Dry Van Dispatch in Texas
Texas is the largest dry van market in America, with over 190,000 carriers and massive distribution hubs in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The Texas Triangle alone generates enough consumer freight to keep dry van operators loaded year-round.
Why Dry Van Thrives in Texas
Texas handles more freight tonnage than any other state. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to distribution centers for Walmart, Amazon, Target, and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Cross-border trade through Laredo and El Paso adds another layer of consistent demand that keeps dry van rates strong even during national slowdowns.
Top Dry Van Lanes in Texas
Consumer goods and retail freight on I-20/I-10. 1,400 miles averaging $2.90-$3.20/mile outbound with strong backhaul from CA ports.
Petrochemicals, plastics, and industrial materials via I-10/I-65. 790 miles with balanced freight flow in both directions.
Retail goods and auto parts on the I-35 corridor. 920 miles at $2.85-$3.10/mile — one of the most consistent lanes in the country.
Food products and building materials via I-35/I-25. 930 miles with winter rate spikes when northern carriers pull south.
October through December is peak season in Texas — holiday retail surges push rates 15-20% above annual averages. January-February dips, but the Dallas-Houston corridor stays relatively strong due to year-round distribution volume. Summer heat slows some operations but cross-border produce from Mexico keeps reefer-capable dry van operators busy.
Dry Van Freight in Texas
The Texas Triangle (Dallas-Houston-San Antonio) offers dedicated circuit runs that eliminate deadhead and provide predictable weekly income — ask FF Dispatch about available contracts.
Dry Van Rates in Texas
Many brokers in Texas offer "Texas Triangle" runs — Dallas to Houston to San Antonio and back — as dedicated routes. These pay slightly less per mile but eliminate deadhead and provide predictable weekly income. FF Dispatch has several Triangle contracts available for reliable carriers.
Best Dry Van Lanes Nationwide
Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis to Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis. High volume consumer goods and automotive parts. Rates: $2.50-3.20/mile.
Los Angeles, San Francisco to Dallas, Houston. Heavy retail and consumer product flow. Rates: $2.80-3.50/mile.
New York, Philadelphia, Boston loop. Dense population centers with consistent demand. Rates: $2.60-3.00/mile.
Dallas, Houston, San Antonio circuit. Strong industrial and retail freight. Rates: $2.40-2.90/mile.
Dry Van Equipment for Texas
- ✓53-foot dry van trailer (most common)
- ✓Standard commercial insurance ($1M liability minimum)
- ✓No special certifications required
- ✓Air ride suspension preferred but not required
Dry Van Challenges in Texas & How We Solve Them
High Competition
Dry van is the most common equipment type, leading to intense competition for loads and pressure on rates.
Our exclusive broker relationships and premium load board access get you loads other carriers never see. We negotiate rates 20-30% higher than posted rates.
Rate Volatility
Dry van rates fluctuate significantly with seasonality, with slow periods in Q1 and peaks in Q4.
We track seasonal patterns and position you in high-demand lanes before peak seasons. We also secure contract lanes for consistent income during slow periods.
Deadhead Miles
Finding quality backhauls can be challenging, especially from less populated areas.
Strategic load planning and our network of shippers reduces your deadhead by 40%, keeping you loaded and profitable.
Detention Time
Dry van loads frequently experience delays at warehouses and distribution centers.
We negotiate detention pay upfront ($50-75/hour) and aggressively pursue detention claims, averaging $400-600/month in recovered fees.
Dry Van Dispatch FAQs for Texas
What are the best dry van lanes out of Dallas?
Dallas to Los Angeles ($2.90-$3.20/mile), Dallas to Chicago ($2.85-$3.10/mile), and Dallas to Atlanta ($2.75-$3.05/mile) are the top three. The DFW metroplex has so many distribution centers that you can usually find a quality load within 2-3 hours of dropping.
How does cross-border freight affect Texas dry van rates?
Cross-border trade through Laredo adds steady demand. While the actual border loads often require specialized documentation, the spillover effect keeps DFW and Houston dry van rates 5-10% above national averages because trucks are pulled toward border freight.
Is Texas dry van profitable in summer?
Summer rates dip 5-10% from peak, but Texas volume stays strong. The key is avoiding extreme heat delays — schedule pickups and deliveries early morning when possible. Our dispatchers track seasonal patterns and position you in the strongest lanes each month.
What makes dry van dispatch different from other equipment types?
Dry van is the most versatile and common freight type, meaning more load availability but also more competition. Our dispatch service gives you an edge by accessing loads and rates that self-dispatching carriers can't find. We specialize in dry van freight patterns and have relationships with brokers who prefer working with professional dispatch services.
What are typical dry van rates in 2024?
National average for dry van is $2.10-2.30/mile for spot market loads, but rates vary significantly by lane and season. Our dispatchers consistently negotiate $2.60-3.20/mile by leveraging market data and broker relationships. High-demand lanes like CA to TX or Midwest to Southeast can command $3.00-3.50/mile during peak seasons.
Start Dry Van Dispatching in Texas Today
Join Texas carriers earning $2.90/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.