Freight Shipping from Houston to Gulfport
Ship freight from Houston, TX to Gulfport, MS 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
Houston to Gulfport 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.
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.
The Houston-to-Gulfport corridor spans 491 miles via I-10. This lane connects oil & gas and petrochemicals freight from the Houston market to port & maritime and military (keesler afb) demand in Gulfport. 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 Gulfport Receives
Gulfport's port & maritime, military (keesler afb), gaming & casinos sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Houston.
imported fruit (bananas, pineapples)
containerized goods
steel & metals
casino supplies
construction materials
military supplies
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Houston and Gulfport, 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
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
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.
$470-$817 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Houston to Gulfport 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 Houston and Gulfport that drive volume on this lane.
ExxonMobil (Spring)
Phillips 66 (HQ)
Houston Ship Channel Refineries
Dole Fresh Fruit
Keesler Air Force Base
Huntington Ingalls (Pascagoula)
Shipping Tips for Houston to Gulfport
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.
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.
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.
Houston to Gulfport Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Houston to Gulfport?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Houston, TX to Gulfport, MS 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 Houston to Gulfport?
Standard FTL transit from Houston to Gulfport 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 Houston to Gulfport freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Houston commonly ships refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Gulfport commonly receives imported fruit (bananas, pineapples), containerized goods, steel & metals. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Gulfport to Houston?
Yes. Gulfport is a strong outbound market shipping frozen poultry (export), forest products, resin & polymers. Carriers returning from Gulfport to Houston can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Houston-to-Gulfport lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Houston to Gulfport?
The Houston-to-Gulfport corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Houston's top outbound commodities include refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins, oilfield equipment, LNG equipment, medical devices. Gulfport's primary inbound freight includes imported fruit (bananas, pineapples), containerized goods, steel & metals, casino supplies, construction materials, military supplies. Industries driving this lane include oil & gas and petrochemicals from Houston and port & maritime and military (Keesler AFB) in Gulfport.
Get Exact Rates for Houston to Gulfport
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Houston to Gulfport lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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