Freight Shipping from Jackson to Houston
Ship freight from Jackson, MS to Houston, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $989-$1,219, LTL from $453-$791. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
460 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$989-$1,219
LTL Rate Est.
$453-$791
Jackson to Houston Freight Corridor
Jackson anchors Mississippi's freight market at the crossroads of I-55 and I-20. Nissan's Canton assembly plant produces 400,000+ vehicles annually, creating a steady flow of inbound parts from suppliers and outbound vehicle haul-away loads. The Mississippi Delta's agricultural output — catfish, poultry, and cotton — funnels through Jackson's distribution network on its way to national markets.
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 Jackson-to-Houston corridor spans 460 miles via I-55, I-20, I-10, I-45. This lane connects automotive manufacturing and healthcare freight from the Jackson 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 Jackson
Jackson's economy is driven by automotive manufacturing, healthcare, government, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
finished vehicles (Nissan)
poultry products
petroleum products
lumber & timber
catfish
cotton
What Houston Receives
Houston's oil & gas, petrochemicals, healthcare (texas medical center) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Jackson.
crude oil
containerized imports
steel pipe
industrial chemicals
consumer goods
drilling equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Jackson 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.
$989-$1,219 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.
$1,219-$1,541 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.
$1,311-$1,679 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,449-$1,955 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Jackson to Houston lane (460 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $989-$1,219 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $453-$791 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,495-$2,070 | 6 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Jackson and Houston that drive volume on this lane.
Nissan Canton Assembly
Cal-Maine Foods
Sanderson Farms
ExxonMobil (Spring)
Phillips 66 (HQ)
Houston Ship Channel Refineries
Shipping Tips for Jackson to Houston
Jackson Seasonal Advisory
Catfish and poultry processing run year-round but peak during holiday seasons. Cotton harvest (October-December) brings a surge of flatbed and hopper demand across the Delta region.
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 460 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.
Jackson to Houston Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Jackson to Houston?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Jackson, MS to Houston, TX currently range from $989-$1,219 for a standard dry van load over the 460-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $453-$791 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 Jackson to Houston?
Standard FTL transit from Jackson to Houston is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 460 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 Jackson to Houston freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Jackson commonly ships finished vehicles (Nissan), poultry products, petroleum products, 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 Jackson?
Yes. Houston is a strong outbound market shipping refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins. Carriers returning from Houston to Jackson can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Jackson-to-Houston lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Jackson to Houston?
The Jackson-to-Houston corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Jackson's top outbound commodities include finished vehicles (Nissan), poultry products, petroleum products, lumber & timber, catfish, cotton. Houston's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, containerized imports, steel pipe, industrial chemicals, consumer goods, drilling equipment. Industries driving this lane include automotive manufacturing and healthcare from Jackson and oil & gas and petrochemicals in Houston.
Get Exact Rates for Jackson to Houston
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Jackson to Houston lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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