Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX Car Shipping
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Car Shipping from Los Angeles to Dallas
Planning a move from the West Coast to Texas? Car shipping from Los Angeles to Dallas doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a vehicle online, or need reliable auto transport for any reason, understanding costs, timelines, and choosing the right carrier makes all the difference. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Los Angeles to Dallas car shipping to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
CA
Los Angeles, CA
TX
Dallas, TX
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 670 shipments from Los Angeles to Dallas, SUVs cost about $74 more than standard cars, while pickups add $187. If you need enclosed transport for extra protection, expect to pay 62% more than open trailers.
By Vehicle Type
By Trailer Type
Note: Updated 2026 pricing. Prices shown are averages based on actual Sherpa shipments over the last 12 months. Your quote may vary based on specific pickup/delivery locations, vehicle condition, current market demand, and time of year. Get an instant quote for accurate pricing.
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from California to Texas
Shipping a car from Los Angeles to Dallas costs between $1,025-$1,275 and takes 2-6 days to travel the 1,436-mile route along major interstates like I-10 and I-20.
Our California & Texas Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, BBB A+ rating, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for LA-to-Dallas shipping, as the 1,400-mile cross-country journey requires more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear than shorter regional routes.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment 1-2 weeks in advance during off-peak seasons (spring or fall) to secure better rates and faster pickup times when fewer customers compete for carrier space.
How Car Shipping Works
Prepare your vehicle by cleaning it, removing personal items, checking fluid levels, disabling alarms, and taking detailed photos to document its condition before the carrier picks it up.
State Insights
Texas requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days and obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days, with generally lower insurance rates than California but different coverage requirements.
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.
Factors that Affect California to Texas Shipping Prices
Distance
The approximately 1,400-mile journey from Los Angeles to Dallas significantly impacts shipping costs. This cross-country distance requires more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making it more expensive than shorter regional routes within California or Texas alone.
Route
The LA-to-Dallas corridor follows major interstates like I-10 and I-20, which helps keep costs reasonable. These well-traveled highways offer easier carrier access and faster transit times compared to remote routes, resulting in competitive pricing for this popular shipping lane.
Season
Summer months and winter holidays see increased demand for LA-to-Dallas car shipping as people relocate for jobs or seasonal moves. Booking during spring or fall typically offers better rates and faster pickup times when fewer customers are competing for carrier space.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans cost less to ship from Los Angeles to Dallas than large SUVs or trucks. Heavier vehicles consume more fuel over the 1,400-mile route and require more trailer space, increasing your shipping quote by several hundred dollars compared to standard sedans.
Traffic Considerations
Major travel periods like Thanksgiving week create highway congestion between Los Angeles and Dallas, potentially delaying deliveries. Scheduling your shipment during off-peak times ensures smoother transit, faster delivery, and sometimes lower rates as carriers face fewer road delays and scheduling conflicts.
Carrier Availability
The LA-Dallas route enjoys steady carrier traffic year-round, but availability tightens during peak summer and winter seasons. Booking two to three weeks ahead during busy periods ensures carrier assignment, while off-season shipments often secure carriers within just days of your request.
Open vs Enclosed
Open carrier transport from Los Angeles to Dallas costs significantly less than enclosed options and works well for most vehicles. However, luxury, classic, or high-value cars benefit from enclosed trailers that provide complete weather and road debris protection throughout the cross-country journey.
Population Density
Both Los Angeles and Dallas are major metropolitan areas with excellent carrier access, keeping costs competitive. However, choosing pickup or delivery locations in accessible suburbs with wide streets rather than congested downtown areas can reduce fees and simplify the loading process for carriers.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing your shipment during off-peak periods can significantly reduce costs. Avoid busy seasons like summer and snowbird migration months (October-November and March-April) when demand spikes. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks during slower periods can result in substantial savings on your Los Angeles to Dallas route.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offering flexible pickup and delivery windows helps carriers optimize their routes and schedules. By selecting a five-day window instead of fixed dates for both pickup in Los Angeles and delivery in Dallas, you give carriers more scheduling options. This flexibility typically translates to lower shipping costs for you.
Hub City Advantages
Selecting pickup and delivery locations near major highways like I-10, I-5, or I-35 increases carrier accessibility and competition. Urban areas with easy highway access in both Los Angeles and Dallas offer more competitive rates than remote locations. Consider meeting carriers at convenient highway-adjacent spots to maximize savings.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most standard vehicles. Your car ships safely exposed to weather, just like driving cross-country. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles needing extra protection. Open transport handles the Los Angeles to Dallas route perfectly.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from California to Texas Work?
Shipping a car from Los Angeles to Dallas is a straightforward process that covers approximately 1,436 miles across the southwestern United States. This popular auto transport route connects two major metropolitan areas, making it a well-traveled path for car shipping carriers. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we’ve completed 670 deliveries on this route, giving us extensive experience with the specific logistics between these cities.
The car shipping process begins with getting a quote and booking your transport. For Los Angeles to Dallas car shipping, prices typically range from $1,025 to $1,275, depending on your vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand. Once you book, we’ll assign a qualified carrier and schedule a pickup window that works with your timeline. Our team coordinates all details to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.
When shipping between Los Angeles and Dallas, the typical transit time is 2-6 days. This route benefits from major interstate highways, primarily I-10 and I-20, which provide direct access between both cities. Carriers frequently travel this corridor, often resulting in faster pickup times compared to less common routes. Weather conditions are generally favorable year-round, though summer heat in the desert regions requires carriers to take proper precautions for vehicle safety.
The actual shipping steps include vehicle inspection before loading, secure transport across state lines through California, Arizona, New Mexico, and into Texas, and final delivery to your Dallas location. You’ll receive updates throughout the journey, and upon arrival, you’ll conduct a final inspection with the driver. Both open and enclosed auto transport options are available for this route, with open transport being the most economical choice for standard vehicles. Our experienced drivers know this route well, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and on schedule.
California to Texas Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping from Los Angeles to Dallas, understanding the differences between California and Texas vehicle regulations is essential. Texas requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need to visit a Texas DMV office with your current registration, proof of insurance, and a vehicle inspection certificate. California titles must be surrendered, and you’ll receive Texas plates immediately.
One major advantage of auto transport to Texas is the absence of state emissions testing in most counties, unlike California’s strict smog check requirements. However, Dallas County does require emissions testing for vehicles newer than two years. Texas also has different rules for window tinting—allowing darker tints than California. Front side windows must allow more than 25% light transmission, compared to California’s 70% requirement. Additionally, Texas permits higher vehicle lift modifications, which is good news for truck owners.
While Los Angeles to Dallas car shipping doesn’t require winter tire preparations like northern relocations, consider Texas weather factors. Dallas experiences more severe thunderstorms, occasional ice storms, and hail. Before shipping your vehicle, document its condition thoroughly. Once in Texas, consider comprehensive insurance coverage for hail damage. Texas summers are intensely hot, so ensure your air conditioning system works properly before the move.
Insurance considerations differ significantly between states. Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25, which is lower than California’s 15/30/5 but structured differently. Texas insurance rates are generally lower than California’s, potentially saving you money. However, shop around immediately after your move, as most insurers require you to update your policy within 30 days. Some California insurance companies don’t operate in Texas, so research providers before your auto transport arrives. Contact your insurer early to ensure continuous coverage during the transition.
Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for the journey from Los Angeles to Dallas is straightforward. Here are the key steps:
Clean your car: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos. This protects you if any issues arise during transport.
Remove personal items: Take out toll passes, GPS devices, and loose items. Carriers typically don’t insure personal belongings left in the vehicle.
Check fluid levels and tire pressure: Ensure your car is in good running condition. Fix any leaks before shipping.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transit.
Provide a key: Have a spare key ready for the driver. Keep only about a quarter tank of gas to reduce weight.
Document everything: Take dated photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth, worry-free transport experience from Los Angeles to Dallas.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Los Angeles to Dallas. Every carrier in the Sherpa Auto Transport network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your Los Angeles to Dallas shipment begins, we verify that your assigned carrier’s insurance policy is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy, giving you an extra layer of protection.
You’ll receive a copy of your carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup. This ensures complete transparency and peace of mind for your cross-country move from California to Texas.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Los Angeles to Dallas at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you more benefits.
Here’s why advance booking helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle multiple vehicles
- More carrier options: You’ll have access to more available drivers on this popular route
- Flexible pickup dates: You can choose times that work best for your schedule
- Less stress: No last-minute scrambling or rush fees
Need to ship on short notice? We can often arrange pickups within 2-5 days, though this may limit your options and cost more.
Pro tip: The Los Angeles to Dallas route is one of the busiest in the country. Book 3-4 weeks ahead during peak moving season (May through September) for the best rates and availability.
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, where your vehicle is shipped on an open-air trailer alongside other cars. It’s exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s perfectly safe for most vehicles and costs significantly less.
Enclosed auto transport provides complete protection inside a covered trailer, shielding your car from weather, dust, and road debris. This option typically costs 50-60% more than open transport.
For your LA to Dallas move, choose open transport if you’re shipping a standard daily driver—it’s reliable, cost-effective, and how most vehicles are transported. Opt for enclosed transport if you’re moving a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any automobile with custom features worth protecting.
Most customers shipping from Los Angeles to Dallas choose open transport and have excellent experiences. Learn more in our detailed open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service from Los Angeles to Dallas, making your vehicle shipping experience as convenient as possible.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup address in Los Angeles and delivery address in Dallas. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your location to pick up your vehicle and deliver it right to your destination.
In some cases, large car carriers cannot access certain residential streets due to low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or tight turns. If this happens on your Los Angeles to Dallas route, don’t worry—our driver will work with you to choose a nearby meeting spot like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. This is still considered door-to-door service and ensures your vehicle is picked up and delivered as close to your addresses as safely possible.
Most customers along the Los Angeles to Dallas route experience true door-to-door service without any issues. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
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!
Welcome to Dallas
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas with over 1.3 million residents, serving as the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Known for its thriving business district, rich cultural scene, and blend of modern innovation with traditional Texas charm, Dallas offers newcomers a dynamic urban environment. The city combines Southern hospitality with big-city amenities, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents from all backgrounds.
Popular Neighborhoods
Uptown Dallas attracts young professionals with its walkable streets, high-rise living, and vibrant nightlife scene. Deep Ellum offers an artsy, eclectic vibe with live music venues, galleries, and unique dining options. For families, Lakewood provides tree-lined streets, historic homes, and excellent schools near White Rock Lake. The Bishop Arts District features a small-town feel within the city, known for its local boutiques, restaurants, and strong community spirit. Each area offers distinct character while maintaining easy access to downtown Dallas.
Practical Moving Tips
Texas residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency and obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days. You’ll need your current registration, title, proof of insurance, and a vehicle inspection certificate from a Texas inspection station. Texas requires annual vehicle inspections for safety, and some counties require emissions testing. New residents should visit their local county tax office to register their vehicle and pay applicable fees. Keep your current insurance active during the transition, but notify your provider about the move as Texas has specific minimum coverage requirements. The process is straightforward, but don’t wait until the last minute to avoid penalties.
Climate & Lifestyle
Dallas experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while winter lows rarely drop below freezing. The intense summer heat can affect your vehicle’s battery, tires, and cooling system, so regular maintenance becomes crucial. Occasional severe weather, including hail storms, makes covered parking valuable for protecting your car’s exterior. The warm climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, from hiking trails to outdoor dining. Dallas residents enjoy a lifestyle that blends indoor comfort during summer months with extensive outdoor recreation during the pleasant spring and fall seasons.
Getting Around Dallas
Dallas is a car-dependent city where personal transportation is essential for daily life. The extensive highway system includes major routes like I-35E, I-30, and the LBJ Freeway (I-635), connecting all areas of the metroplex. Rush hour traffic can be heavy, particularly on these main arteries, so plan extra travel time during peak hours. While DART provides public transit options, having your own vehicle offers the flexibility and convenience necessary for navigating this sprawling metropolitan area effectively.