North Carolina to Texas
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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NORTH CAROLINA TO TEXAS
Shipping from North Carolina to Texas
Planning to move your vehicle from the Tar Heel State to the Lone Star State? North Carolina to Texas car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport between these states, including costs, timeframes, and expert tips. Whether you’re relocating for work or buying a car across state lines, we’ll help you navigate the car shipping process with confidence.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
NC
North Carolina
TX
Texas
Popular Routes from North Carolina to Texas
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from North Carolina to Texas
Car shipping from North Carolina to Texas costs $850-$1350 and takes 1-4 days to transport your vehicle across the 1,156-mile journey.
Our North Carolina & Texas Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport provides transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise and maintains a 4.9-star rating from over 8,000 customer reviews.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the most important cost factor for NC to TX shipping, as the 900-1,200 mile journey significantly impacts fuel costs and driver time.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Ship during off-peak months and offer flexible pickup dates to save the most money on your North Carolina to Texas car transport.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is properly preparing your vehicle by removing personal items, cleaning it, and keeping the gas tank between 1/4 and 1/2 full.
State Insights
Texas requires vehicle registration within 30 days of arrival and has different insurance requirements than North Carolina, so plan accordingly.
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 North Carolina to Texas
Factors that Affect North Carolina to Texas Shipping Prices
Distance
The 900-1,200 mile journey from North Carolina to Texas significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and wear on transport equipment, making this cross-country route more expensive than shorter shipments.
Route
Major highways like I-40 and I-20 connecting North Carolina to Texas offer competitive pricing due to high carrier traffic. Remote pickup or delivery locations off these main corridors typically cost more due to limited carrier access.
Season
Summer months see increased North Carolina to Texas shipping demand from relocating families and students. Winter offers better rates but potential weather delays. Spring and fall provide moderate pricing with reliable service timing.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars ship cheapest from North Carolina to Texas, while large trucks and SUVs cost significantly more. Oversized vehicles require special trailers, use more fuel, and take up valuable trailer space, increasing overall shipping expenses.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving week create heavy traffic between North Carolina and Texas, causing delays and higher costs. Scheduling shipments during off-peak times ensures faster transit and potentially lower rates for your vehicle.
Carrier Availability
Peak summer season may require 1-2 weeks to secure carriers for North Carolina to Texas routes. Off-season shipping typically finds available carriers within 3-7 days, offering more flexibility and potentially better pricing options.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost 20-40% less for North Carolina to Texas shipping and work perfectly for most vehicles. Enclosed transport protects luxury cars from weather and road debris but significantly increases shipping costs.
Population Density
Major Texas cities like Dallas and Houston offer competitive rates due to high carrier volume. Rural North Carolina pickups or small Texas towns may cost more due to limited carrier access and longer detour requirements.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant cost savings.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offer flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce costs. Choosing a five-day window instead of exact dates gives carriers more scheduling options, which translates to lower prices for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in North Carolina and Texas. Highway-accessible cities offer more carrier options and competitive rates compared to remote rural locations.
Open Trailers
Choose open trailers over enclosed ones to cut shipping costs. Open transport works well for most vehicles, while enclosed trailers are only necessary for luxury or classic cars.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from North Carolina to Texas Work?
Car shipping from North Carolina to Texas involves transporting your vehicle across approximately 1,156 miles through multiple states. This popular auto transport route connects the Southeast to the Southwest, making it a well-traveled corridor for car carriers. The process begins when you request a quote from Sherpa Auto Transport, providing details about your vehicle, pickup location in North Carolina, and delivery destination in Texas.
North Carolina to Texas car shipping requires careful planning due to the significant distance and varying state regulations. Our carriers must navigate through different terrain types, from the rolling hills of North Carolina to the flat plains of Texas. Weather conditions can vary greatly along this route, especially during winter months when ice storms may affect the Carolinas or summer heat impacts Texas operations.
The car shipping process starts with booking your transport and scheduling pickup at your North Carolina location. Our driver will inspect your vehicle, document its condition, and load it onto the carrier. Your car then travels through states like South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana before reaching Texas. Throughout the journey, you can track your vehicle’s progress and receive updates on delivery timing.
Typical transit time for auto transport from North Carolina to Texas ranges from 1-4 days, depending on your specific pickup and delivery locations. Major cities like Charlotte to Dallas or Raleigh to Houston often see faster delivery times due to high-traffic routes. Pricing for this route typically ranges from $850-$1350, influenced by factors such as vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), and seasonal demand. Remote locations may require additional time for pickup and delivery scheduling.
North Carolina to Texas Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning North Carolina to Texas car shipping, understanding the vehicle registration differences between states is crucial. North Carolina requires annual registration renewals, while Texas offers multi-year registration options up to five years. After your auto transport arrives in Texas, you’ll have 30 days to register your vehicle and obtain a Texas driver’s license. The registration process in Texas typically costs between $50-75, depending on your vehicle’s weight and county fees.
Both states have unique vehicle regulations that affect car shipping preparations. North Carolina requires annual safety inspections, while Texas mandates both safety and emissions testing in certain counties like Harris and Dallas. Texas also has stricter window tinting laws, allowing only 25% tint on front side windows compared to North Carolina’s 35% limit. Additionally, Texas has specific regulations on vehicle frame height modifications that may not exist in North Carolina.
Weather considerations play a significant role when moving vehicles from North Carolina to Texas. While North Carolina experiences more winter weather requiring snow tires or chains, Texas heat can be more intense year-round. Before your auto transport, consider switching to all-season tires suitable for hot climates. Texas summers regularly exceed 100°F, so ensure your cooling system, air conditioning, and battery are in optimal condition. The UV exposure in Texas is also more severe, making window tinting and paint protection more important.
Insurance requirements differ significantly between the two states. Texas requires higher minimum liability coverage: $30,000 per injured person versus North Carolina’s $30,000, but Texas mandates $60,000 per accident compared to North Carolina’s $60,000. Texas also requires $25,000 in property damage coverage. Many insurance companies offer different rates between states, so shop around after your North Carolina to Texas car shipping is complete. Some insurers provide discounts for safe driving records that transfer between states, potentially reducing your premiums in your new location.
North Carolina to Texas Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from North Carolina to Texas is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Before pickup:
- Remove all personal items from inside your car
- Take out toll passes, GPS devices, and loose accessories
- Clean your vehicle and take photos of any existing damage
- Keep gas tank between 1/4 and 1/2 full
- Remove or secure any custom parts like spoilers or bike racks
- Make sure you have a working key for the driver
Important note: Most car carriers are not insured for personal belongings left in vehicles. Only leave essential items like a spare tire and car manual.
For a complete checklist and more detailed tips, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your car arrives safely in Texas.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from North Carolina to Texas with Sherpa Auto Transport.
Every carrier in our network must carry:
- $1,000,000 in liability insurance – covers damages to other vehicles or property
- $100,000 in cargo insurance – protects your specific vehicle during transport
Before your car leaves North Carolina, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection throughout your NC to Texas shipment.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery. If you need a copy of the insurance certificate, just ask your transport coordinator.
For car shipping from North Carolina to Texas, we recommend scheduling your pickup service at least 2-3 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and offer competitive rates
- More carrier options: Popular routes like NC to TX fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
- Peak season planning: Summer months and holidays require even more advance notice
If you need last-minute service, we can often accommodate rush orders within 3-7 days, though this may cost more and limit your carrier choices.
Pro tip: Book as soon as you know your moving date. You can always adjust your pickup window later if your plans change.
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 uses open trailers that expose your car 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. Your car stays safe from rain, snow, dirt, and flying rocks during the trip from North Carolina to Texas.
Choose open transport if you have a regular daily driver and want to save money. Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, or custom car that needs extra protection.
Most people pick open transport because it’s reliable and costs less. Both options are safe and insured. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details about which option fits your needs best.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door service for car shipping from North Carolina to Texas. This means we pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or chosen address in North Carolina and deliver it directly to your destination in Texas.
When you book your shipment, simply provide your pickup address in North Carolina and delivery address in Texas. Our carrier will coordinate with you to schedule convenient pickup and delivery times that work with your schedule.
In some cases, large car carriers cannot access narrow streets, apartment complexes, or areas with low bridges. If this happens, our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. This ensures your vehicle stays protected while making pickup and delivery as easy as possible.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle compared to terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you would need to drop off and pick up your car at specific locations.
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!