Laredo, TX
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Laredo.
#12
Freight Rank
5,406
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Southwest
Region
Who Operates Out of Laredo
5,406 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Laredo. Here is how that base breaks down by fleet size — useful for judging whether you would be competing against owner-operators or against fleets with dedicated freight locked up.
2,106
Owner-operators (1 truck)
1,211
Small fleets (2-5)
453
Mid fleets (6-20)
219
Large fleets (20+)
39% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 164 are registered to haul hazardous materials.
Source: FMCSA Motor Carrier Census (active carriers, US physical addresses), retrieved 2026-07-18.
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.50 |
| Reefer | $2.90 |
| Flatbed | $3.20 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- Bridge crossing wait times can exceed 4-6 hours during peak periods
- C-TPAT enrollment critical for faster border processing
- Limited services and fuel between Laredo and San Antonio (150 miles of nothing)
- Extreme summer heat (110F+) is dangerous for drivers and cargo
- Customs paperwork delays are common for first-time cross-border haulers
Opportunities
- #1 US-Mexico land port — handles 40%+ of all US-Mexico trade by truck
- Premium rates for cross-border qualified drivers and equipment
- Nearshoring trend is rapidly increasing Mexico-US freight volumes
- FAST card and C-TPAT carriers get priority crossing — major competitive advantage
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Cross-border freight is strong year-round with peaks in Q4 for holiday goods. Produce from Mexico (avocados, tomatoes, peppers) peaks November through April. Auto parts shipments follow OEM production schedules. Slight slowdowns around Mexican holidays (Semana Santa, Christmas).
Trucking in Laredo — FAQ
Nearby Freight Hubs
Other Cities in Texas
Running freight in Laredo? Get dispatched.
Our dispatch team books loads, negotiates rates, and handles the paperwork so you can keep your wheels turning in and out of Laredo.