Trucking in Texas
Texas is the largest trucking market in the United States by total miles driven, new carrier formations, and freight tonnage. Three distinct operating environments define the state: the Gulf Coast refinery corridor around Houston, the NAFTA trade lanes running I-35 from Laredo to Dallas, and the Permian Basin oilfield country along I-20 in West Texas. Each demands different insurance considerations, different route knowledge, and different levels of patience.
The numbers tell the story. I-10 runs 880 miles across Texas — the longest interstate segment in any state. I-35 carries 6,000+ trucks per day across the Laredo border crossing alone. The state maintains 104 weigh stations and deploys over 775 enforcement personnel across CVE troopers, NAS-certified Highway Patrol, and civilian inspectors. Texas has an extensive toll road network in both DFW and Houston where E-ZPass does not work, meaning carriers need a Texas-specific tag before their first run or they will pay double. Workers compensation is not mandatory here — one of the few states with that distinction.
Current Construction Alerts: The 4.5B I-35 Capital Express Central project in Austin is actively disruptive through 2028+. Tunnel boring machines arrive spring 2026. Check DriveTexas.org for real-time conditions. (Live data coming soon.)
Texas is also where weather bites without warning. The Panhandle gets ice storms and blizzards from November through March. I-35 between Hillsboro and Waco floods two to three times per year during spring storms — budget four extra hours when storms are in the forecast. West Texas between Fort Stockton and Van Horn sees high wind warnings that will tip an empty trailer. Year-round operations are the norm everywhere else, but those three zones earn respect.
Current Weather Alerts: Check DriveTexas.org for road conditions and closures. (Live data coming soon.)
Insurance minimums in Texas run 30,000/60,000/25,000 for bodily injury and property damage — higher BI than most states. Interstate for-hire carriers must carry the federal minimum of 750,000, and RMS recommends 1,000,000 CSL across the board. Texas juries hand down large verdicts. Between the I-35 border traffic, Houston refinery corridors, and Permian Basin oilfield operations, exposure is high everywhere you run. The state requires intrastate carriers to file Form E through the eLINC portal, and TxDMV monitors filings continuously — a lapse triggers authority suspension.
Toll Rate Updates: Texas toll rates change periodically. Verify current rates at NTTA.org, HCTRA.org, and TxTag.org. (Live data coming soon.)
Starting a Trucking Company in Texas?
If you’re launching a new carrier in Texas, our free guide walks you through every step from business formation to passing your first FMCSA safety audit. Start with the decision guide or jump to insurance costs for new authorities.
Major Trucking Corridors in Texas
Texas Trucking Insurance Requirements
State Minimums (Intrastate)
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $30,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $60,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
Federal Minimum (Interstate)
$750,000
Required for interstate for-hire carriers
RMS Recommendation: We recommend $1,000,000 CSL for most carriers. Most brokers and shippers require $1M, and it protects your personal assets.
Coverage Types for Texas Truckers
Major Freight Hubs in Texas
Port of Houston
Largest US port by foreign tonnage. Weight corridor allows up to 100,000 lbs with permit. Refinery corridor along the Houston Ship Channel drives tanker and hazmat freight.
Laredo World Trade Bridge
Busiest commercial border crossing in the Western Hemisphere. 6,000+ trucks per day. Four FAST lanes for enrolled carriers.
DFW Metroplex
Inland distribution hub where I-35E, I-35W, I-20, and I-30 converge. Heavy toll road network requires pre-purchased electronic tags.
Permian Basin (Midland-Odessa)
Oilfield freight center along I-20 in West Texas. Extreme truck traffic, hazardous cargo, and scarce parking define this corridor.
San Antonio
I-35/I-10/I-410 interchange and military freight hub. Major construction through 2030 on the I-35 expansion.
Texas Trucking Regulations
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Toll Tags | E-ZPass does not work in Texas. Carriers must obtain a TollTag (NTTA), EZ TAG (HCTRA), or TxTag before operating on Texas toll roads. Without a tag, ZipCash billing doubles the rate. |
| Intrastate Authority | TxDMV requires state registration via eLINC for CMVs over 26,000 lbs GVWR. Options: 7-day, 90-day, 1-year, or 2-year registration. Form E insurance filing required. |
| Workers Compensation | Texas does not mandate workers comp coverage. Carriers may opt out but face direct liability for employee injuries. |
| OS/OW Permits | Annual Over Axle/Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permits allow 10 percent over axle and 5 percent over gross for divisible loads. Requires a 15,000 dollar surety bond. |
| UCR Enforcement | 2026 Unified Carrier Registration enforcement began January 1, 2026. All interstate carriers must be registered before operating in Texas. |
| IFTA | Free license and decals through the Texas Comptroller. Required if entering Texas 5 or more times per calendar year. |
Get Texas Trucking Insurance
Same-day quotes. We explain everything. Licensed in 42 states.
Call or text: (208) 800-0640
Texas Trucking Insurance FAQ
Does E-ZPass work on Texas toll roads?
No. E-ZPass is not compatible with Texas toll systems. Get a TollTag, EZ TAG, or TxTag before running Texas. Without an electronic tag, you will pay double through ZipCash billing.
What is the weight limit at the Port of Houston?
Standard GVW is 80,000 lbs. The Port of Houston Weight Corridor allows 93,000 lbs for 6-axle and 100,000 lbs for 7-axle trucks with a permit, within a 30-mile radius of the port.
How do I avoid I-35 construction in Austin?
Take SH-130. It costs about 32 dollars for the full 41-mile bypass, has an 85 mph speed limit, and runs free-flowing 99 percent of the time. I-35 through Austin is free-flowing only 18 percent of the time.
Is workers compensation required in Texas?
No. Texas is one of the few states where workers comp is not mandatory for employers, including trucking companies. Most carriers carry it anyway to protect against employee injury claims.
What do I need for cross-border trucking at Laredo?
FAST enrollment through C-TPAT for expedited processing, customs bonds, a commercial invoice, packing list, and PARS/PAPS numbers. See our detailed border crossing guide for the full process.
How many weigh stations does Texas have?
104 -- one of the highest counts in the nation. All commercial vehicles must stop at open stations unless enrolled in Drivewyze or PrePass bypass programs.
What is the truck speed limit in Texas?
Same as cars. Texas eliminated the differential truck speed limit in 2011. Maximum posted speed is 85 mph on SH-130. Typical interstate speed is 75 mph rural and 60-65 mph urban.
Do I need a separate Texas number to operate intrastate?
Yes. TxDMV requires a state registration number for CMVs over 26,000 lbs GVWR operating within Texas. Apply through the eLINC portal with registration options from 7 days to 2 years.