Houston, TX Car Shipping
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Houston, TX Car Shipping
Planning to ship your vehicle to or from Houston, TX? You’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping in Houston—from accurate auto transport costs and delivery timelines to expert tips that save you money. Whether you’re relocating across Texas or shipping coast-to-coast, we’ll help you navigate the car shipping process with confidence and ease.
Popular Routes from Houston, TX
Key Takeaways From This Article
Houston, TX Auto Transport
Shipping a car from Houston typically costs $675-$1,400 and takes 2-6 days, with prices varying based on distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
Our Houston and Texas Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, holds a 4.9-star rating from over 8,000 reviews, and maintains an A+ BBB rating for reliable Houston car shipping.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Houston shipments, but route popularity, seasonal demand, and Houston’s excellent highway access along I-10, I-45, and I-69 also significantly impact your final price.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Houston car shipment 1-2 weeks in advance to secure better rates and more carrier options, especially during peak summer months when demand increases by 20-40%.
How Car Shipping Works
Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting its condition with photos, ensuring it has a quarter tank of fuel, and providing working keys to the carrier for smooth pickup and delivery.
State Insights
New Texas residents must register their vehicle within 30 days and obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days, while Houston-area vehicles may require emissions testing depending on the county.
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 Houston, TX
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Houston
to Los Angeles
|
1,548 mi
|
$850–1050
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to New York City
|
1,628 mi
|
$900–1100
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Seattle
|
2,326 mi
|
$1175–1400
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Washington
|
1,408 mi
|
$800–975
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to San Francisco
|
1,927 mi
|
$950–1175
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Miami
|
1,189 mi
|
$775–925
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Chicago
|
1,084 mi
|
$775–900
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Atlanta
|
793 mi
|
$675–800
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to San Jose
|
1,885 mi
|
$950–1175
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to San Diego
|
1,470 mi
|
$900–1125
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Phoenix
|
1,176 mi
|
$800–925
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Philadelphia
|
1,548 mi
|
$875–1050
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Portland
|
2,252 mi
|
$1150–1425
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Detroit
|
1,302 mi
|
$850–975
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Houston
to Boston
|
1,848 mi
|
$1000–1200
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 10,461 actual shipments involving Houston, 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 Houston, TX Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your Houston car shipping quote. Cross-country routes from Houston to cities like Los Angeles or New York will cost significantly more than regional moves to Dallas or San Antonio. Generally, you’ll pay $0.30-$0.60 per mile for shorter distances under 500 miles, while longer routes often drop to $0.20-$0.40 per mile due to economies of scale.
Route
Houston’s location along major interstate corridors (I-10, I-45, I-69) works in your favor. Shipping along these high-traffic routes to cities like Austin, New Orleans, or Phoenix typically costs less because carriers run these paths frequently. However, if you’re shipping to or from a remote area off the beaten path, expect to pay 20-30% more since carriers make fewer trips to these locations.
Season
Summer months (June-September) are peak season for Houston car shipping, with prices running 20-40% higher than winter months. College students moving, families relocating before the school year, and people avoiding harsh northern winters all create high demand. For the best rates, consider shipping during fall or early spring when demand drops.
Vehicle Type
Standard sedans are the most affordable to ship from Houston. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost $100-$200 more because they take up more trailer space, add weight (increasing fuel costs), and require more effort to load and secure. Oversized lifted trucks or modified vehicles may need special accommodations, further increasing costs.
Traffic Patterns
Timing matters in Houston’s busy transportation network. Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, spring break, and the start of summer when highways are congested. Heavy traffic slows down carriers and can delay delivery. Schedule your shipment during quieter periods for faster service and potentially lower rates.
Carrier Availability
Houston’s size and central location mean good carrier availability year-round. During off-peak months (October-April), you can typically secure a carrier within 1-5 days. During peak summer season, expect 1-2 weeks for carrier assignment. Booking 2-4 weeks in advance gives you more carrier options and better pricing, especially during busy periods.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport is the standard choice for Houston car shipping, costing 40-60% less than enclosed transport. Your vehicle rides on an open-air trailer alongside other cars—perfectly safe for everyday vehicles. Choose enclosed transport only for luxury, classic, or exotic cars needing protection from weather and road debris. Most Houston customers choose open transport and save significantly.
Population Density
Houston’s sprawling layout actually helps keep costs reasonable compared to dense cities like New York or San Francisco. Most Houston-area pickups and deliveries happen smoothly in residential areas and suburbs. However, if you’re in downtown Houston or a tight urban area, your carrier may request meeting at a nearby open location with easier truck access. This flexibility can save you money and speed up the process.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing your Houston car shipment during off-peak months can significantly reduce costs. Avoid busy periods like summer and 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 transport quote.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offering flexible pickup and delivery windows helps carriers optimize their routes and schedules. By selecting a five-day window instead of exact dates for your Houston shipment, you’ll likely receive lower quotes. This flexibility allows carriers to consolidate loads efficiently, passing savings directly to you.
Hub City Advantages
Houston’s proximity to major highways like I-10, I-45, and I-69 provides excellent shipping advantages. Choose pickup or delivery locations near these transportation corridors for better rates and more carrier options. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting carriers in nearby highway-accessible cities to reduce costs.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options and safely transport most vehicles. They’re ideal for standard cars and everyday vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or exotic cars requiring extra protection from weather and road debris during your Houston shipment.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Houston, TX Work?
Car shipping from Houston, TX is a straightforward process that typically takes 2-6 days, depending on your destination. The average distance for routes from Houston is around 1,513 miles, with prices ranging from $675 to $1,400. Auto transport begins when you request a quote and book your shipment. A carrier will then be assigned to pick up your vehicle from your Houston location at a scheduled time.
Houston’s central location and major highway access make it an ideal hub for auto transport. The city connects to Interstate 10, I-45, and I-69, allowing carriers to efficiently move vehicles across the country. When shipping from Houston, TX, your car will be inspected before loading onto an open or enclosed carrier. You’ll receive a bill of lading documenting the vehicle’s condition.
The car shipping process involves several key steps. First, prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and ensuring it’s in running condition. Next, the carrier picks up your car in Houston at your home or business. During transit, your vehicle is fully insured. Finally, upon delivery, inspect your car carefully and sign off on the transport. Most Houston car shipping routes are completed within the estimated timeframe, making auto transport a reliable option for moving your vehicle.
Houston, TX Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When shipping your vehicle to Houston, TX, understanding local regulations helps ensure a smooth transition. Texas requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency and obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days [TxDMV]. The state does not require annual vehicle safety inspections for most non-commercial vehicles as of 2023, though emission testing applies in certain Houston-area counties for vehicles newer than two model years [TxDMV]. Auto transport customers should note that Texas has specific window tinting laws: front side windows must allow more than 25% light transmission, while any darkness is permitted on rear windows [TxDPS].
Houston’s hot, humid climate rarely requires winter tires, but car shipping customers should consider heat-related preparations instead. Ensure your cooling system is well-maintained, as summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F. Texas requires minimum liability insurance coverage of 30/60/25 ($30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage), which is higher than many states [TxDOI]. Additionally, Texas follows a comparative negligence system for accident claims. For those using auto transport services to Houston, verify your carrier provides adequate insurance coverage during transit, as your personal policy may not cover vehicles during professional shipping [TxDOI].
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 Houston
Areas of Houston, Texas that we Serve
Downtown Houston: 77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77010, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77022, 77023, 77024, 77025, 77026, 77027, 77028, 77029, 77030, 77031, 77033, 77035, 77036, 77038, 77040, 77041, 77042, 77043, 77044, 77045, 77046, 77047, 77048, 77050, 77051, 77053, 77054, 77055, 77056, 77057, 77058, 77059, 77060, 77061, 77062, 77063, 77064, 77065, 77066, 77067, 77068, 77069, 77070, 77071, 77072, 77073, 77074, 77075, 77076, 77077, 77078, 77079, 77080, 77081, 77082, 77083, 77084, 77085, 77086, 77087, 77088, 77089, 77090, 77091, 77092, 77093, 77094, 77095, 77096, 77098, 77099
Midtown & Museum District: 77002, 77004, 77006, 77019, 77098
Uptown & Galleria: 77027, 77056, 77057, 77063, 77082, 77401, 77402
Energy Corridor & West Houston: 77079, 77082, 77094, 77095, 77084, 77450, 77449, 77493, 77494
The Woodlands & North Houston: 77301, 77302, 77303, 77304, 77316, 77318, 77354, 77373, 77375, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77384, 77385, 77386, 77389
Sugar Land & Southwest Houston: 77478, 77479, 77487, 77489, 77496, 77497, 77498, 77477, 77459, 77469
Pearland & South Houston: 77581, 77584, 77588, 77089, 77545, 77546, 77047, 77048, 77034, 77075
Katy & West Suburbs: 77449, 77450, 77491, 77492, 77493, 77494, 77449, 77406, 77423, 77441, 77493
Clear Lake & Bay Area: 77058, 77059, 77062, 77546, 77573, 77586, 77598, 77539, 77565, 77571
Pasadena & East Houston: 77501, 77502, 77503, 77504, 77505, 77506, 77507, 77508, 77536, 77587, 77520, 77521, 77522, 77523
We serves the entire Houston region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Houston, TX
Houston’s major universities have distinct parking policies that impact auto transport planning. At the University of Houston, students must register vehicles and purchase parking permits through the PaRC system, with rates varying by lot location [UH Parking Services]. Rice University requires residential permits for on-campus parking, and spaces are limited—many students opt for off-campus apartments with dedicated parking [Rice Parking & Transportation]. Texas Southern University offers zoned parking permits, while commuter students should plan ahead as spots fill quickly [TSU Transportation]. When using car shipping services to Houston, coordinate delivery timing with your move-in date, as most universities don’t allow early vehicle storage. Houston’s mild winters eliminate snow tire concerns, but ensure your insurance and roadside assistance coverage transfers to Texas before shipping a car [Texas DMV].
Military Car Shipping in Houston, TX
Houston hosts Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, a key military installation serving multiple branches [DoD]. If you’re stationed here or nearby, understanding vehicle logistics is essential. Most personnel living on or near base will need to register their vehicle with the Installation Access Control Office within 30 days of arrival and obtain a proper DoD decal [Military OneSource]. Parking availability varies by unit and housing type—barracks residents typically have designated lots, while base housing often includes driveways or carports [Ellington Field]. For extended deployments or leave, coordinate with your unit about long-term vehicle storage options, as policies differ by command. Houston’s mild winters rarely require special tires, but summer heat can be intense—ensure your vehicle is properly maintained [NOAA]. Always verify your insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to Texas before shipping your vehicle [USAA].
Houston, TX Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Houston is simple and straightforward. Here are the key steps:
Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, toll tags (like TxTag or EZ TAG), and any loose items from inside your vehicle. Carriers are not insured for personal property.
Document the Condition: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup. This creates a record of its condition prior to transport.
Check Fluid Levels and Battery: Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel (about 1/4 tank), the battery is charged, and there are no leaks.
Remove or Secure Accessories: Take off or secure any external accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna extensions that could be damaged during transit.
Provide a Working Key: Have a spare key ready for the driver. Make sure all keys work for the doors and ignition.
Disable Alarms: Turn off or disable any car alarms to prevent issues during transport.
For a complete checklist and more detailed guidance, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth pickup and delivery process for your Houston vehicle transport.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Houston, TX. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before we assign your Houston shipment to a carrier, we verify that their insurance policy is active and in good standing. 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.
You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before your vehicle is picked up in Houston. If you have any questions about coverage, our team is happy to walk you through the details.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Houston at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the best results. However, booking earlier gives you more advantages.
Houston is a major transportation hub with high carrier activity, so last-minute pickups are sometimes possible. That said, advance booking helps you:
- Lock in better rates
- Get more carrier options
- Choose your preferred pickup dates
- Avoid rush fees
If you’re shipping during peak season (May through September) or around holidays, try to book 3-4 weeks ahead. This ensures carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction.
Need to ship right away? Contact us directly. We’ll work to find available carriers, though expedited service may cost more.
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 (like the ones you see on highways) and is the most popular and affordable option. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s perfectly safe for most cars. This is how dealerships ship new vehicles.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and debris. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but is worth considering for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.
For Houston residents: Given Texas weather and long highway distances, most standard vehicles do fine with open transport. However, if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle or want maximum protection from sun exposure and road conditions, enclosed transport offers peace of mind.
Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Houston and throughout Texas.
Door-to-door service means we pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you specify in the Houston area, and deliver it directly to your destination address. This is our standard service and the most convenient option for our customers.
Our carrier will contact you 24 hours before pickup to confirm the exact time and location. In most Houston neighborhoods, our carriers can access your street without any issues. However, if you live on a narrow street, in a gated community with restrictions, or an area where large transport trucks cannot safely operate, we’ll arrange a nearby meeting point. This is typically a large parking lot, shopping center, or gas station within a few miles of your home.
The same process applies at your delivery location. We always aim to get as close to your door as possible while ensuring safe and legal access for our carriers.
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!