Route Planning in Houston
Houston's sprawling highway system presents unique challenges for mobile home transport. Key routes and considerations include:
Major Highway Corridors
- I-10 (Katy Freeway): Primary east-west corridor. Best for moves to/from Katy, Sugar Land, and Baytown.
- I-45: North-south route connecting The Woodlands to Galveston. Heavy traffic during peak hours.
- 610 Loop: Inner loop around Houston. Avoid during rush hours; tight curves near Galleria area.
- Beltway 8: Outer loop preferred for oversized loads. Fewer low bridges.
- Highway 290: Northwest corridor to Cypress and beyond. Generally good for mobile home transport.
Permit Requirements
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) requires permits for all mobile home transport:
- Single-Wide Homes: Standard oversize load permit required
- Double-Wide Homes: Superload permit with escort vehicles
- Triple-Wide Homes: Special routing and multiple escorts required
Permit fees typically range from $20-$75 for single-wide homes and $75-$200 for double-wide homes. Processing time is 3-5 business days.
Timing Considerations
- Best Days: Tuesday through Thursday typically have lighter traffic
- Best Hours: 9 AM - 3 PM (after morning rush, before evening rush)
- Avoid: Rush hours (6-9 AM, 4-7 PM), holiday weekends, and major event days
- Weather: No transport during high winds (>25 mph) or heavy rain
Bridge and Overpass Clearances
Standard mobile home heights range from 13-14 feet when loaded on transport equipment. Most highway overpasses in Houston have 14+ feet clearance, but older bridges and railroad crossings may require alternate routing.
Professional Route Survey
Licensed transporters conduct route surveys before every move, identifying potential obstacles, measuring clearances, and planning alternate routes. This service is typically included in your transport quote.