Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro → Chicago–Naperville–Elgin metro · 1,092 miles
| Route | Houston, Texas → Chicago, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Distance | 1,092 miles |
| Lane Type | regional |
| Lane Direction | 📈 Headhaul (higher demand, higher rates) |
| Peak Season | Q3 hurricane-season supply chain disruptions, Q4 retail season |
| Active Carriers | ~680 carriers serving this lane |
Houston to Chicago is a key energy/industrial corridor. Houston's port and petrochemical complex generates significant northbound freight. The Port of Houston is the nation's largest by total tonnage. Rates are moderately directional — Chicago-to-Houston backhaul is typically 10–20% softer.
Consider I-65/I-57 routing (vs I-55) for weight-restricted loads in southern Illinois. Houston Hobby Airport available for air freight bypass of Dallas Love Field congestion.
The following carriers maintain regular capacity on the Houston–Chicago corridor:
The all-in FTL cost for this lane is calculated as:
This estimate excludes accessorial charges (liftgate, inside delivery, residential surcharges, detention, and driver layover). Use our landed cost calculator for a comprehensive total cost of ownership.
Get matched with verified carriers and 3PLs that operate the Houston–Chicago corridor.
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