Houston
Learn more about shipping freight to and from Houston, including information on the city's major ports, terminals, and other freight shipping services, and discover the most competitive freight shipping rates available. FreightCenter provides top solutions for all your logistics needs.
Shipping freight to or from Houston is a breeze with FreightCenter. We make navigating the city’s freight landscape easy by offering instant quotes from top carriers, competitive rates, and a straightforward booking process. Whether you’re moving intermodal, LTL, truckload, or rail freight, our extensive network and expert support ensure your cargo moves smoothly and affordably. No matter your shipping needs in Houston, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Houston Freight Shipping
Houston, Texas, is the state’s most populous city and the fourth most populated in the U.S., after New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The city is a pivotal logistics hub that drives regional and national supply chains. Its strategic location and robust transportation infrastructure make it a key player in the movement of goods across the United States and beyond.
One of the most significant assets to its logistics landscape is the Houston Ship Channel, a 52-mile waterway that links the city to the Gulf of Mexico. The Houston Ship Channel connects the city to the Gulf of Mexico, supporting Port Houston, the largest port on the Gulf Coast. The port plays a critical role in the import and export of goods, handling a wide variety of cargo, including oil, chemicals, machinery, and consumer products.
Aside from the city’s waterways, Houston’s other transportation hubs are considerable. The railroads connect the city to major markets across North America. The city’s air logistics are supported by two international airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, with the former serving as a global cargo hub that provides connections to international markets. Additionally, its road infrastructure includes major highways, providing seamless connectivity to key markets.
With its diverse logistics assets and strategic location, the city’s integrated transportation network continues to drive economic growth, positioning the city as a cornerstone of the logistics industry.
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Petroleum (Crude and Refined) Oil and Petroleum Gas
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Ethylene Polymers
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Propane
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Other Chemicals
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Sulfer
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Steel
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Cement
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Plastics
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Industrial equipment
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Passenger automobiles and parts
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Agricultural products (rice, meat, poultry, grains, flour, fertilizer, animal feed, etc.)
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Electronics
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Clothing
69% of all imports and exports from Port Houston are liquid bulk freight, with petroleum gas and oil being the top liquid bulk products. At one point, petroleum oil and gas were the only significant products produced in the city. Over time, however, the city embraced other industries like aerospace technology and biochemical research, leading to more varieties of freight being transported from Port Houston. However, gas and oil are still the top commodities going to and from the city.
Port Houston has various exports and imports from Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. This has established the city as an economic powerhouse in the Southwestern US. It’s no wonder that many companies, including 25 Fortune 500 companies, have made it their home. Most of these companies’ headquarters are located near the Houston Ship Canal complex, as most of Houston’s trading comes through the waterways. However, many settled within the greater Houston area.
Listed below are companies headquartered in Houston:
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Schlumberger Limited develops technologies that enhance performance and sustainability.
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Sysco is headquartered in Houston, TX, and help foodservice providers throughout the country.
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Air Liquide provides industrial gases and services for the medical, chemical, and electronic industries.
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Halliburton provides products and services for the oil and gas industries.
These companies are crucial to driving the city’s economy, as most are involved in developing and distributing major imports and exports. As the city continues to embrace new infrastructures and industries, its status as a logistics powerhouse will also continue to rise.
Freight Shipping Rates To Any City
Shipping from city to city can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be if you work with FreightCenter. We’re a 3PL dedicated to enhancing your shipping experience. We’ll find reputable carriers in your metropolitan area from our extensive network of over 50 shipping companies.
No matter where your freight is shipping to or from, Enjoy reliable, cost-effective freight services with easy booking and tracking tools. FreightCenter knows how to ship freight right!
Call us at (800) 716-7608, or use our free online quote tool to find and compare rates to and from any city in North America!
FreightCenter’s vast network of carriers includes companies servicing the Houston metro area. We connect customers to reputable trucking carriers, finding the right one for your shipping needs. Some of FreightCenter’s partnered freight shipping companies include:
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ABF Freight
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ArcBest
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Bolt Express
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Central Transport
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CRST
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Daylight Transport
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Dayton Freight Lines
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Estes Express Lines
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Estes Forwarding Worldwide
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FedEx Freight
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Forward Air
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Frontline Freight
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HNRY Logistics
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Holland
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Keyboard Motorcycle
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Lynden
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Old Dominion
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Panther Premium Logistics
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Pilot Freight
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Pitt Ohio
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R+L Carriers
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Roadrunner Transportation Systems
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SAIA
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TForce Freight
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UPack
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UPS Freight (now TForce Freight)
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XPO Logistics
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Xpress Global Systems
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Yellow Freight
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YRC Freight
Note: FreightCenter adds and removes carrier partners from time to time. This list may not be current. Ask your FreightCenter agent for assistance.
Houston’s Major Highways and Freeways
Several major highways and tollways service the Houston Metro area. These include the following:
- I-10 (Katy and Baytown-East Freeways)
- I-45 (Gulf and North Freeways)
- I-69/I-59 (Eastex and Southwest Freeways)
- I-610 (610 Loop)
- Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway)
- Fort Bend Tollway
- Hardy Toll Road
- Westpark Tollway
- US 90 (Crosby Freeway)
- US 290 (Northwest Freeway)
Houston’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
The Port of Houston is one of the busiest seaports in the world. The Port is highly regarded for the Houston Ship Channel, a man-made channel designed for international trading, connecting its terminals and the Gulf of Mexico.
The three major public terminals are:
- Barbours Cut Container Terminal (one of the busiest ports in the world by cargo tonnage)
- Bayport Container Terminal
- Turning Basin Terminal
Other public and private terminals within the Metro Area include:
- Care Terminal (operated by Gulf Stream Marine)
- Jacintoport Terminal
- Old Manchester Terminal (operated by BWC/Westway Terminal, South Coast Terminal, and Huntsman Corp.)
- Sims Bayou Property (operated by TPC Group and Kinder Morgan)
- Woodhouse Terminal
Aside from the major ports, the city has several public and private real estate for warehousing and laydown yards. Some of these properties include:
- Rosa Allen (24.7 acre laydown yard, used for project cargo and heavy lift cargo)
- Greens Bayou (389.11 acres, used for liquid bulk storage and exporting goods)
- Memorial Tract (30 acres, used for commercial/warehouse usage)
- U Shape (42 acres, used for commercial/warehouse usage)
Learn more with the City of Houston’s interactive Port Map.
Houston Railroads
There are 4 central rail yards within the metro area:
- Houston Intermodal Terminal (owned by Union Pacific)
- Englewood Yard (owned by Union Pacific)
- BNSF Houston South Yard
- BNSF Milby Yard
Houston Airports and Commercial Airlines
Only two Houston metro area airports have commercial airline services: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Out of the two, IAH has the most extensive and considerable part in commercial shipping, teaming up with major companies like Amazon to make delivering freight in the air easier. Houston’s air cargo companies also specialize in time-sensitive and cold-chain freight shipping, ensuring these specialized goods get to and from the city in record time.
Cost to Ship Freight to Houston
When shipping to and from Houston, several factors influence the cost. This includes:
- Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Houston offers a variety of shipping options, from standard LTL to temperature-controlled and expedited services, ensuring your freight arrives safely and securely.
- Seasonal changes and demand: Houston’s rates fluctuate as much as the seasons change, especially during severe weather events or peak holiday shipping seasons.
- Shipping distance: How far are you shipping your freight? The length between point A and point B will heavily determine your rate. Popular routes to and from Houston include major cities like Miami, Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
- What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Houston matters. LTL freight shipping via truck is much cheaper than air or rail shipping. However, it is also riskier and slower than those two, especially when your freight passes through multiple terminals throughout the city.
- Accessorial Charges: Additional services, such as liftgate requirements, residential delivery, or limited access locations, can impact the final shipping price. Houston’s vast network of carriers ensures you can find a provider that offers the services you need at the right price.
As one of the busiest logistics hubs in the world, Houston offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and multiple transportation options. Houston provides flexible and cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs, whether shipping less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), air cargo, intermodal cargo, or ocean and container drayage.
Why Choose Houston for Your Shipping Needs?
Shipping to and from Houston offers unique advantages other metropolitan areas with logistics hubs can’t offer:
- Gateway to Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa: Port Houston is used by many domestic and international companies as the center of their logistics operations. With direct connections to Houston’s railroads and airports, you can save time and money getting your freight where it needs to go.
- High Volume, Lower Costs: Houston boasts one of the world’s largest ports, which results in higher container volumes and often leads to lower per-unit costs. This provides shippers with more competitive rate options.
- Drayage Options: Houston is well-known for its drayage services. If you are shipping internationally and need a truck to deliver your container the rest of the way, Houston has many options for you.
How to Ship Freight to Houston
When shipping from Houston, start by gathering accurate information on what you are shipping, like the weight and dimensions, including the packaging. The freight will be handled multiple times at several freight terminals along the way. To protect your shipment during transport, crating an item is recommended.
You can compare Houston freight rates with our freight quote tool and find a carrier that meets your pricing and shipping needs. Ask our in-house shipping experts which carrier will be best for your shipment. They will also advise you if any other fees or special services are needed when shipping to Houston.
Get the Best Houston Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Houston, use our online freight quote tool. Instantly compare rates from over 50 carriers and choose the best option for your needs. Alternatively, call 800.716.7608 to speak with one of our freight experts and receive a custom quote tailored to your shipment.
Make Houston your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a city that’s a leader in logistics and transportation.
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