Houston, TX to Atlanta, GA

790-mile freight corridor via I-10 E to I-12 E to I-59 N to I-20 E to I-285 into Atlanta. 1-2 days transit. Moderate difficulty.

Distance

790 mi

Transit Time

1-2 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Toll Cost

$0-5

Average Rates Per Mile

Equipment	Rate/Mile	Est. Total
Dry Van	$2.10	$1,659
Reefer	$2.55	$2,014.5
Flatbed	$2.80	$2,212

Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.

Route Details

Recommended Route

I-10 E to I-12 E to I-59 N to I-20 E to I-285 into Atlanta

Fuel Stops

4 recommended

Tolls

$0-5

Common Freight Types

PetrochemicalsIndustrial EquipmentPlasticsSteel

Backhaul Information

Good Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $1.90/mi

Common return cargo: Carpet/flooring from Dalton, poultry, auto parts

Key Stops Along the Route

Houston, TX

Origin

Beaumont, TX

Lake Charles, LA

Baton Rouge, LA

Meridian, MS

Birmingham, AL

Atlanta, GA

Destination

Seasonal Trends

Petrochemical freight from Houston refineries is year-round. Hurricane season (June-November) can shut the I-10 coastal corridor. Spring flooding in Louisiana occasionally closes I-12.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

The I-10 bridge over the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana is 18 miles with no shoulders. Stay alert and do not stop.

Have an alternate route via I-20 through Shreveport planned for hurricane season -- coastal I-10 shuts down first.

Baton Rouge to New Orleans on I-10 is one of the worst bottlenecks in the South. Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM.

Fuel in Mississippi -- it is consistently the cheapest diesel in the corridor.

Houston shippers near the Ship Channel often have hazmat adjacency. Keep your HazMat endorsement current even for non-hazmat loads from this area.

Houston to Atlanta FAQ

Current average rates on the Houston, TX to Atlanta, GA lane are approximately $2.10/mi for dry van, $2.55/mi for reefer, and $2.80/mi for flatbed. Rates fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and market demand. The most common equipment types on this lane are Dry Van, Flatbed, Tanker.

The 790-mile route from Houston, TX to Atlanta, GA typically takes 1-2 days. The recommended route is I-10 E to I-12 E to I-59 N to I-20 E to I-285 into Atlanta. Actual transit time depends on weather, traffic, HOS compliance, and whether you run solo or team. Plan for 4 fuel stops along the way.

Yes, backhaul availability on the return trip is good. Average backhaul rates run around $1.90/mi. Common backhaul cargo includes Carpet/flooring from Dalton, poultry, auto parts. Check DAT, Truckstop, and local brokers for the best return loads.

Estimated toll costs on the Houston, TX to Atlanta, GA corridor are $0-5. Factor these tolls into your rate negotiation -- they directly impact your net revenue per mile. Electronic transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass, etc.) can reduce costs and save time at toll plazas.

Related Freight Lanes

Chicago → Atlanta

716 mi · 1-2 days

easyDV $2.25

Atlanta → Miami

662 mi · 1-2 days

easyDV $2.00

Savannah → Atlanta

248 mi · 1 day (4-5 hours)

easyDV $2.60

Equipment

Rate/Mile

Est. Total

Dry Van

$2.10

$1,659

Reefer

$2.55

$2,014.5

Flatbed

$2.80

$2,212

Trucker Tips for This Lane

The I-10 bridge over the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana is 18 miles with no shoulders. Stay alert and do not stop.

Have an alternate route via I-20 through Shreveport planned for hurricane season -- coastal I-10 shuts down first.

Baton Rouge to New Orleans on I-10 is one of the worst bottlenecks in the South. Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM.

Fuel in Mississippi -- it is consistently the cheapest diesel in the corridor.

Houston shippers near the Ship Channel often have hazmat adjacency. Keep your HazMat endorsement current even for non-hazmat loads from this area.

Houston to Atlanta FAQ