Texas’s August 2026 Iron Index is 74 (Active). TxDOT recorded $1,148,443,653 in low bids across 233 contracts; 64.6% of value was in earthwork-intensive work. Regional diesel was $5.360/gal in the week of 2026-08-31. August construction employment was up 1.9% year over year.
One score summarizing project activity, demand, capacity, operating pressure, and near-term opportunity.
TxDOT recorded $1,148.4M in low bids across 233 August contracts.
64.6% of recorded low-bid value was in earthwork-intensive work.
Regional diesel was $5.360/gal in the week of 2026-08-31.
For readers who want the detail behind the score, signals, regional outlook, and operating recommendations.
Executive read: Texas’s August Iron Index is 74 (Active), Iron Sheepdog’s proprietary assessment. A large interchange contract and freeway capacity work supported strong recorded DOT activity. The August pipeline snapshot added a forward-looking view, while higher regional diesel costs weighed on operating conditions. The employment-based capacity proxy pointed to tighter availability.
$205,813,981 across 1 contract(s), representing 17.9% of recorded low-bid value. Confirm actual hauling scope, award status and mobilization with the contractor.
$185,831,780 across 1 contract(s), representing 16.2% of recorded low-bid value. Confirm actual hauling scope, award status and mobilization with the contractor.
$166,061,326 across 15 contract(s), representing 14.5% of recorded low-bid value. Confirm actual hauling scope, award status and mobilization with the contractor.
$91,790,294 across 3 contract(s), representing 8.0% of recorded low-bid value. Confirm actual hauling scope, award status and mobilization with the contractor.
$209,641,716 across 3 contract(s). This is a concentration of recorded low bids, not a measurement of available hauling work or trucks.
$185,831,780 across 1 contract(s). This is a concentration of recorded low bids, not a measurement of available hauling work or trucks.
$107,459,436 across 3 contract(s). This is a concentration of recorded low bids, not a measurement of available hauling work or trucks.
$81,868,764 across 13 contract(s). This is a concentration of recorded low bids, not a measurement of available hauling work or trucks.
EIA reported Gulf Coast (PADD 3) on-highway diesel at $5.360/gal for the week of 2026-08-31, 11.2% above its recent reference level. This is a regional figure, not a Texas pump price. Check fuel-adjustment terms and loaded and empty miles when pricing work.
BLS reported 924,900 construction jobs in August 2026, up 1.9% from August 2025. Hauler Capacity is an employment-based proxy, not a measurement of truck supply. The proxy points to tighter availability; local truck commitments still need direct confirmation.
The snapshot captured on 2026-08-24 included 1,247 active tentative projects with $3,320,019,440 in estimates, scheduled from 2026-08-24 through 2026-11-21. These are estimates from that August snapshot, not awards, a current October pipeline or guaranteed hauling demand.
The scored forward pipeline supports planning conversations. Verify bid dates, awards and mobilizations before converting tentative projects into truck commitments.
Historical edition prepared October 15, 2026. Letting, fuel and employment observations are anchored to the stated reporting period. Employment estimates may be revised after their initial release.
The Iron Index is Iron Sheepdog’s proprietary market assessment, built from public DOT, EIA and BLS data. It considers activity, work mix, forward pipeline, fuel pressure and hauling capacity. A score of 60 represents normal conditions for that state. The scoring derivation is proprietary and is not published.
Hauler Capacity is an employment-based proxy, not a measurement of truck supply. Scores describe observed conditions and are not forecasts or guarantees. Low-bid results can change before final award. This report does not measure all private, county or municipal construction.
Use the market signals above to grow your network, plan capacity, and find better-fit work in Texas.