Freight Shipping from Houston to Shreveport
Ship freight from Houston, TX to Shreveport, LA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $598-$737, LTL from $353-$636. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
278 mi
Drive Time
5 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$598-$737
LTL Rate Est.
$353-$636
Houston to Shreveport 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.
Shreveport sits at the crossroads of I-20 and I-49, serving as the commercial hub for the Ark-La-Tex region where Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas converge. The Haynesville Shale natural gas play transformed the local economy and freight market, with pipe yards and drilling supply companies generating heavy flatbed and specialized oilfield equipment loads. Barksdale Air Force Base, home to the B-52 bomber fleet and Global Strike Command, creates steady military freight demand.
The Houston-to-Shreveport corridor spans 278 miles via I-10, I-45, I-20, I-49. This lane connects oil & gas and petrochemicals freight from the Houston market to oil & gas services and gaming & entertainment demand in Shreveport. 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 Shreveport Receives
Shreveport's oil & gas services, gaming & entertainment, military (barksdale afb) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Houston.
oil field supplies
drilling equipment
casino supplies
consumer goods
military equipment
construction materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Houston and Shreveport, 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.
$598-$737 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.
$792-$1,015 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$876-$1,182 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.
$353-$636 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Houston to Shreveport lane (278 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $598-$737 | 5 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $353-$636 | 7-9 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $904-$1,251 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Houston and Shreveport that drive volume on this lane.
ExxonMobil (Spring)
Phillips 66 (HQ)
Houston Ship Channel Refineries
Barksdale Air Force Base
Benteler Steel & Tube
Fibrebond Corporation
Shipping Tips for Houston to Shreveport
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.
Shreveport Seasonal Advisory
Oil and gas activity fluctuates with commodity prices rather than seasons. Timber harvesting runs year-round but slows during extended wet periods. Military freight from Barksdale maintains steady cadence with fiscal year-end (September) spikes.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 278 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 Shreveport Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Houston to Shreveport?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Houston, TX to Shreveport, LA currently range from $598-$737 for a standard dry van load over the 278-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $353-$636 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 Shreveport?
Standard FTL transit from Houston to Shreveport is approximately 5 hrs by truck over 278 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 Shreveport freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Houston commonly ships refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Shreveport commonly receives oil field supplies, drilling equipment, casino supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Shreveport to Houston?
Yes. Shreveport is a strong outbound market shipping natural gas, pipe & oil field equipment, lumber & timber. Carriers returning from Shreveport to Houston can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Houston-to-Shreveport lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Houston to Shreveport?
The Houston-to-Shreveport corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Houston's top outbound commodities include refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins, oilfield equipment, LNG equipment, medical devices. Shreveport's primary inbound freight includes oil field supplies, drilling equipment, casino supplies, consumer goods, military equipment, construction materials. Industries driving this lane include oil & gas and petrochemicals from Houston and oil & gas services and gaming & entertainment in Shreveport.
Get Exact Rates for Houston to Shreveport
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