Dallas, TX Car Shipping
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Dallas, TX Car Shipping
Planning to move your vehicle to or from Dallas, TX? Understanding car shipping costs, timelines, and choosing the right auto transport company can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding to warmer climates, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Dallas car shipping. We’ll break down pricing for popular routes, share insider tips, and help you avoid common pitfalls when transporting your vehicle.
Popular Routes from Dallas, TX
Key Takeaways From This Article
Dallas, TX Auto Transport
Car shipping from Dallas typically costs $700-$1,300 and takes 2-6 days depending on your destination, with Dallas’s central location and major highway access often resulting in competitive rates.
Our Dallas and Texas Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings from over 8,000 reviews, and carefully vetted carriers who maintain $1,000,000 in liability coverage.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor when shipping from Dallas, but route popularity, season, vehicle size, and trailer type (open vs enclosed) also significantly impact your final price.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Dallas car shipment 1-2 weeks in advance during off-peak seasons and choose open transport to save 30-40% compared to last-minute bookings and enclosed trailers.
How Car Shipping Works
Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting its condition with photos, keeping gas below a quarter tank, and having a spare key ready for the carrier at pickup.
State Insights
Texas requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days, obtain a safety inspection, and maintain minimum 30/60/25 liability insurance coverage when shipping to Dallas.
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 8,000 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 Dallas, TX
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dallas
to Los Angeles
|
1,436 mi
|
$825–1000
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Seattle
|
2,092 mi
|
$1100–1300
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to New York City
|
1,548 mi
|
$900–1125
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Washington
|
1,328 mi
|
$800–975
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to San Francisco
|
1,731 mi
|
$925–1125
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Miami
|
1,311 mi
|
$775–900
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Phoenix
|
1,064 mi
|
$725–925
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Boston
|
1,768 mi
|
$950–1150
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to San Diego
|
1,358 mi
|
$850–1000
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Atlanta
|
781 mi
|
$700–850
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to San Jose
|
1,689 mi
|
$950–1125
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Chicago
|
927 mi
|
$750–875
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Portland
|
2,017 mi
|
$1150–1350
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Baltimore
|
1,366 mi
|
$825–975
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Dallas
to Philadelphia
|
1,467 mi
|
$850–1025
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 12,706 actual shipments involving Dallas, here’s how pricing varies by vehicle size and trailer type.
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.
Factors that Affect Dallas, TX Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your shipping quote. Moving your car from Dallas to Houston (around 240 miles) will cost significantly less than shipping to Los Angeles (over 1,400 miles). Carriers calculate fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear based on total mileage. The good news? Dallas’s central location often means shorter distances to many major U.S. cities compared to coastal hubs.
Route
Dallas sits at the crossroads of major interstate highways like I-35, I-45, and I-20, which is great news for your wallet. Routes along these busy corridors cost less because carriers regularly travel them and can easily pick up multiple vehicles. If you’re shipping to or from a remote area off the main highways, expect to pay more since carriers make special trips to reach those locations.
Season
Summer months (May through September) are peak season for car shipping, driving prices up by 20-30%. Winter sees lower demand and better rates, except for the snowbird season (October-November) when people head south. Spring break and holiday periods also spike prices. Book early if you must ship during busy times, or save money by choosing off-peak months.
Vehicle Type
Sedans and compact cars are the cheapest to ship. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more because they take up more trailer space, add weight (increasing fuel costs), and are harder to load. Oversized trucks may not fit on standard trailers at all, requiring special arrangements. If you’re shipping a lifted truck or large SUV, expect to pay 30-50% more than a standard sedan.
Traffic Patterns
Dallas traffic can impact pickup and delivery times and costs. The week before Thanksgiving, spring break, and the start of summer see highways packed with travelers. Carriers face delays and higher fuel costs during these periods, which they pass along to you. Schedule your shipment outside major travel windows when possible. Mid-week pickups and deliveries also tend to be smoother than weekend rushes.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability directly affects both price and timing. During peak season, high demand means you might wait 1-3 weeks for pickup and pay premium rates. Off-season shipping offers more carriers competing for your business, meaning better prices and faster pickup (often within 2-5 days). Dallas’s position as a major shipping hub helps—there’s generally good carrier availability year-round compared to remote locations.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers are the standard choice and cost 30-40% less than enclosed transport. Your car rides exposed to weather but is perfectly safe for most vehicles—millions ship this way annually. Enclosed trailers protect luxury cars, classics, or exotic vehicles from road debris and weather, but the premium price reflects the specialized service. For a typical daily driver, open transport from Dallas is reliable and budget-friendly.
Population Density
Dallas’s sprawling metro area affects costs based on your exact location. Downtown Dallas pickups involve tight streets, traffic, and parking challenges that carriers charge extra for. Suburban areas like Plano, Frisco, or Arlington offer easier access and lower costs. If you’re flexible, consider meeting your carrier at a convenient suburb location to save money. Rural areas outside the metro may also cost more due to the extra distance carriers must travel off main routes.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing matters when shipping your vehicle. Off-peak seasons offer lower rates than busy periods like summer or snowbird migration months. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant savings, as demand drops and carriers compete for business during slower times.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible scheduling saves money on car shipping. Choosing a five-day pickup and delivery window instead of exact dates gives carriers more routing options. This flexibility allows them to consolidate shipments efficiently, passing savings directly to you while maintaining reliable service.
Hub City Advantages
Dallas’s major highway access provides cost advantages. Select pickup locations near Interstate 20, 30, 35, or 45 for better rates and more carrier options. Drivers prefer convenient highway access, making these locations cheaper than remote areas requiring extra detours and fuel.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options. They’re perfect for standard vehicles and provide safe, reliable transport. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value cars needing extra protection. Most everyday vehicles ship safely on open trailers at lower prices.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Dallas, TX Work?
Car shipping from Dallas, TX is a straightforward process with Sherpa Auto Transport. The typical auto transport timeline ranges from 2-6 days, depending on your destination. Most routes from Dallas average around 1,423 miles, with pricing between $700-$1300. The process begins when you request a quote and book your shipment. We then assign a trusted carrier to pick up your vehicle at your preferred Dallas location.
Dallas offers unique advantages for auto transport due to its central location and excellent highway access via I-35, I-45, and I-20. This major transportation hub ensures frequent carrier availability and competitive rates. To ship your car from Dallas, simply schedule your pickup date, prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition, then meet the carrier for inspection and loading. You’ll receive tracking updates throughout transit. Upon delivery, inspect your vehicle and sign the bill of lading. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, or snowbirding, car shipping from Dallas, TX provides a convenient alternative to driving long distances yourself.
Dallas, TX Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When shipping your vehicle to Dallas, TX, you’ll need to register it with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency [TxDMV]. New residents must obtain a Texas title and registration, which requires a vehicle inspection certificate, proof of insurance, and the Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U) [TxDMV]. Texas requires annual safety inspections for most vehicles, and certain counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area mandate emissions testing for vehicles newer than two years old [TxDMV].
Texas law permits window tinting with specific limits: 25% light transmission on front side windows and any darkness on rear windows [Texas Transportation Code]. Auto transport customers should note that Texas requires minimum liability insurance of 30/60/25, which may differ from your previous state [Texas Department of Insurance]. Dallas experiences hot summers with temperatures exceeding 100°F, so ensure your cooling system is serviced after car shipping. Winter weather is generally mild, making winter tires unnecessary. However, occasional ice storms occur, so all-season tires are recommended [NOAA]. Texas has no vehicle lift or frame height restrictions for personal vehicles, offering flexibility for truck owners [Texas Transportation Code].
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Popular Car Shipping Routes to/from Dallas
Areas of Dallas, Texas that we Serve
Downtown Dallas: 75201, 75202, 75203, 75204, 75207, 75208, 75209, 75219, 75226, 75270
North Dallas: 75205, 75206, 75214, 75218, 75220, 75225, 75229, 75230, 75231, 75248
East Dallas: 75223, 75228, 75238, 75246, 75253
South Dallas: 75210, 75211, 75212, 75215, 75216, 75217, 75224, 75233, 75236, 75241
West Dallas: 75212, 75235, 75247
Oak Cliff: 75203, 75208, 75211, 75216, 75224, 75232, 75237
Lake Highlands: 75218, 75238, 75243
Far North Dallas: 75240, 75244, 75248, 75252, 75287
Pleasant Grove: 75217, 75227, 75232
Uptown/Park Cities: 75204, 75205, 75219, 75225
We serves the entire Dallas region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Dallas, TX
Dallas hosts several major universities with distinct parking policies that students should review before shipping a car to campus. At Southern Methodist University (SMU), all students must register vehicles and purchase parking permits through the Transportation Services office, with freshman parking typically restricted [SMU Transportation]. The University of Texas at Dallas requires parking permits and offers covered garage options, though availability is limited [UTD Parking Services]. Most off-campus apartments include one parking space, but verify before auto transport arrives. Students leaving for winter break can typically keep vehicles in assigned spots, though some universities offer long-term storage options [University Housing Guidelines]. Dallas experiences mild winters without snow tire requirements, but summer heat demands checking your vehicle’s cooling system. Before car shipping services deliver your vehicle, confirm your insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to Texas [Insurance Industry Standards].
Military Car Shipping in Dallas, TX
While Dallas proper doesn’t host major military installations, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (NAS JRB) lies approximately 35 miles west and serves as the primary military facility for the region [DoD]. Military personnel should note that all vehicles require a current registration, valid insurance, and a base decal for parking access [NAS JRB]. Most on-base housing includes designated parking spaces, though availability in barracks varies—contact your housing office early to confirm arrangements [Military Housing]. For extended deployments or leave periods, coordinate with your command about long-term vehicle storage options, as policies differ by unit [DoD]. Texas doesn’t require winter tires, but summer heat demands regular coolant checks [Texas DMV]. Verify your roadside assistance coverage extends to Texas, as some policies have geographic limitations [USAA].
Dallas, TX Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Dallas is simple. Follow these key steps:
- Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document its condition with photos before shipping.
- Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll tags (like TxTag or TollTag), GPS devices, and loose items. Carriers aren’t insured for personal property.
- Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas, and the battery is charged so it can be loaded and unloaded.
- Document existing damage: Take clear photos from all angles and note any scratches or dents.
- Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to avoid issues during transport.
- Remove or secure accessories: Take off custom spoilers, bike racks, or antenna extensions that could get damaged.
- Provide a working key: Have a spare key ready for the driver.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth pickup from Dallas and protects your vehicle during transit.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Dallas, TX. Sherpa Auto Transport requires all carriers to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage that protects your vehicle throughout the entire transport.
Every carrier in our network must carry:
- $1,000,000 in liability insurance
- $100,000 in cargo insurance
Before your Dallas shipment begins, we verify that the assigned carrier’s insurance policy is active and in good standing. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for added protection.
You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before your vehicle is picked up from Dallas. This gives you peace of mind and proof of coverage for your records.
If you have questions about insurance coverage for your specific vehicle or shipment, our team is happy to provide additional details.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Dallas at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the best results. However, booking earlier gives you more advantages.
Here’s why advance notice helps:
- Better carrier availability: Dallas is a major hub with frequent routes, but carriers fill up quickly during peak seasons
- Lower prices: Last-minute bookings often cost more due to limited options
- Flexible scheduling: More time means you can choose pickup dates that work best for you
- Route optimization: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction, which keeps costs down
If you need faster service, we can often arrange pickups within 2-5 days from Dallas due to its excellent location and high shipping volume. However, this may come with premium pricing.
Bottom line: Book as early as possible, but know that Dallas’s strong shipping network gives you more flexibility than most cities.
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 uses open-air trailers that carry multiple vehicles at once—this is how most new cars arrive at dealerships. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road conditions during transit, but it’s safe, reliable, and the most affordable option. About 90% of vehicles shipped nationwide use open transport.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and dust. This option costs 50-60% more than open transport but is worth considering for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or vehicles with custom modifications.
For most standard vehicles being shipped to or from Dallas, open transport is perfectly safe and cost-effective. Choose enclosed transport if your vehicle is valued over $100,000 or requires extra protection. Learn more in our complete open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer convenient door-to-door auto transport service in Dallas, TX.
When you book with Sherpa Auto Transport, we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you specify in the Dallas area and deliver it directly to your destination address.
Here’s how it works:
- Easy pickup: Our carrier will come to your Dallas location at the scheduled time
- Direct delivery: Your vehicle arrives at your destination address
- No extra trips: You don’t need to drive to a terminal or depot
In some cases, large car carriers can’t access narrow streets, tight residential areas, or locations with low-hanging trees. If this happens in your Dallas neighborhood, our driver will work with you to choose a nearby meeting spot like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. This is rare, but we always prioritize safety first.
Most Dallas customers enjoy full door-to-door service without any issues. Our team will discuss your specific pickup location when you book to ensure a smooth experience.
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!