1092 miles · Est. 16.0 hours · Avg $2.40/mile · Gross $2,621
Lane Overview
1,092
Miles
$2.40
Avg rate/mile
$2,621
Avg gross rate
moderate
Competition
Chicago to Houston on I-55 south through St. Louis, then I-44 to Oklahoma City, then I-35 south is a 1,092-mile two-day haul connecting Midwest manufacturing to the Gulf Coast's industrial complex. Consumer goods and manufacturing products flow southbound to supply Houston's 7 million residents and industrial supply chain. Return northbound brings petrochemical equipment, industrial machinery, and steel pipe — particularly strong flatbed demand from the Ship Channel.
I-55 south through Springfield, IL and St. Louis is efficient with minimal congestion outside metro areas. St. Louis I-64/I-55 interchange can delay you 20 minutes during rush — time your St. Louis pass for mid-day. The Oklahoma Turnpike system on I-44 adds $15–18 in tolls. Houston's Ship Channel area near Pasadena has significant industrial receiver density — get dock appointments confirmed before arrival. Return lane Houston to Chicago (Lane 5) runs at $2.25–$2.45/mile with strong industrial freight heading north.
Driver Tip
At 16.0 hours drive time, HOS planning is critical. Use our HOS Calculator to map your 70-hour cycle before dispatch.
Multi-Day Costs
Fuel Estimate
$405
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$25
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$2,191
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Driver's Complete Guide
Chicago to Houston is the Midwest-to-Gulf Coast backbone — 1,092 miles connecting the country's manufacturing heartland to its largest petrochemical and industrial port complex. This is a two-day run regardless of how hard you push it. Done right, it's a strong earner. Done wrong — poor fuel planning, bad timing through St. Louis and Oklahoma City, no return booked — it's a grind.
Chicago's manufacturing output is enormous. Caterpillar components, John Deere agriculture equipment parts, food processing machinery, steel goods from the south side mills, and consumer goods from the massive intermodal hub on the southwest side all move south toward Texas. Houston receives them hungrily — the construction sector, the petrochemical industry, and 7 million people need Midwest industrial output. Reefer freight with temperature-sensitive foods from Chicago's food processing corridor adds to the southbound volume.
I-55 south from Chicago through Joliet, Bloomington, and Springfield to St. Louis is the first leg. Joliet's I-55 construction zones have been recurring for years — allow extra time in that corridor. St. Louis at the I-64/I-55 interchange requires timing — pass before 7am or after 9am to avoid 30-minute backups. I-44 southwest through Rolla, Springfield, and Joplin, Missouri takes you to Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Turnpike system on I-44 runs from the Oklahoma state line to Oklahoma City — budget $15–18 in tolls for the full stretch. Oklahoma City has an active scale on I-35 southbound near Purcell. I-35 south from OKC through Gainesville into Texas and on to the Dallas area, then I-45 south into Houston. The Corsicana scale on I-45 northbound is the one to watch on the return — it's very active. Houston delivery: the Ship Channel complex east of downtown Houston near Pasadena and La Porte requires advance dock appointment confirmation; industrial receivers in that zone don't accommodate drop-ins.
At 1,092 miles, a $2.40/mile rate produces $2,621 gross. Fuel at roughly $405 for the run and tolls at $25 leave solid net margin if you manage the round trip. Book your return Houston-to-Chicago load before you deliver southbound — the Houston load board is active but you'll lose a day hunting if you didn't plan ahead. Direct shipper relationships with Chicago's industrial manufacturers provide the most consistent rates.
Houston to Chicago northbound (Lane 5) is equally strong, with petrochemical equipment, steel pipe, and industrial machinery heading north. Flatbed rates from the Ship Channel to Chicago can reach $2.50–$2.65/mile during strong demand periods.
What's the best way to handle the two-day drive timing?
Leave Chicago Sunday evening or early Monday before 6am. Clear St. Louis before rush, run through Oklahoma daytime, and stage near OKC or Gainesville for a 10-hour break. Day two you're in Houston midday. This gives you a full afternoon for delivery and appointment scheduling.
How much do the Oklahoma turnpike tolls add up to?
The Oklahoma Turnpike system on I-44 between the Missouri border and OKC adds roughly $15–18 for a standard 5-axle combination. Pay with a PikePass for the electronic rate, which is slightly cheaper than cash at the booths. This is separate from any I-35 toll facilities.
Is I-35 south through Dallas a required routing or can I bypass it?
Most Chicago-Houston freight routes through Dallas-area I-35 to I-45 south. The alternate via I-30 to I-45 through Texarkana adds significant mileage. Stay on I-35 south from OKC through the DFW area and pick up I-45 south at Hillsboro for the most efficient Houston routing.
Return Freight
Houston to Chicago
1092 miles · $2.35/mile avg
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