Intermodal Trucking in Houston, TX

Market rates, top lanes, earnings estimates, and freight insights for intermodal owner-operators in Houston.

$2.48

Rate / Mile

$21,080

Est. Gross / Month

$13,702

Est. Net / Month

South Central

Market Region

About Intermodal Trucking

Intermodal drayage involves hauling containers between rail yards, ports, and distribution centers. Short-haul but high-frequency work, concentrated around major rail hubs and port cities.

Intermodal Market in the South Central

The South Central dry van market is anchored by Texas, the nation's largest freight-generating state. Dallas-Fort Worth's massive distribution infrastructure, Houston's port and petrochemical complex, and cross-border freight through Laredo create a freight-rich environment. The I-35 corridor from Laredo to Dallas is one of the highest-volume lanes in the country. Year-round operating conditions and growing population fuel consistent demand.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Houston

Dallas TX → Houston TX

San Antonio TX → Laredo TX

Oklahoma City OK → Little Rock AR

Houston TX → New Orleans LA

Why Houston for Intermodal

Key Industries

Oil & gas
Petrochemical
Port logistics
Healthcare
Food distribution

Key Highways

I-10I-45I-69US-59US-290Beltway 8SH-99

Top Shippers

ExxonMobil
Shell USA
Sysco
Halliburton

Distribution Centers Near Houston

Amazon HOU2 (Katy)

Walmart Distribution Center (Brookshire)

Home Depot (Atascocita)

Sysco Corporate HQ & DC (Spring)

Dollar Tree Distribution (Marietta, TX)

McLane Company (Temple, TX)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in Houston?

Compare top dispatch services for intermodal carriers operating in the Houston, TX market. Find the right partner for your lanes and equipment.

Compare Dispatch Services

Intermodal Trucking in Houston — FAQ

The estimated intermodal rate in Houston is $2.48 per loaded mile. This reflects the South Central regional market, local demand, and seasonal conditions. Actual rates vary by lane, broker, and load specifics.

Based on current market estimates, a intermodal owner-operator based in Houston can expect approximately $21,080 gross monthly revenue and around $13,702 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.

Top intermodal lanes from the Houston market include: Dallas TX → Houston TX, San Antonio TX → Laredo TX, Oklahoma City OK → Little Rock AR, Houston TX → New Orleans LA. These lanes reflect the South Central freight patterns and may vary by season.

Houston is located in the South Central freight region with key industries including oil & gas, petrochemical, port logistics. Access to I-10, I-45, I-69 provides strong connectivity. Rates are competitive with the national average.

Key highways for intermodal freight in Houston include I-10, I-45, I-69, US-59, US-290, Beltway 8, SH-99. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the South Central region.