How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from Texas to California?
The average cost to ship a car from New York to California ranges between $700 and $1,600. However, the final price depends on several factors, including distance, vehicle size, transport options (enclosed or open), time of year, fuel prices, door to door shipent and vehicle condition
The distance from California to Texas is about 1,380 miles. For shipments between 1,000 and 2,000 miles, the average cost is around $0.75 per mile.
Note: The cost depends on the auto transport company you choose. Prices can vary between providers. Companies like Montway, SGT Auto Transport, RoadRunner, and A1 Auto Transport often charge more for shipping cars.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from Texas to California?
Shipping standard cars from Texas to California costs an average of $700 to $1,600 for an open carrier and $1,000 to $2,400 for enclosed auto transport. Shipping costs for vehicles bought from dealerships or auction sites in the U.S. vary. This difference depends on the type of vehicle, like sedans, SUVs, or motorcycles.
Shipping a standard sedan between Texas and California typically costs between $600 and $900 for open transport.
For enclosed transport, the cost usually ranges from $1,100 to $1,400. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs are more expensive due to their size and weight. Shipping an SUV via open transport typically costs between $800 and $1,200. For enclosed SUV shipping, you can expect to pay between $1,300 and $1,700.
Motorcycle transportation is generally less expensive, costing between $400 and $700. for the Accurate free car shipping quote use our car shipping cost calculator.
| Route (From – To) | Miles | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX → Los Angeles, CA | 1,550 | $900 – $1,500 |
| Austin, TX → San Diego, CA | 1,300 | $850 – $1,400 |
| Dallas, TX → San Francisco, CA | 1,700 | $1,000 – $1,600 |
| San Antonio, TX → Sacramento, CA | 1,700 | $1,000 – $1,650 |
| El Paso, TX → Los Angeles, CA | 800 | $700 – $1,200 |
| Fort Worth, TX → San Jose, CA | 1,600 | $950 – $1,550 |
Whats Are Factors Affecting Texas to California Shipping Cost?
The total cost to ship a car varies depending on the route. Longer distances mean a lower cost per mile. In contrast, shorter distances cost more per mile. Shipping costs depend on the vehicle’s size and weight. Larger vehicles, like SUVs or trucks, cost more than sedans or coupes. Additionally, fuel costs, insurance, and seasonality impact the price of vehicle shipments.
1. Distance
The trip from California to Texas is about 1,407 miles. This distance affects fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the lower the cost per mile. However, the total price can be higher because of more travel time and resources used.
2. Vehicle Size & Weight
Your car’s weight and size directly affect shipping charges. Standard cars use less space and allow for shipping with open carriers, leading to lower costs. SUVs need more space. They often require a trailer, which raises the shipping cost.
3. Fuel Prices
One of the most important factors affecting vehicle shipping costs is fuel prices. Shipping companies add a fuel surcharge to cover changing fuel prices.
4. Seasonality
The cost of shipping your car from California is influenced by seasonal demand. Summer and winter holidays usually bring higher prices. This happens because more people travel and move during these times.
Transport Options:
Transport options play an important role in car shipping. Standard cars are shipped using open transport, which is more economical. Luxury vehicles, sports cars, and custom cars go in enclosed trailers. These trailers offer more protection but cost around 40% more than open transport.
Best Time to Ship: How Seasonality Affects Auto Shipping Costs
During peak months like summer, from June to August, demand gets high as people relocate or buy vehicles, especially for popular routes like California to Texas which means higher car shipping costs and potential delays. Conversely, in off-peak seasons like winter, from December to February, demand drops, which results in lower rates and more availability.
What are Popular Routes and Shipping Costs from California to Texas
Shipping a car from California to Texas covers various popular routes. Each with different mileage, estimated delivery times, and cost ranges. You can ship vehicles from different routes like Los Angeles to Houston, San Francisco to Dallas/Fort Worth, San Diego to Austin, Sacramento to San Antonio, Sacramento to Dallas, and Houston to Los Angeles.
Shipping Car From Sacramento To Dallas
The average cost to ship a car 1,726 miles from Sacramento to Dallas ranges from $700 to $1300. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Dallas, TX in 3–9 days.
Shipping Car From Houston To Los Angeles
When shipping a car from Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA, the cost of shipping a car can range from $800 to $1200, depending on the type of carrier used. Open car carriers can cost between $800 and $1200 and enclosed carriers can cost between $1,000 and $2,400. The distance between Los Angeles to Houston shipment is 1,568 miles and Shipping time will take 3-5 business days.
How Many Days Does it Take to Ship from Texas to California?
The distance from Texas to California affects car transport time. On average, a driver can haul a trailer up to 500 miles per day. To estimate the shipping time, divide the total distance by 500 miles per day.
For example:
- Shipping a car from Houston, TX, to Los Angeles, CA takes 5–7 days.
- Shipping from San Antonio, TX, to San Diego, CA takes 3–5 days.
You can use this method to easily figure out how long it takes to transport a vehicle between two cities.
- ✅ Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute price surges.
- ✅ Use a Car Shipping Cost Calculator to compare multiple quotes instantly.
- ✅ Choose flexible pickup & delivery dates for better pricing options.
- ✅ Consider terminal-to-terminal shipping for budget-friendly transport.
- ✅ Check for seasonal price trends—winter snowbirds often drive up Florida route prices!
Should I Ship My Car Or Drive It from Texas to California
Shipping your car is often cheaper than driving it for long distances. This is true when you factor in gas, lodging, and wear and tear on your vehicle. Driving gives you more control and flexibility. However, it comes with higher risks, like accidents and more wear on your vehicle. Gas, tolls, meals, hotel, possible auto maintenance from long travels, and potential roadside assistance are all expenses associated with driving.
How to Choosing the Right Car Transport Company
To choose the right car shipping company if you want to ship vehicles from California to Texas or Texas to California:
- Start by reviewing five-star ratings on Google, Yelp, and the BBB, and prioritize companies with A+ accreditation for reliability.
- Verify the company’s FMCSA registration and USDOT number to ensure they meet federal licensing and insurance standards.
- Look for clear pricing, multiple service options (like open/enclosed transport, and door-to-door delivery), and flexible scheduling.
- Confirm they offer sufficient cargo insurance and responsive customer support, with tracking options for peace of mind.
How To Prepare Your Car For Shipping From California to Texas?
Before shipping your car from California to Texas, check if it is in good condition and record any dents, scratches, or other physical damage. To document the vehicle’s condition, take multiple pictures of it. You can look for any fuel leaks or technical problems. Always make sure your car is insured before transport. This way, you can claim for any damage that happens (though it’s rare).
What are the Required Documents For Vehicle Shipping?
A Bill of Lading is required when shipping a vehicle from California to Texas or Texas to California. Some shipments need extra paperwork. This can include your driver’s license, proof of insurance, photo ID, car title, and registration. You might need one or more of these documents.
Car Shipping Companies That Allow You To Pack Your Personal Belongings
Car shipping companies recommend that you take out all personal items before shipping your car. But companies that ship cars let you take up to 100 pounds of personal items in your vehicle. You will be charged an additional 50 pounds for the extra weight if you exceed this limit.
