Dallas, TX
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Dallas.
Metro area
Population
Good
Truck Parking
Southwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.78 |
| Reefer | $3.23 |
| Flatbed | $3.52 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-35EI-30I-20I-635 (LBJ Freeway)US-75 (Central Expressway)SH-183
Top Industries
Telecommunications
Financial services
Technology
Defense & aerospace
Healthcare
Major Distribution Centers
Amazon DDA9 (Lancaster)
FedEx Ground Hub (Hutchins)
UPS Mesquite Distribution Center
Walmart DC #7014 (Midlothian)
Target Distribution (Midlothian)
Top Shippers
A
Amazon (25+ FCs)T
Toyota (San Antonio)S
Samsung (Austin)P
Port of HoustonNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-35E
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (I-20 Exit 487 Mesquite)
Love's #338 (I-20 & US-175)
Flying J #651 (I-35E South Lancaster)
TA Wilmer (I-45 & I-20)
Challenges
- LBJ Freeway (I-635) managed lanes create confusion for trucks with height and weight restrictions.
- I-35E/I-30 Mixmaster interchange is among the most congested points in DFW.
- High toll costs on North Texas toll roads.
- Severe thunderstorms and hail in spring can damage open-deck freight.
Opportunities
- Cross-border NAFTA freight through Laredo and El Paso is enormous
- Texas is the highest freight-generating state in the US
- Year-round operations with minimal weather disruptions
- Oil and gas industry creates premium-rate flatbed and hotshot demand
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Cross-border produce peaks January through April. Oil and gas freight follows rig counts year-round. Holiday retail surge runs September through December. Summer heat (June-August) requires attention to tire and equipment maintenance.
Trucking in Dallas — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Dallas: Dry Van $2.78, Reefer $3.23, Flatbed $3.52. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Dallas is rated "good." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (I-20 Exit 487 Mesquite), Love's #338 (I-20 & US-175), Flying J #651 (I-35E South Lancaster). Parking availability is generally reliable, but popular stops still fill up on busy nights.
Top shippers operating in the Dallas freight market include Amazon (25+ FCs), Toyota (San Antonio), Samsung (Austin), Port of Houston. Key industries driving freight demand are telecommunications, financial services, technology.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Dallas include: LBJ Freeway (I-635) managed lanes create confusion for trucks with height and weight restrictions.; I-35E/I-30 Mixmaster interchange is among the most congested points in DFW.; High toll costs on North Texas toll roads.. However, opportunities include cross-border nafta freight through laredo and el paso is enormous.