Texas has become the center of gravity for logistics in the United States. With its central location, extensive transportation network, and business-friendly climate, Texas has built an unmatched logistics ecosystem that powers domestic and international trade. For site selection consultants, distribution planners, and executives evaluating new facility locations, understanding why Texas stands at the top of the logistics economy is key to making informed strategic decisions.
Texas sits at the crossroads of North America. From its borders with Mexico to its access to the Gulf of Mexico, the state links North, Central, and South American markets through a single, unified network. Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth are within a 1,000-mile radius of half the U.S. population—an ideal reach for regional distribution centers serving coast-to-coast markets.
This geography translates into clear economic benefits. Shorter distances between suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers reduce fuel costs, improve delivery times, and minimize supply chain disruptions. Texas also leads the nation in total freight movement by both truck and rail, supported by 28 border crossings and five deep-water ports, according to the Texas Economic Development Corporation.
Texas is a global trade hub. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics freight flow maps show heavy cross-border and port traffic linking the state to Latin America, the Gulf Coast, and Asia. Businesses that establish regional operations here gain direct access to major seaports, rail corridors, and air cargo hubs that serve both domestic and international customers.
Texas has more than 313,000 miles of public roads—the most in the United States. Interstate corridors such as I-35, I-10, and I-45 connect every major Texas metro area while linking to neighboring states and Mexico. This web of highways allows for quick regional distribution and cost-effective last-mile delivery.
For logistics operators, this road access directly reduces transit time and fuel costs. Many companies base their regional distribution centers in Texas to capitalize on those efficiencies. It also enables flexible routing during high-volume or emergency periods, a key factor in maintaining supply chain resilience.
Texas leads the nation in freight rail mileage with over 10,000 active miles of track. Union Pacific, BNSF Railway, and Kansas City Southern all operate major intermodal hubs across the state, allowing seamless rail-to-truck or ship-to-rail transfers.
Alliance Global Logistics Hub (Fort Worth): A 26,000-acre, fully integrated intermodal facility combining air, rail, and highway access.
Port San Antonio: A multimodal site blending aerospace, rail, and road transport for U.S.–Mexico and Gulf routes.
Laredo: The No. 1 inland port on the U.S.–Mexico border by trade volume and a central connector for automotive and manufacturing shipments.
These assets make Texas an efficient link in global and regional freight systems. Businesses that depend on time-sensitive or high-volume shipping find this intermodal flexibility essential.
Air cargo plays a growing role in regional logistics. Texas has six of the fifty busiest U.S. airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental. Together, these airports handle millions of tons of freight annually, offering direct routes to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This network allows for faster delivery of high-value goods such as electronics, energy equipment, and pharmaceuticals.
The Dallas/Fort Worth region anchors the state’s logistics infrastructure. The AllianceTexas development near Fort Worth integrates air cargo facilities, BNSF’s intermodal rail hub, and immediate access to I-35W. Companies such as Logistics Plus operate expansive warehouses here with rail and highway connectivity designed for both regional and national shipping.
This convergence of air, rail, and road positions DFW as one of the nation’s most efficient intermodal regions. It serves as a key distribution zone for retailers, manufacturers, and third-party logistics providers managing high-volume freight.
Houston is one of the world’s premier logistics centers and the largest U.S. port on the Gulf of Mexico. The Port of Houston handles two-thirds of Gulf Coast container traffic and has undergone a $1 billion expansion of the Houston Ship Channel to support larger vessels and faster turnaround times.
Beyond maritime operations, Houston integrates three Class I railroads and two international airports. This multimodal connectivity gives shippers direct access to North American and global markets.
Major logistics parks such as TGS Cedar Port in Baytown—the largest rail- and barge-served industrial park in the country—illustrate Houston’s role as a logistics leader. Walmart, Floor & Décor, and Home Depot all maintain distribution centers there.
For a deeper look at the city’s influence, visit Derby’s related resources:
Laredo is the most active inland port in North America and handles over 40% of all U.S.–Mexico trade. Each year, more than 3.7 million trucks cross the border here, connecting Mexican manufacturing hubs to American consumers.
This cross-border efficiency is supported by the World Trade Bridge and robust customs infrastructure, making Laredo essential for industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and packaged goods.
Located midway between Dallas, Austin, and Houston, Temple serves as the geographic heart of Texas distribution. The city’s industrial parks offer shovel-ready sites with rail, road, and utility infrastructure already in place. Companies like H-E-B operate large distribution centers here to service hundreds of stores across the state.
Temple’s central position reduces shipping distances and costs, especially for regional delivery networks seeking speed and efficiency.
Operating in Texas offers measurable savings. Shorter transit routes, lower fuel consumption, and access to multiple freight modes help businesses reduce total logistics costs. The state’s tax structure and pro-business regulations further enhance cost efficiency, while major urban centers supply a skilled logistics workforce.
Companies also gain faster access to consumer markets. Texas’s proximity to half the U.S. population allows regional distribution centers to promise shorter delivery windows and higher reliability—factors that directly affect customer satisfaction and retention.
Geographic diversity across Texas—Houston on the Gulf, DFW in the north, and Laredo at the border—provides natural supply chain resilience. Companies can shift freight between hubs when weather, demand surges, or disruptions occur. This adaptability helps maintain throughput during high-volume periods and strengthens business continuity plans.
Texas is uniquely positioned for international commerce. Its ports handle billions of dollars in global trade each year, while its airports and intermodal facilities connect exporters to markets worldwide.
Site Selection Magazine’s Texas logistics rankings consistently highlight the state’s connectivity and infrastructure as decisive advantages for site planners.
Modern logistics requires balancing speed with environmental responsibility. Texas’s infrastructure supports both. Shorter routes reduce fuel use, while major facilities are investing in cleaner operations such as LNG-powered ships, electrified rail systems, and optimized load management.
Distribution centers located within the state’s main logistics corridors also help companies meet sustainability goals by consolidating freight flows and minimizing unnecessary mileage. These efficiencies improve both operational performance and environmental outcomes.
Texas has earned its reputation as the logistics hub of America because its geography, infrastructure, and economy align perfectly with the demands of modern distribution. The state offers:
Central access to U.S. and international markets
A multimodal transportation network connecting ports, rail, air, and highways
Lower transportation and operating costs
Scalable industrial real estate and labor availability
For companies considering where to locate their next distribution center, Texas provides clear financial and operational advantages.
At Derby Logistics, we help businesses leverage those advantages through efficient transloading, trucking, and cross-docking solutions. From Houston to Dallas and across the Gulf region, we deliver freight safely, on time, and with precision.
