Texas to California Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for transport from Texas to California is simple. Follow these key steps to ensure a smooth and safe shipment:

• Clean your car: Wash the exterior before pickup. This makes it easier to spot any pre-existing scratches or dents during the inspection process.
• Document the condition: Take clear photos of all sides of your vehicle. This protects you in the unlikely event of a damage claim.
• Remove personal items: Empty your car of personal belongings. Items left inside are not covered by the carrier’s insurance.
• Remove toll tags and parking passes: Devices like EZ TAG or TxTag can be accidentally triggered during transit and charge your account.
• Check your fluid levels and tire pressure: Make sure there are no active leaks and that your tires are properly inflated.
• Leave only a quarter tank of gas: A full tank adds unnecessary weight. A quarter tank is enough for loading and unloading.
• Disable your car alarm: An alarm that goes off during transport can cause delays and frustration for your carrier.
• Remove exterior accessories: Take off spoilers, bike racks, or custom antennas that could be damaged or cause damage during shipping.
• Provide a working key: Your carrier will need a key to load and unload your vehicle from the truck.

For a full checklist, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. A little preparation goes a long way in making your Texas to California car shipping experience stress-free!

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport from Texas to California. Every carrier in the Sherpa network is required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your car ever leaves Texas, we verify that the carrier’s insurance policy is active and in good standing. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy — giving you an extra layer of protection throughout the entire shipment.

Our quotes are all-inclusive, so there are no surprise fees or hidden costs related to coverage. You can ship your vehicle with confidence knowing it is protected from pickup in Texas all the way to delivery in California.

Have questions about your coverage? Contact our team — we’re happy to walk you through the details.

The sooner you book, the better. We recommend scheduling your Texas pickup at least 2 weeks in advance, but booking 3–4 weeks ahead gives you the most flexibility and the best chance of locking in a competitive rate.

Here’s why early booking matters:

• More carrier options: Carriers plan their routes in advance. The earlier you post your shipment, the more drivers can bid on it.
• Better pricing: Last-minute bookings often come with higher rates due to limited carrier availability.
• Bundled routes: Carriers frequently bundle shipments heading from Texas to California together. Early booking increases the chance your vehicle gets paired with others on the same route, which can lower your cost.

That said, if you’re in a hurry, Sherpa Auto Transport can often arrange expedited pickup — though this may come at a premium. No matter your timeline, contact us as early as possible to get the most options and the best price for your Texas to California car shipment.

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 is the most popular and affordable option. Your car rides on an open-air trailer — the same type used to deliver new cars to dealerships. It’s safe, reliable, and the right choice for most vehicles making the trip from Texas to California.

Enclosed transport costs roughly 50–70% more than open transport, but it provides extra protection. Your vehicle is fully covered inside a trailer, shielded from road debris, dust, and weather. This option is best for:

• Classic or antique cars
• Luxury or exotic vehicles
• Custom paint jobs or low-clearance vehicles
• Any car where appearance and condition are a top priority

For most standard vehicles, open transport is the smart, cost-effective choice on the Texas to California route. If your car has high value or sentimental significance, the added cost of enclosed shipping is worth the peace of mind.

Not sure which is right for you? Check out our open vs. enclosed auto transport guide for a full breakdown.

Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service for all shipments from Texas to California. This is the most convenient way to ship your car — no need to drop it off at a terminal or travel out of your way.

Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup address in Texas and your delivery address in California. Your assigned carrier will come directly to you for pickup and deliver your vehicle as close to your front door as safely possible.

Keep in mind that some streets — such as narrow residential roads, low-clearance areas, or locations with tight turns — can be difficult for large car carriers to navigate. If that’s the case, your driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby alternative, like a local parking lot or gas station. This is rare, but good to know ahead of time.

Door-to-door service is included as a standard option with Sherpa Auto Transport, so you can enjoy a stress-free car shipping experience from start to finish.

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!