071 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Houston and Corpus Christi that drive volume on this lane.
ExxonMobil (Spring)
Phillips 66 (HQ)
Houston Ship Channel Refineries
Flint Hills Resources (Refinery)
Citgo (Refinery)
Port of Corpus Christi
Shipping Tips for Houston to Corpus Christi
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.
Corpus Christi Seasonal Advisory
Refinery operations run year-round with planned turnarounds in spring and fall. Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt port operations and create emergency freight demand. Crude oil export volumes have been steadily increasing year over year. Grain exports peak during fall harvest season.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 238 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.
Houston to Corpus Christi Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Houston to Corpus Christi?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Houston, TX to Corpus Christi, TX currently range from $512-$631 for a standard dry van load over the 238-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $331-$602 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 Houston to Corpus Christi?
Standard FTL transit from Houston to Corpus Christi is approximately 4 hrs by truck over 238 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 Houston to Corpus Christi freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Houston commonly ships refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Corpus Christi commonly receives crude oil (pipeline/tanker), industrial chemicals, consumer goods. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Corpus Christi to Houston?
Yes. Corpus Christi is a strong outbound market shipping refined petroleum, crude oil (export), petrochemicals. Carriers returning from Corpus Christi to Houston can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Houston-to-Corpus Christi lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Houston to Corpus Christi?
The Houston-to-Corpus Christi corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Houston's top outbound commodities include refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins, oilfield equipment, LNG equipment, medical devices. Corpus Christi's primary inbound freight includes crude oil (pipeline/tanker), industrial chemicals, consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, grain (for export). Industries driving this lane include oil & gas and petrochemicals from Houston and oil refining & petrochemicals and port logistics in Corpus Christi.
Get Exact Rates for Houston to Corpus Christi
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Houston to Corpus Christi lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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