Freight Shipping from San Antonio to Houston
Ship freight from San Antonio, TX to Houston, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $529-$652, LTL from $335-$609. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
246 mi
Drive Time
4 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$529-$652
LTL Rate Est.
$335-$609
San Antonio to Houston Freight Corridor
San Antonio's freight economy is uniquely driven by the military — Joint Base San Antonio encompasses three installations and is the largest Department of Defense joint base in the country. Toyota's Tundra and Sequoia assembly plant in south San Antonio creates dedicated automotive lanes to suppliers across Texas and Mexico. H-E-B, the beloved Texas grocery chain headquartered here, operates one of the most efficient private distribution networks in the retail industry.
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 San Antonio-to-Houston corridor spans 246 miles via I-10. This lane connects military & defense and healthcare freight from the San Antonio 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 San Antonio
San Antonio's economy is driven by military & defense, healthcare, cybersecurity, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
military equipment
processed foods
manufactured goods
building materials
medical supplies
automotive parts
What Houston Receives
Houston's oil & gas, petrochemicals, healthcare (texas medical center) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like San Antonio.
crude oil
containerized imports
steel pipe
industrial chemicals
consumer goods
drilling equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between San Antonio 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.
$529-$652 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.
$701-$898 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$775-$1,046 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.
$335-$609 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the San Antonio to Houston lane (246 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $529-$652 | 4 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $335-$609 | 6-8 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $800-$1,107 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both San Antonio and Houston that drive volume on this lane.
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
ExxonMobil (Spring)
Phillips 66 (HQ)
Houston Ship Channel Refineries
Shipping Tips for San Antonio to Houston
San Antonio Seasonal Advisory
Military freight follows federal fiscal year cycles with a September surge. Toyota production runs year-round with July and December shutdowns. H-E-B distribution intensifies ahead of holidays and during severe weather events when Texans stock up.
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 246 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.
San Antonio to Houston Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from San Antonio to Houston?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from San Antonio, TX to Houston, TX currently range from $529-$652 for a standard dry van load over the 246-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $335-$609 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 San Antonio to Houston?
Standard FTL transit from San Antonio to Houston is approximately 4 hrs by truck over 246 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 San Antonio to Houston freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. San Antonio commonly ships military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods, 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 San Antonio?
Yes. Houston is a strong outbound market shipping refined petroleum, petrochemicals, plastic resins. Carriers returning from Houston to San Antonio can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the San Antonio-to-Houston lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from San Antonio to Houston?
The San Antonio-to-Houston corridor handles a diverse freight mix. San Antonio's top outbound commodities include military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods, building materials, medical supplies, automotive parts. Houston's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, containerized imports, steel pipe, industrial chemicals, consumer goods, drilling equipment. Industries driving this lane include military & defense and healthcare from San Antonio and oil & gas and petrochemicals in Houston.
Get Exact Rates for San Antonio to Houston
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the San Antonio to Houston lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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