top of page
Search

How to Ship My Car to Texas: A Complete Guide



Thinking, “I need to ship my car to Texas”? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people relocate to Texas for jobs, school, military assignments, and family—and many of them need to move their vehicles, too.

Whether you’re moving to Austin for tech, Houston for healthcare, Dallas for business, or San Antonio for family, shipping your car is one of the most convenient ways to make the move less stressful. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to ship your car to Texas, how much it costs, how long it takes, and how to choose the right auto transport company.


Why Ship Your Car to Texas?

Texas is big—really big. Driving your car across the country might sound doable, but depending on where you’re coming from, it can mean thousands of miles, hotel stays, gas expenses, and a ton of wear and tear.

Here’s why many people choose to ship a car to Texas instead of driving:

  • Save time: Avoid cross-country road trips and arrive fresh.

  • Avoid wear & tear: Preserve your car’s mileage and condition.

  • Convenience: Let the pros handle transport while you focus on moving.

  • Multiple vehicles: If you have more than one car, it’s easier to ship than drive both.

  • Seasonal relocation: Snowbirds heading to Texas in winter often use auto shipping.


How Does Car Shipping to Texas Work?

Shipping your car to Texas is a pretty straightforward process. Most auto transport companies offer a door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service, and it works like this:

Step 1: Get a Quote

Use an online quote form to enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, vehicle type, and timeline. For example, “ship my car to Texas from New York” or “car shipping from Florida to Texas.”

Step 2: Book Your Shipment

Choose open or enclosed transport (more on that below), schedule pick-up dates, and confirm pricing.

Step 3: Vehicle Pick-Up

A licensed carrier arrives to inspect your car and load it onto the trailer.

Step 4: Transit

Your car is transported across states to the Texas destination.

Step 5: Delivery

Your vehicle is offloaded, inspected again, and handed over.





How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Texas?

Car shipping rates vary based on distance, time of year, vehicle size, and type of transport. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect to pay when you ship a car to Texas:

Route

Estimated Cost

California to Texas

$800 – $1,200

New York to Texas

$1,000 – $1,400

Florida to Texas

$700 – $1,000

Illinois to Texas

$750 – $1,100

Arizona to Texas

$600 – $950

Enclosed shipping (for classic or luxury cars) can add $300–$600 more.

Pro Tip: Booking early and being flexible with pick-up dates can help reduce your cost.


Open vs. Enclosed Transport

When you ship your car to Texas, you’ll choose between two transport types:

Open Transport (Most Common)

  • Your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer, exposed to weather

  • Cheaper and faster

  • Ideal for standard vehicles

Enclosed Transport

  • Vehicle is protected inside a covered trailer

  • More expensive, but safer from weather and road debris

  • Best for luxury, classic, or high-value cars

If you're thinking “I want to ship my car to Texas but don’t want it damaged,” enclosed might be worth the extra investment.


How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Texas?

Timeframes depend on how far your car has to travel. Here’s an estimated range:

Origin

Estimated Transit Time

East Coast (NY/FL)

5–8 days

West Coast (CA)

6–9 days

Midwest (IL/OH)

4–6 days

Southern States

3–5 days

Delays can happen due to weather, traffic, or truck schedules. Reputable shippers provide tracking or updates.


What Documents Do I Need to Ship My Car to Texas?

Most carriers will require:

  • A copy of your ID or driver’s license

  • Vehicle registration and insurance

  • Signed shipping agreement

  • Bill of lading (inspection report) at pick-up and delivery

You usually don’t need the title unless it’s an international or port-based shipment.


How to Choose the Best Auto Transport Company

Not all shippers are equal. If you’re thinking, “I’m ready to ship my car to Texas, but who can I trust?”, here’s what to look for:


Licensed & Insured – Check for a valid DOT and MC number

Positive Reviews – Look at Google, BBB, and TransportReviews

No Upfront Deposit – Many legit companies charge only when a carrier is assigned

Transparent Pricing – Avoid bait-and-switch low quotes

Responsive Support – Ask questions and expect clear communication

Want to be extra safe? Ask for a copy of their cargo insurance and make sure it covers your vehicle’s value.




Preparing Your Car for Transport

Here’s how to get your vehicle ready before you ship it:

  1. Wash your car – Makes inspection easier

  2. Remove personal items – Most carriers aren’t liable for anything inside

  3. Take photos – Document the car’s condition before pick-up

  4. Disable toll tags or alarms

  5. Leave 1/4 gas in tank – Just enough to load/unload


Popular Destinations for Car Shipping in Texas

Texas is massive, so it helps to know where most auto shipments go. Common drop-off points include:

  • Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex

  • Houston

  • Austin

  • San Antonio

  • El Paso

  • Lubbock

  • Corpus Christi

Larger cities typically have more carrier availability, which means better pricing and faster service.


Final Thoughts: Shipping Your Car to Texas Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

If you’re relocating and thinking, “How do I ship my car to Texas?”—you’ve got options. Whether you’re coming from across the country or a few states away, auto transport offers a safe, affordable, and hassle-free way to move your vehicle.

Just remember to compare quotes, choose a reputable carrier, and prep your car properly. From there, you can sit back and let the pros handle the road trip while you fly in and settle down.

Ready to ship your car to Texas? Get a free quote today and take the stress out of your move.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page