265 miles · Est. 4.0 hours · Avg $2.25/mile · Gross $597
Day-Trip Economics
Fuel Estimate
$98
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$8
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$491
Before your other costs
Lane Overview
265
Miles
$2.25
Avg rate/mile
$597
Avg gross rate
moderate
Competition
Dallas to Tulsa northbound on I-35 north to US-75 or I-44 is the consumer goods supply corridor for northeastern Oklahoma. DFW distribution giants — Amazon, Walmart, Target — send retail merchandise and industrial supplies toward Tulsa's 430,000 residents and the surrounding northeast Oklahoma market. At 265 miles and $2.15–$2.35/mile, this is modest-rate moderate territory that works best when combined with a Tulsa outbound load.
US-75 north from the Dallas area through Sherman and Durant, OK to Tulsa is a direct alternative to the I-35/I-44 routing and is preferred by many flatbed operators. I-44 (Turner Turnpike) from OKC to Tulsa is the fastest route if you're routing via Oklahoma City — $8 toll. Tulsa's industrial districts are primarily along the Arkansas River on the southwest side and in the Broken Arrow area to the east. Pre-book your Tulsa-to-Dallas return (Lane 53) with aerospace or energy equipment before you deliver — don't arrive in Tulsa without a confirmed outbound load.
Driver Tip
Short lane, fast turn. Margin on short runs is unforgiving. Use our Load Profitability Calculator to verify this load covers your costs before accepting.
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Return Freight
Tulsa to Dallas
265 miles · $2.30/mile avg
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Tulsa is a different animal than OKC on this corridor. OKC is a large consumer market fed by I-35's massive carrier flow. Tulsa is a smaller market with a distinct industrial identity — aerospace (American Airlines maintenance, NORDAM), oil and gas equipment, and the Port of Catoosa on the Arkansas River. That industrial character changes the freight dynamics compared to the Dallas-OKC run, and it's why the I-35 corridor is less congested on this routing.
Consumer goods from DFW's distribution network dominate the dry-van loads northbound. Walmart and Amazon both run volume into Tulsa's distribution infrastructure. But the interesting freight — the reason to develop Tulsa relationships — is the energy sector industrial supplies. Drill pipe, valve components, safety equipment heading to Tulsa's oil and gas service companies and the Port of Catoosa's barge-to-truck transfer operations add flatbed volume that pays better.
Two routing options: US-75 north through Sherman, TX and Durant, OK is the direct route many flatbed operators prefer because it avoids the I-35 carrier traffic. I-35 north to OKC then I-44 (Turner Turnpike) east to Tulsa is faster in total time if traffic cooperates, but adds $8 in Turner Turnpike tolls. US-75 through Durant has a weigh station on the Oklahoma side near Atoka — active for both directions. Tulsa delivery: the southwest side along the Arkansas River near the I-44/US-75 interchange handles most industrial freight. Broken Arrow to the east handles retail and consumer distribution.
At $2.15–$2.35/mile, this lane is not where you get rich. The strategy here is pairing a strong Tulsa outbound — aerospace components, energy equipment, or agricultural machinery heading south — to make the round trip viable. Industrial loads out of Tulsa to DFW regularly pay $2.40–$2.65/mile. Build the return before you commit to the northbound.
Tulsa-to-Dallas is genuinely better freight than the reverse. Aerospace parts from NORDAM or American Airlines maintenance, energy equipment from Tulsa's industrial base, and agricultural machinery from northeast Oklahoma operations. Get this booked from your broker while you're still loading in Dallas.
Which routing is better — US-75 or I-35/I-44?
For flatbed operators, US-75 through Sherman and Durant is cleaner and avoids I-35 congestion. For dry-van, I-35/I-44 is faster total time. Both work — pick based on your equipment type.
What should I know about the Port of Catoosa near Tulsa?
The Port of Catoosa is the westernmost inland port on the waterway system connected to the Gulf of Mexico via the Arkansas River. It handles barge-to-truck transfers for steel, agricultural products, and industrial goods. If you're doing Port of Catoosa deliveries, the security gate process and dock scheduling differ from a standard warehouse.
Can I find Tulsa loads on the spot market or do I need direct shippers?
Spot market exists but thin. You'll get better Tulsa outbound rates from direct relationships with energy and aerospace companies. Ask your broker specifically about industrial loads, not just consumer goods.
Dispatch Service
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