Four kinds of Texas trucking
Texas isn't one freight market, it's several:
- The interstate spine. I-35 from Laredo up through San Antonio, Austin and Dallas–Fort Worth; I-10 across the south; I-20 and I-45 tying the metros together.
- Border and international freight. Laredo is the busiest inland port in the United States. Cross-border and drayage work around it has its own rhythm and its own risk profile.
- Oilfield and energy. The Permian Basin in West Texas supports an enormous specialized hauling economy — sand, water, equipment, crude.
- Ports and petrochemical. Houston's port and refining complex drive heavy container, tanker and chemical-adjacent freight.
Because Texas is so large, a lot of carriers here run substantial intrastate operations — long runs that never cross a state line, which is its own authority and insurance conversation.
What that means for your coverage
- Metro liability exposure. Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston traffic density drives accident frequency. Higher liability limits aren't just a broker requirement here, they're genuine protection.
- Oilfield work must be disclosed. Off-road and lease-road operations frequently fall outside standard policy language. Get it endorsed properly or don't run it.
- Commodity-specific cargo. Electronics, produce, and high-value freight moving through the border and port corridors carry theft and spoilage exposure. Know your cargo exclusions.
- Intrastate vs interstate. Which one you run changes your filing and coverage requirements — worth getting right up front.
Who we write in Texas
Owner-operators, fleets, oilfield and energy haulers, border and drayage operations, hotshot and box truck carriers, and new authority. If you're getting started, read the new authority guide first.
Common questions from Texas operators
What's the difference between intrastate and interstate authority in Texas?
Interstate authority comes from FMCSA and applies when you cross state lines or haul interstate freight. Intrastate authority is state-issued and applies to freight that starts and ends in Texas. Because Texas is so large, many carriers run entirely intrastate, and the filing and insurance requirements differ.
Do I need higher liability limits for Dallas or Houston freight?
The federal minimum is $750,000 and most brokers require $1,000,000, but dense metro traffic raises accident frequency. Many operators running heavy DFW or Houston miles carry limits above the $1,000,000 baseline for that reason.
Is Permian Basin oilfield work covered under a standard trucking policy?
Frequently not. Off-road and lease-road operations are commonly excluded or restricted. Oilfield work needs to be disclosed and endorsed specifically — assume it is not covered until you have confirmed in writing that it is.
Let's get you covered.
Tell us how you run and we'll shop it across our carriers — or just ask a question first.