Texas to California
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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TEXAS TO CALIFORNIA
Shipping from Texas to California
Planning to move your vehicle from the Lone Star State to the Golden State? Texas to California car shipping is one of America’s most popular auto transport routes. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding between states, professional car shipping saves you time, money, and miles on your odometer. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport costs, timelines, and tips for a smooth shipping experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
TX
Texas
CA
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Popular Routes from Texas to California
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Texas to California
Texas to California car shipping typically costs $800-$1,150 and takes 2-6 days, covering an average distance of 1,614 miles across this popular cross-country route.
Our Texas & California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and transparent pricing that eliminates hidden fees and surprises.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Texas-California shipping, with longer routes like Houston to San Francisco costing more than shorter ones like Austin to San Diego.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment 2-3 weeks in advance during off-peak months and choose flexible pickup windows to secure the lowest rates for your Texas to California move.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle inspection at pickup is the most critical step, as documenting your car’s condition protects you throughout the entire shipping process from Texas to California.
State Insights
California’s strict emissions standards require vehicles to pass smog checks within 20 days of residency, which may require modifications for some Texas vehicles.
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 Texas to California
Factors that Affect Texas to California Shipping Prices
Distance
Texas to California spans 1,200-1,500 miles depending on your specific cities. This long-distance journey significantly impacts shipping costs, with longer routes requiring more fuel and driver time.
Route
Major highways like I-10 and I-40 connecting Texas and California offer cheaper shipping rates. These well-traveled routes have more carrier traffic than remote roads.
Season
Summer months see higher demand as families relocate before school starts. Winter offers lower rates but potential weather delays. Spring and fall provide balanced pricing.
Vehicle Type
Standard sedans cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, add weight for fuel costs, and need special handling equipment.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday weeks like Thanksgiving create road congestion, increasing shipping times and costs. Plan shipments during quieter periods to avoid delays and premium pricing on this route.
Carrier Availability
Peak summer season may require 1-2 weeks to secure carriers for Texas-California routes. Off-season bookings typically find available carriers within 3-5 days at better rates.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for Texas-California shipping and work well for most vehicles. Enclosed transport protects luxury cars but doubles the shipping cost.
Population Density
Dense California cities like Los Angeles increase delivery costs versus suburban areas. Consider pickup at carrier terminals outside major cities to reduce final delivery fees.
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
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling flexibility, which translates to lower rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Pick locations near major highways in both Texas and California. Cities with easy highway access offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations with limited access.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed ones for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday cars ship safely on open trailers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Texas to California Work?
Texas to California car shipping is one of the most popular auto transport routes in the United States, covering an average distance of 1,614 miles. The process begins when you request a quote from Sherpa Auto Transport. Our team will gather details about your vehicle, pickup location in Texas, and delivery destination in California. We’ll provide you with a transparent price quote, typically ranging from $800 to $1,150 depending on your specific needs.
Once you book your car shipping service, we assign a professional carrier to handle your vehicle transport. The carrier will contact you 24-48 hours before pickup to schedule a convenient time. During pickup, you’ll complete a vehicle inspection report documenting your car’s current condition. This step protects both you and our auto transport company throughout the shipping process.
Your vehicle travels from Texas to California on either an open or enclosed carrier, depending on your preference and budget. Open carriers are more common and cost-effective, while enclosed transport offers premium protection for luxury or classic vehicles. The typical timeline for Texas to California car shipping is 2-6 days, though this can vary based on weather conditions, traffic, and specific pickup and delivery locations.
Upon arrival in California, the carrier will contact you to arrange delivery. You’ll perform a final vehicle inspection and sign off on the transport. One unique consideration for this interstate route is California’s strict emissions standards, so ensure your vehicle meets state requirements if you’re relocating permanently. Sherpa Auto Transport handles all the logistics, making your car shipping experience smooth and stress-free from the Lone Star State to the Golden State.
Texas to California Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Texas to California car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states is crucial for a smooth transition. California has stricter vehicle regulations than Texas, particularly regarding emissions standards. Your vehicle must pass California’s smog check within 20 days of establishing residency, which is more stringent than Texas requirements. Vehicles older than four years need biennial emissions testing, and some Texas vehicles may require modifications to meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards.
Registration processes differ significantly between the two states. Texas vehicle registration is typically less expensive and requires basic safety inspections in some counties. California registration costs more and includes additional fees like the Vehicle License Fee based on your car’s value. When using auto transport services, ensure all Texas registration documents are current, as California DMV will require your Texas title, registration, and proof of insurance to complete the transfer within 20 days of residency.
Vehicle modification laws vary considerably between states. California has stricter window tinting regulations, allowing only 70% light transmission for front side windows, compared to Texas’s 25% limit. Frame height restrictions and aftermarket modifications face more scrutiny in California. If your Texas vehicle has lifted suspension or modified exhaust systems, verify compliance with California regulations before car shipping to avoid costly modifications later.
Insurance considerations play a vital role in your move. California requires higher minimum liability coverage than Texas, and insurance rates are generally higher due to population density and accident rates. Contact your insurance provider before auto transport to ensure coverage during shipping and understand rate changes. Weather modifications are less critical since both states have warm climates, though Northern California’s cooler temperatures might require different tire considerations than typical Texas driving conditions.
Texas to California Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Texas to California is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Clean and inspect your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. Take photos of any existing damage for your records.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and loose items. Carriers are not responsible for personal property left in vehicles.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas. Check that the battery is secure and fluids aren’t leaking.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or other add-ons that could get damaged. Fold in side mirrors and retract antennas.
Have keys ready: You’ll need to provide working keys to the driver for loading and unloading.
For complete preparation details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps helps ensure your car arrives safely in California.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Texas to California with Sherpa Auto Transport.
Every carrier in our network must carry:
- $1,000,000 in liability insurance – covers damage to other vehicles or property
- $100,000 in cargo insurance – protects your vehicle during transport
Before your Texas to California shipment begins, 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 for extra protection.
Important: While rare, if damage occurs during transport, you’ll file a claim directly with the carrier’s insurance company. We’ll help guide you through this process to ensure a quick resolution.
Your vehicle is protected from pickup in Texas all the way to delivery in California, giving you peace of mind during your cross-country move.
For car shipping from Texas to California, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes more efficiently when they have advance notice
- More carrier options: Popular routes like Texas to California fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
If you need faster service, we do offer expedited shipping options. However, booking early typically saves you money and reduces stress during your move.
Pro tip: If you’re moving during peak season (summer months), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead for the best results.
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 where your car is exposed to weather and road debris. This is the most common and affordable option, costing about 50% less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road debris during the long trip from Texas to California.
Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money. Most cars ship this way safely.
Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom paint or modifications that you want extra protection for.
For the Texas to California route (1,200+ miles), enclosed transport gives you peace of mind but costs more. See our complete open vs enclosed guide to help you decide what’s best for your car and budget.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Texas to California. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in Texas and deliver it directly to your specified location in California.
When you book your Texas to California car shipping, simply provide us with your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come to you – no need to drive to a terminal or depot.
In some cases, large trucks cannot access certain streets due to low bridges, narrow roads, or HOA restrictions. If this happens, our driver will arrange to meet you at a nearby safe location like a shopping center or gas station. We always work with you to find the most convenient spot possible.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle, especially on long routes like Texas to California. You won’t need to arrange extra transportation to pick up your vehicle from a distant terminal.
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!