Texas → Texas · Interstate 45 (Gulf Freeway)
The night-time return from Houston, Texas, to Dallas, Texas, deserves its own protocol: anti-glare driving glasses on, dashboard light dimmed to the lowest setting, and well-lit truck stops pre-identified as candidate rest stops. The 427 km (265 miles) of Interstate 45 (Gulf Freeway) and the 4h 4m of driving cross zones with patchy cellular coverage during the small hours. Approximate refuel cost on the way back stays at $35.70 for the 38.8 liters (10.3 gallons) consumed. Forecast reimbursement for the night leg holds at $183.61 applying the prevailing $0.43/km — without an automatic night premium in the IRS standard mileage rate (2025) table. If the company pays night-driving overtime, open a separate line on the Clara receipt: the payroll integration already recognizes the entry.