Freight Shipping from Mobile to Houston
Ship freight from Mobile, AL to Houston, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,236-$1,524, LTL from $516-$889. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
575 mi
Drive Time
10 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,236-$1,524
LTL Rate Est.
$516-$889
Mobile to Houston Freight Corridor
Mobile is the Gulf Coast's overlooked freight powerhouse. The Port of Mobile handles 60+ million tons annually and the Airbus A320 final assembly line creates a unique mix of containerized imports, oversize aerospace cargo, and bulk commodities. The AM/NS Calvert steel mill (a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel) is one of the most advanced in North America, generating heavy flatbed volume on I-65 northbound.
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 Mobile-to-Houston corridor spans 575 miles via I-10. This lane connects shipbuilding and petrochemicals freight from the Mobile 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 Mobile
Mobile's economy is driven by shipbuilding, petrochemicals, aerospace assembly, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
lumber & timber
petrochemicals
aircraft assemblies
coal exports
paper products
seafood
What Houston Receives
Houston's oil & gas, petrochemicals, healthcare (texas medical center) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Mobile.
crude oil
containerized imports
steel pipe
industrial chemicals
consumer goods
drilling equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Mobile 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.
$1,236-$1,524 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.
$1,524-$1,926 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.
$1,639-$2,099 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,811-$2,444 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Mobile to Houston lane (575 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,236-$1,524 | 10 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $516-$889 | 12-14 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,869-$2,588 | 7 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $776-$1,064 | 13-15 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Mobile and Houston that drive volume on this lane.
Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Austal USA
AM/NS Calvert Steel
ExxonMobil (Spring)
Phillips 66 (HQ)
Houston Ship Channel Refineries
Shipping Tips for Mobile to Houston
Mobile Seasonal Advisory
Hurricane season (June-November) can shut down port operations for days, creating massive post-storm freight surges. Shrimp season drives reefer demand from May through October.
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.
Overnight Transit
This 575-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
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.
Mobile to Houston Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Mobile to Houston?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Mobile, AL to Houston, TX currently range from $1,236-$1,524 for a standard dry van load over the 575-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $516-$889 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 Mobile to Houston?
Standard FTL transit from Mobile to Houston is approximately 10 hrs by truck over 575 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%. Intermodal rail-truck service takes 5-7 days but offers significant cost savings.
What equipment do I need for Mobile to Houston freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Mobile commonly ships lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, 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 Mobile?
Yes. Houston is a strong outbound market shipping refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins. Carriers returning from Houston to Mobile can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Mobile-to-Houston lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Mobile to Houston?
The Mobile-to-Houston corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Mobile's top outbound commodities include lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, coal exports, paper products, seafood. Houston's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, containerized imports, steel pipe, industrial chemicals, consumer goods, drilling equipment. Industries driving this lane include shipbuilding and petrochemicals from Mobile and oil & gas and petrochemicals in Houston.
Get Exact Rates for Mobile to Houston
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Mobile to Houston lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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