Waco, TX
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Waco.
645
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Southwest
Region
Who Operates Out of Waco
645 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Waco. 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.
363
Owner-operators (1 truck)
164
Small fleets (2-5)
48
Mid fleets (6-20)
12
Large fleets (20+)
56% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 34 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 | $2.51 |
| Reefer | $2.92 |
| Flatbed | $3.18 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- I-35 congestion through Waco especially during Baylor game days and Magnolia Market tourist season, bridge weight limits on older Brazos River crossings, and severe weather including tornadoes in spring months.
- Extreme summer heat can cause tire blowouts and equipment stress
- Cross-border freight at Laredo and El Paso creates long wait times
- Oil price volatility affects freight demand in energy-dependent areas
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 Waco — FAQ
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