625 miles · Est. 9.2 hours · Avg $2.55/mile · Gross $1,594
Lane Overview
625
Miles
$2.55
Avg rate/mile
$1,594
Avg gross rate
moderate
Competition
Dallas to El Paso westbound on I-20 is a long West Texas haul across some of the most remote terrain in the lower 48. Consumer goods and industrial supplies from DFW's distribution infrastructure head west to El Paso's 690,000 residents and the border economy with Juárez. The journey crosses the Permian Basin — the world's most productive oil field — where industrial supplies for energy companies add flatbed volume. Moderate rates at $2.45–$2.65/mile are solid for the 625-mile run.
I-20 west through Abilene, Midland/Odessa, and Pecos is straightforward but remote. Fuel discipline is critical — Midland has good fuel infrastructure, but between Pecos and Van Horn there are limited options. Wind in the Permian Basin can hit 50+ mph creating severe crosswind conditions for high-profile trailers — check weather forecasts before crossing that stretch. The Texas DPS checkpoint near Sierra Blanca on I-20/I-10 westbound checks all commercial vehicles. El Paso delivery: the city's industrial districts concentrate around I-10 and the Border Highway near the international bridges.
Driver Tip
Use our Load Profitability Calculator to check if this lane covers your operating costs before accepting a load.
Trip Costs
Fuel Estimate
$232
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$0
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$1,362
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Return Freight
El Paso to Dallas
625 miles · $2.65/mile avg
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Dallas to El Paso is as remote as it gets in the lower 48 while still running on an Interstate. Six hundred and twenty-five miles of West Texas — Abilene, Midland, Odessa, Pecos, and then the long desert stretch through Van Horn and Sierra Blanca before you reach El Paso. This is not a lane for drivers who get anxious in isolated country or don't do thorough pre-trips. But it pays well for a reason: not everyone wants to run it.
Consumer goods and retail merchandise from DFW's distribution infrastructure heading west to El Paso's 690,000 residents. Industrial supplies for the Permian Basin's oil and gas sector — Midland and Odessa are major delivery points along the route, not just pass-through cities. Some loads terminate in Midland or Odessa, making this effectively a shorter version of the run. El Paso's border economy with Juárez, Mexico also drives freight demand for goods heading into northern Mexico through the Paso del Norte and Ysleta crossings.
I-20 west from DFW through Abilene is the first comfortable stretch — Abilene has good truck stops and is roughly 180 miles out. Midland/Odessa at mile 330 is your critical fuel stop — tank up here because the stretch from Pecos to Van Horn is sparse. The Permian Basin wind is real: 50+ mph gusts are not uncommon and high-profile empty trailers will drift aggressively. Always check the National Weather Service forecast for the Midland area before departure. Van Horn at mile 470 has fuel and is your last reliable stop before El Paso. The Texas DPS checkpoint near Sierra Blanca on I-10 westbound (where I-20 merges into I-10) stops all commercial vehicles — have your paperwork and credentials ready. El Paso delivery: industrial receivers cluster near I-10 and the Border Highway, east of downtown near the Ysleta bridge area.
At $2.45–$2.65/mile for 625 miles, this run grosses $1,531–$1,656 before fuel. Fuel cost is significant — 625 miles at average fuel economy burns around $230 in diesel. Net margin is solid but requires discipline. The isolation premium is built into the rate — don't negotiate below $2.45/mile for this haul.
El Paso to Dallas has maquiladora-manufactured goods and border trade freight moving east. Rates are comparable at $2.40–$2.60/mile. The return is available but thinner than westbound — book before you deliver.
What's the most dangerous section of this run weather-wise?
The Permian Basin stretch between Midland and Pecos. Wind can exceed 50mph with no warning and create serious crosswind issues for high-profile trailers. Check the NWS forecast for Midland and Reeves County before you leave DFW.
Should I split the drive and take a 10-hour break in Midland, or push through?
Midland at mile 330 is a natural stopping point that keeps you within HOS on an 11-hour shift from Dallas. The drive from Midland to El Paso is another 295 miles — perfectly doable as a fresh start the next morning.
How serious is the Sierra Blanca checkpoint?
All commercial vehicles stop — it's a Texas DPS inspection point. Make sure your cab and cargo documentation are in order, no prohibited items, and your equipment is in proper condition. Pre-trip inspections before departure will prevent issues there.
Dispatch Service
TruckLeap dispatches dry van and reefer carriers on lanes like this — 6% fee, no contracts.
Our dispatch team finds Dallas to El Paso loads daily and negotiates top-of-market rates. Apply free.
Apply for Dispatch Service