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Houston, Texas

On the ground in America's freight capital.

Our headquarters sits in Houston for a reason: the port, the energy sector, and the Mexico border make it one of the busiest freight markets in the country. We know these lanes because we're in them every day.

Why Houston freight is different

Four markets in one metro.

Most cities have one freight story. Houston has four — and each one keeps trucks loaded in a different way.

Port of Houston

One of the nation's largest ports drives constant drayage, transload, and container freight in and out of the metro.

Energy & oilfield

The energy capital's pipe, steel, machinery, and Permian supply chain make flatbed and hotshot freight abundant.

Cross-border Mexico

The Laredo gateway — the busiest US–Mexico crossing — feeds steady cross-border loads through Houston.

Texas triangle

Houston–Dallas–San Antonio–Austin short hauls mean quick turns and low deadhead across the state.

Houston lanes we run

The lanes — and what they pay.

A snapshot of active Houston-area lanes across equipment types. We track these markets daily so your rate reflects what freight is actually moving for. Ranges below are indicative estimates that change with season, fuel, and capacity — not quoted or guaranteed rates.

#1US port for foreign tonnage (Houston)
4distinct freight markets in one metro
HoustonDallas
$2.30–2.80/mi
Dry van · I-45
LaredoHouston
$2.80–3.10/mi
Cross-border · I-35
HoustonOdessa
$2.60–3.10/mi
Flatbed · I-10/US-385
McAllenHouston
$2.60–3.00/mi
Reefer · US-59
HoustonNew Orleans
$2.50–3.00/mi
Flatbed · I-10
Our Houston headquarters

Local knowledge, not a call center far away.

Being headquartered in Houston means we understand the port schedules, the drop yards, the border wait times, and the brokers who actually pay. That local read turns into better loads and better rates for the carriers we dispatch here.

  • Port drayage & transload coordination
  • Cross-border Mexico lane setup via Laredo
  • Energy-sector flatbed & hotshot expertise
  • Local driver recruiting through our hiring desk

Houston, Texas — Office

Our operations hub on the Gulf, running dispatch and back-office for carriers and brokers across the Texas market and beyond.

Running in Texas

Texas compliance, in plain English.

Texas has its own layer on top of the federal rules. Here's what actually applies to a Houston-based carrier — and what doesn't.

Interstate vs. intrastate authority
Crossing state lines? You need interstate operating authority from the FMCSA. Hauling for compensation only inside Texas? You need TxDMV intrastate operating authority — a TxDMV certificate, formerly called a "TxDOT number." Do both kinds of work and you need both credentials; one does not cover the other.
IFTA and fuel tax
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts administers IFTA here — not TxDMV. Apply through the Comptroller's Webfile system. Returns are due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31, and current-year decals must be displayed by March 1. No IFTA license? A Texas fuel trip permit costs $50. Late filing carries a penalty of $50 or 10% of the delinquent tax, whichever is greater, plus interest. Full detail in our IFTA guide.
Registration, IRP & permits
Interstate operators register apportioned plates through the International Registration Plan (IRP) via TxDMV. Oversize and overweight permits are handled through TxDMV's permitting system. Getting these in order before your first Texas load is far cheaper than sorting it at a scale house.
Where enforcement actually happens
Texas enforces federal DOT standards through DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement working alongside TxDOT. Enforcement is concentrated on the major freight corridors — I-10, I-20, I-35, I-45, and I-30 — which are precisely the roads Houston freight runs. Expect inspections; keep your HOS records and maintenance files clean.
Watch out for official-looking solicitations
TxDMV warns carriers directly about this: some companies mimic government agencies and charge for filings you can complete yourself. You do not have to pay a third party to register. TxDMV's Motor Carrier Division offers free application assistance at 800-299-1700. If a "renewal notice" arrives with an invoice, verify it against the agency's own website before paying anything.
Official resources

Go straight to the source.

These are the government agencies that actually issue your credentials — no middleman required. For vetted private partners (factoring, insurance, ELD), see our partner directory.

TxDMV — Motor Carrier Division

Texas intrastate operating authority, IRP apportioned registration, and oversize/overweight permits. Free application help at 800-299-1700.

txdmv.gov/motor-carriers ↗

Texas Comptroller — IFTA

IFTA licensing, decals, quarterly fuel-tax returns, and fuel trip permits for Texas-based interstate carriers. Toll-free: 800-252-1383.

comptroller.texas.gov ↗

FMCSA

Interstate operating authority, USDOT number, insurance filings, and the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Verify any broker or carrier in SAFER before you book.

fmcsa.dot.gov ↗

Ashton Logistics is an independent dispatch and back-office company — not a broker, motor carrier, or government agency. Agency contact details and requirements change; verify current information directly with each agency. Nothing on this page is legal, tax, or financial advice.

Houston FAQ

Common questions from Houston carriers.

Do I need Texas intrastate authority if I already have FMCSA authority?
They're separate. Crossing state lines requires interstate operating authority from the FMCSA. Hauling for compensation only within Texas requires TxDMV intrastate operating authority (a TxDMV certificate, formerly called a TxDOT number). If you do both, you need both — one does not cover the other.
Who administers IFTA in Texas?
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts administers IFTA for Texas-based carriers. You can apply through the Comptroller's Webfile system. Returns are due quarterly — April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31 — and current-year IFTA credentials must be displayed by March 1 each year.
What if I don't have an IFTA license and I'm entering Texas?
Interstate carriers must pay state fuel use tax. You can either hold an IFTA license for consolidated reporting or buy a fuel trip permit, which costs $50 in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Comptroller before you run.
Where are Texas commercial vehicle inspections concentrated?
Texas enforces federal DOT standards through DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement working with TxDOT. Enforcement resources are concentrated along the major freight corridors — I-10, I-20, I-35, I-45, and I-30 — which are exactly the routes most Houston freight uses.
Do I have to pay a company to file my Texas motor carrier registration?
No. TxDMV states plainly that carriers can file themselves, and warns that some solicitations look official but are private companies charging for filings you can do yourself. Its Motor Carrier Division offers application assistance at 800-299-1700.
Does Ashton have a physical office in Houston?
Yes — Houston is our headquarters, with an additional office in Sheridan, Wyoming. We're an independent dispatch and back-office company, not a broker or motor carrier; you keep your authority and approve every load.