Tennessee to Texas

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Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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TENNESSEE TO TEXAS
Shipping from Tennessee to Texas
Planning to move your vehicle from the Volunteer State to the Lone Star State? Tennessee to Texas car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding south, choosing the right auto transport company makes all the difference. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping between these states, including costs, timelines, and insider tips to ensure a smooth experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost

TN
Tennessee

TX
Texas
Popular Routes from Tennessee to Texas

Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Tennessee to Texas
Shipping a car from Tennessee to Texas costs $675-$1350 and takes 1-4 days, covering approximately 840 miles between major cities like Nashville and Dallas.
Our Tennessee & Texas Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, backed by 4.9 stars from over 8,000 reviews and BBB A+ rating for reliable service.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the most important cost factor for Tennessee to Texas shipping, with longer routes like Nashville to El Paso costing significantly more than shorter routes like Memphis to Dallas.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment during off-peak months and offer flexible pickup dates to save money on your Tennessee to Texas car transport.
How Car Shipping Works
Preparing your vehicle properly before pickup is the most important step, including removing personal items, documenting damage, and keeping fuel below a quarter tank.
State Insights
Texas requires higher insurance minimums and emissions testing in major cities, so plan for these regulatory differences when moving your vehicle from Tennessee.
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 Tennessee to Texas
Factors that Affect Tennessee to Texas Shipping Prices
Distance
Tennessee to Texas spans approximately 600-900 miles depending on your specific cities. This substantial distance significantly impacts shipping costs, as carriers factor fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear into pricing.
Route
Major interstate highways like I-40 and I-30 connect Tennessee to Texas efficiently. These well-traveled routes offer lower shipping costs compared to rural or less accessible areas requiring special detours.
Season
Summer months see increased demand from families relocating before school starts. Winter offers better rates but potential weather delays. Spring and fall provide balanced pricing and reliable scheduling options.
Vehicle Type
Standard sedans cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, increase fuel consumption, and may need specialized equipment, resulting in higher shipping rates.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving week create significant traffic delays and higher costs. Schedule shipments during off-peak times to avoid congestion and reduce potential delays along Tennessee-Texas corridors.
Carrier Availability
Peak summer season may require 1-2 weeks for carrier assignment. Off-season shipping typically secures carriers within 2-5 days, offering more flexibility and potentially lower rates.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less and work well for most vehicles on Tennessee-Texas routes. Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but protects luxury or classic cars from weather.
Population Density
Shipping between major cities like Nashville-Dallas costs less than rural pickups. Consider meeting carriers in suburban areas to reduce fees associated with navigating dense urban centers.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moving periods. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day range for both pickup and delivery dates gives them scheduling freedom, resulting in better rates.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in Tennessee and Texas. Cities with multiple highway access points offer more carrier options and competitive pricing than remote rural areas.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicle shipping. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday vehicles ship safely on open trailers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Tennessee to Texas Work?

Car shipping from Tennessee to Texas involves transporting your vehicle across approximately 840 miles using professional auto transport carriers. This popular interstate route connects major cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville to destinations including Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. The Tennessee to Texas car shipping process uses both open and enclosed transport options, with most customers choosing open carriers for cost-effective delivery.
Several factors make this route unique for auto transport services. The distance between states means your vehicle will cross multiple highways including I-40, I-30, and I-35. Weather considerations include potential storms in both states during spring and summer months. Texas pickup and delivery locations span vast distances, so exact timing depends on your specific cities. Rural areas in both states may require terminal delivery rather than door-to-door service.
The car shipping process begins with requesting quotes and booking your transport. Next, prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting existing damage, and ensuring minimal fuel levels. During pickup, inspect your car with the driver and sign the bill of lading. Your vehicle travels securely on the carrier while you track progress. Upon delivery in Texas, perform a final inspection before accepting your car and completing payment.
Tennessee to Texas car shipping typically takes 1-4 days for the 840-mile journey, depending on pickup and delivery locations. Major city routes move fastest, while rural deliveries may extend timelines. Pricing ranges from $675-$1350 based on vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. Peak moving seasons and fuel costs can affect both pricing and scheduling. Sherpa Auto Transport provides reliable service with experienced drivers familiar with this interstate corridor, ensuring safe delivery of your vehicle across state lines.
Tennessee to Texas Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning Tennessee to Texas car shipping, understanding the vehicle registration differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Tennessee requires annual registration renewal, while Texas uses a staggered system based on your birth month. After moving to Texas, you have 30 days to register your vehicle and obtain a Texas driver’s license. The registration process in Texas typically costs more than Tennessee, so budget accordingly when planning your auto transport and relocation.
Vehicle regulations vary significantly between these states. Texas has stricter emission testing requirements in major metropolitan areas like Dallas, Houston, and Austin, while Tennessee only requires emissions testing in certain counties. Window tinting laws also differ – Texas allows 25% visible light transmission on front side windows, compared to Tennessee’s 35% requirement. Additionally, Texas has specific regulations on vehicle frame height modifications that may affect lifted trucks or modified vehicles during car shipping.
Climate considerations play a crucial role when moving vehicles from Tennessee to Texas. While Tennessee experiences harsh winters requiring snow tires and cold-weather preparations, Texas heat presents different challenges. Consider switching to all-season tires suitable for hot climates and ensure your air conditioning system works properly. The intense Texas sun can damage interiors and paint, so window tinting within legal limits and regular waxing become more important. Your auto transport company should protect your vehicle during shipping, but long-term climate adaptation is essential.
Insurance requirements and costs often change when relocating between states. Texas requires higher minimum liability coverage than Tennessee – $30,000 per person for bodily injury compared to Tennessee’s $25,000. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is also required in Texas but not in Tennessee. Shop around for new insurance quotes before your Tennessee to Texas car shipping, as rates can vary significantly. Some insurers offer better rates in Texas due to different risk factors and competition levels in various regions.
Tennessee to Texas Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Tennessee to Texas is simple when you follow these key steps:
Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and any loose items that could shift during transport.
Clean Your Car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage and makes the inspection process easier.
Document Everything: Take photos of your car from all angles, noting any scratches, dents, or damage before shipping.
Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas, check that the battery is secure, and top off other fluids.
Remove Accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or any aftermarket additions that could get damaged or cause clearance issues.
Have Keys Ready: Provide one set of working keys to the carrier driver.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in Texas and helps avoid any delays in pickup or delivery.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Tennessee to Texas. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is valid and current. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This means your car is covered from pickup in Tennessee all the way to delivery in Texas. You can ship with confidence knowing your vehicle is protected throughout the entire journey.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Tennessee to Texas at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why advance booking helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can group your car with other shipments going the same route
- More pickup options: You’ll have flexible dates to choose from
- Less stress: No last-minute rush or limited availability
For peak seasons like summer or around holidays, consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. The Tennessee to Texas route is popular, so early booking ensures your spot with reliable carriers.
Need to ship right away? We can often accommodate rush orders, but expect higher costs and fewer carrier options.
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 transport carries your car on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. It’s the most common and affordable option, costing about 50% less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer. This shields your car from weather, dust, and road debris during the trip from Tennessee to Texas.
Choose open transport if you want to save money and have a standard daily driver. Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, or custom car that needs extra protection.
Most customers shipping from Tennessee to Texas pick open transport because it’s reliable and budget-friendly. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details about which option fits your needs.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service for shipments from Tennessee to Texas. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you choose and deliver it directly to your destination.
When you book your Tennessee to Texas car shipment, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule convenient times for both pickup and drop-off.
Important to know: In some cases, large transport trucks cannot access certain residential areas due to low-hanging branches, narrow streets, or HOA restrictions. If this happens, our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station – usually within a few miles of your address.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle compared to terminal-to-terminal shipping, making your Tennessee to Texas move much easier.
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!