197 miles · Est. 3.0 hours · Avg $2.50/mile · Gross $493
Day-Trip Economics
Fuel Estimate
$73
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$5
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$415
Before your other costs
Lane Overview
197
Miles
$2.50
Avg rate/mile
$493
Avg gross rate
competitive
Competition
Houston to San Antonio on I-10 west is a short but intensely competitive Texas intrastate lane. Petrochemical products from Houston's Gulf Coast refineries head west to San Antonio's industrial and military customers. Consumer goods from Houston's massive port distribution network fill dry-van trailers. At 197 miles, it's a day run — but carrier density on I-10 between these two cities is some of the highest in Texas.
I-10 through Seguin and San Marcos has active DPS enforcement — speed limits drop to 70mph in several zones and are enforced. Tolls are minimal at $5. The real challenge is rate negotiation: too many trucks fight for these loads, pushing rates toward the floor. Best strategy is securing dedicated lanes with Houston petrochemical shippers or military logistics contractors rather than spot market. Return San Antonio to Houston (Lane 38) runs similar volume with military and consumer freight heading east.
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
San Antonio to Houston
197 miles · $2.45/mile avg
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Houston to San Antonio is 197 miles of I-10 connecting two of Texas's most freight-active markets, and it's intensely competitive because every carrier in Texas knows exactly how much freight moves on it. Petrochemical output from Houston's refinery belt, consumer goods from the port distribution network, and industrial supplies for San Antonio's manufacturing base all keep loads available. The problem is so do hundreds of carriers, which is why this lane requires a structure — dedicated accounts or consistent broker relationships — rather than spot market fishing.
Houston's Gulf Coast refinery and petrochemical complex sends industrial chemicals, refinery equipment, and process materials west to San Antonio's industrial customers. Consumer goods from Houston's port distribution area — imported retail merchandise, electronics, food products — head west to San Antonio retailers and distribution centers. San Antonio's military presence (Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis) generates government freight moving both directions. Healthcare products for San Antonio's large medical complex also show up on this corridor regularly.
I-10 west from Houston through Katy, through Columbus and Schulenburg, into San Antonio. The Katy Freeway (I-10 west of Houston) is one of the widest highways in the world but still backs up during morning rush — leave Houston before 6:30am or after 9am to avoid the worst of it. The stretch through Seguin has DPS enforcement with active speed patrols — the limit drops to 70mph and they enforce it. San Antonio delivery depends on which side of the city: Lackland AFB is off US-90, Fort Sam Houston is northeast on I-35, and the medical center cluster is northwest on I-10.
This is a competitive lane and spot market rates reflect that. The carriers who consistently hit $2.50/mile or better here have dedicated shipper accounts with Houston-area petrochemical companies or government contract freight through military logistics networks. Random load board hunting on this lane will land you $2.25–$2.35/mile in normal markets. Know your cost structure before accepting — $493 gross on 197 miles is fine if your fixed costs are low, less fine if you're running high overhead.
San Antonio to Houston returns consistent freight — military equipment heading back to Houston for export, consumer goods, and healthcare products heading east. Rates run $2.45–$2.50/mile on the return. The round trip at 394 miles can be done in a single day with a 3am departure from Houston and an afternoon return.
What's the Katy Freeway traffic situation like westbound in the morning?
I-10 west from Houston (the Katy Freeway) is chronically congested during morning rush, roughly 6am–9am. The 26-lane highway still backs up — leave before 6am or after 9am. Afternoon eastbound into Houston is equally bad from 4pm–7pm.
Are there weigh stations on I-10 between Houston and San Antonio?
There are weight enforcement facilities in Texas that operate periodically on I-10. The I-10 corridor is also subject to rolling DPS weight enforcement patrols. Weight compliance is standard — no surprises here for properly loaded trucks.
How do I qualify for military logistics freight on this lane?
Work through defense logistics brokers or apply directly to the DoD transportation programs. Carriers need a clean safety record, proper insurance levels, and sometimes HAZMAT certification depending on the cargo. The application process takes time but the freight pays premium rates and is consistent year-round.
Dispatch Service
TruckLeap dispatches dry van and flatbed carriers on lanes like this — 6% fee, no contracts.
Our dispatch team finds Houston to San Antonio loads daily and negotiates top-of-market rates. Apply free.
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