California to Texas Car Shipping
Certified by
Auto Transport Expert
WHY CHOOSE SHERPA?
With 4.9 Stars out of 8,000+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating: Sherpa Auto Transport stands out as the premier auto transport company in the United States, offering upfront, transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise.
Our Price Lock PromiseTransport My Vehicle From…
Car Shipping from California to Texas
Planning a move from the Golden State to the Lone Star State? California to Texas car shipping is one of America’s most popular auto transport routes. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, understanding car shipping costs, timelines, and best practices ensures a smooth vehicle transport experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car from California to Texas with confidence.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
CA
California
TX
Texas
Popular Routes from California to Texas
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from California to Texas
California to Texas car shipping costs between $1,025-$1,375 and takes 2-6 days to complete the 1,592-mile journey across major interstate routes.
Our California & Texas Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and BBB A+ accreditation.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the most important cost factor for California to Texas shipping, with the 1,200-1,500 mile route directly impacting fuel costs, driver time, and carrier expenses.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Shipping during off-peak months (avoiding May-September and snowbird seasons) can save you money by offering better carrier availability and lower rates.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is properly preparing your vehicle by removing personal items, cleaning it thoroughly, documenting its condition with photos, and ensuring it has proper fluid levels.
State Insights
Texas requires vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency and has more relaxed regulations than California, including easier emissions testing and more lenient window tinting laws.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from California to Texas
Factors that Affect California to Texas Shipping Prices
Distance
California to Texas spans approximately 1,200-1,500 miles depending on your specific locations. This significant distance directly impacts fuel costs, driver time, and carrier expenses, making it a primary factor in your shipping quote.
Route
Major interstates like I-10 and I-40 connect California to Texas, offering lower shipping costs due to high carrier traffic. Remote pickup or delivery locations off these main routes typically increase prices due to reduced carrier availability.
Season
Summer months see increased demand as families relocate before the school year. Winter offers better rates and availability, while spring and fall provide moderate pricing. Peak season can add 20-30% to your shipping costs.
Vehicle Type
Standard sedans are most affordable to ship. SUVs and trucks cost more due to extra weight, increased fuel consumption, and limited trailer space. Oversized vehicles may require specialized carriers, further increasing your shipping expenses.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving week create highway congestion, causing delays and higher costs. Planning your shipment during off-peak travel times ensures faster transit and potentially lower rates as carriers navigate lighter traffic conditions.
Carrier Availability
Peak summer months may require 1-3 weeks to secure a carrier for California-Texas routes. Off-season shipping often provides carrier availability within 2-5 days, offering faster service and more competitive pricing options.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport costs 30-40% less than enclosed options and works well for most vehicles. Enclosed trailers protect luxury or classic cars from weather and road debris but significantly increase your California to Texas shipping investment.
Population Density
Major Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin offer competitive rates due to high carrier traffic. Rural Texas locations or congested urban cores may increase costs. Consider meeting carriers at accessible suburban locations to save money.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Shipping during off-peak months can significantly reduce costs. Avoid busy periods like snowbird season (October-November and March-April) when demand spikes. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in noticeable savings on your California to Texas route.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible pickup and delivery windows help lower shipping costs. By offering carriers a five-day window instead of exact dates, you increase driver availability and route efficiency. This flexibility translates directly into competitive pricing for your California to Texas transport.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways for better rates. Hub cities along Interstate 10 or Interstate 40 attract more carriers, creating competitive pricing. Choosing accessible locations over remote areas can save money, even if it requires a short drive.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. They’re the standard choice for everyday cars traveling California to Texas. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles needing extra weather and road debris protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from California to Texas Work?
Shipping your car from California to Texas is a straightforward process with Sherpa Auto Transport. This popular interstate route covers approximately 1,592 miles and typically takes 2-6 days for delivery. Our auto transport service connects major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego to Houston, Dallas, and Austin efficiently.
The car shipping process begins with getting a quote and booking your shipment. You’ll provide details about your vehicle, pickup location in California, and delivery destination in Texas. Once booked, we assign a trusted carrier to your route. Most customers choose open transport for this route, though enclosed transport is available for luxury or classic vehicles.
Before pickup, remove personal items from your vehicle and ensure it’s in running condition. Our carrier will inspect your car and document its condition. During transit across this cross-country route, your vehicle travels through Arizona and New Mexico. The journey typically costs between $1,025-$1,375, depending on your specific locations, vehicle type, and season.
California to Texas car shipping requires careful planning around weather conditions and seasonal demand. Summer months see higher demand due to relocations, while winter offers more availability. The route crosses desert terrain, so carriers are experienced with these conditions. Upon delivery in Texas, inspect your vehicle with the driver and sign the bill of lading. Our team provides tracking updates throughout the journey, ensuring you know exactly when your car will arrive at your Texas destination.
California to Texas Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning California to Texas car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between these states is essential. Texas has notably more relaxed vehicle regulations compared to California, which can be a welcome change for many drivers relocating with their vehicles.
Vehicle registration in Texas must be completed within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need your California title, proof of insurance, and a passed vehicle inspection. Unlike California’s strict emissions testing requirements, Texas only requires emissions testing in certain counties like Harris, Dallas, and Travis. Most rural areas have no emissions requirements at all. Window tinting laws also differ significantly—Texas allows darker tints (25% on front side windows) compared to California’s stricter 70% requirement. Additionally, Texas permits higher vehicle lift modifications, making it easier for truck enthusiasts.
For those using auto transport services, consider weather-related vehicle preparations. While California enjoys mild climates, Texas experiences extreme heat, occasional ice storms, and severe thunderstorms. Before your car shipping service delivers your vehicle, ensure your cooling system is properly maintained and consider all-season tires rather than California’s typical performance tires. Texas summers can be brutal on vehicles, so check your air conditioning system thoroughly.
Insurance considerations are crucial when relocating. Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25, which differs from California’s 15/30/5 minimums. However, Texas insurance rates are generally 15-20% lower than California’s. Contact your insurance provider before your auto transport arrives to ensure continuous coverage during the transition. Some carriers offer special relocation policies that cover both states during your move. Understanding these differences helps ensure a smooth transition when shipping your vehicle from California to Texas, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
Popular Car Shipping Routes from California to Texas
California to Texas Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from California to Texas is simple. Follow these key steps:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and fragile items. Carriers typically don’t insure personal property left inside.
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos before shipping.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has adequate fuel (about 1/4 tank), proper fluid levels, and a charged battery for loading and unloading.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off any exterior items like bike racks, spoilers, or antennas. Secure or remove interior accessories that could shift during transit.
Provide a working key: Have a key ready for the carrier to move your vehicle on and off the truck.
Document condition: Take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles before shipping.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper preparation ensures a smooth, worry-free transport experience to Texas.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from California to Texas. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to list Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you an extra layer of protection throughout your California to Texas shipment.
You’ll receive the carrier’s insurance information before pickup so you have complete peace of mind during your cross-country transport.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping from California to Texas at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why early booking helps:
- Better carrier availability: More drivers can fit your route into their schedules
- Lower prices: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with others heading to Texas, reducing costs
- Flexible pickup dates: You’ll have more options to choose dates that work for you
- Peak season planning: Summer months (May-September) get busy, so book 3-4 weeks ahead if shipping during this time
Need to ship last minute? We can often arrange pickup within 2-5 days, though you may pay a premium for expedited service. Contact us as soon as you know your moving dates, and we’ll work to accommodate your timeline.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open auto transport is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer alongside other cars—the same type of truck you see delivering new cars to dealerships. It’s safe, reliable, and typically costs 30-50% less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed auto transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer, shielding your vehicle from weather, road debris, and dust. This option is ideal for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any car with custom paint or modifications.
For most California to Texas shipments, open transport works perfectly well. The route is well-traveled with reliable carriers, and your car is fully insured during transit. However, if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle or want maximum protection for the 1,200+ mile journey, enclosed transport offers added peace of mind.
Learn more in our detailed open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service from California to Texas, making your vehicle shipment as convenient as possible.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your pickup address in California and your delivery address in Texas. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your location to pick up your vehicle and deliver it right to your door at your destination.
What if the truck can’t access my location? In some cases, large car carriers may not be able to navigate narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or residential areas with tight turns. If this happens, your driver will contact you to arrange a convenient nearby meeting spot, such as a shopping center parking lot, gas station, or main road. This is rare, but we always prioritize safety and work with you to find the best solution.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle—no need to drop off or pick up your vehicle at a terminal. It’s our most popular option for customers shipping cars from California to Texas.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!