Moving from California to Texas? You’re not alone. Whether you’re starting a new job in Austin, helping your kid settle into college in Dallas, or just sold a car online to someone in Houston, you need a dependable way to get your vehicle from point A to point B. Driving might seem like the easiest option, but a 1,500-mile trip comes with real costs and time commitments. That’s where car shipping makes sense. This guide covers everything you need to know, including pricing, preparation, and what to expect during the process.
Common Reasons People Ship Vehicles Between States:
- Remote jobs and corporate relocations
- College students attending Texas schools
- Seasonal moves and long vacations
- Online vehicle purchases
- Family moves and reunifications
The distance, anywhere from 1,300 to 1,600 miles, makes driving impractical for many. Instead of logging days behind the wheel, more people rely on car shipping services for safe, time-saving, and cost-effective transport.
The Best Ways to Ship a Car from California to Texas
Before choosing how to move your vehicle, compare the pros, cons, and costs of each option.
1. Hire a Professional Auto Transport Company
The most popular and convenient way to ship a car. Professional transporters offer various services to fit your budget and timeline.
Open Transport
- Most affordable method
- Suitable for standard vehicles
- Exposes your vehicle to road and weather conditions
- Loads up to 10 cars per carrier
- Transit time: 4–6 days
- Best for: Everyday cars, budget-conscious shippers
Enclosed Transport
- Higher cost, premium protection
- Ideal for vintage, luxury, or high-value vehicles
- Shields from weather, debris, and road damage
- Holds 2–6 vehicles per carrier
- Transit time: 3–5 days
- Best for: Classic, collector, or expensive cars
| Criteria | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 10 vehicles | 2–6 vehicles |
| Protection Level | Standard | High |
| Cost | Budget-friendly | Premium pricing |
| Ideal for | Daily drivers | Luxury/vintage cars |
2. Choose Door-to-Door or Terminal-to-Terminal
Door-to-Door Shipping
- Carrier picks up and delivers to your home or nearby location
- Most convenient
- May cost slightly more depending on accessibility
- Recommended for residential areas, especially if vehicle access is possible
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
- You drop off and pick up your vehicle at a designated terminal
- Less expensive
- Less convenient
- Risk of storage fees if you delay pickup
Pro tip: Ask your carrier about their terminal network and any additional fees associated with delivery flexibility.
3. Drive It Yourself
Driving may seem like the cheapest solution, but it comes with real costs:
- Time off work
- Gas, lodging, meals
- Vehicle wear and tear
- Traffic, fatigue, or safety concerns
DIY Road Trip Estimates:
- Fuel: $200–$300
- Lodging (2–3 nights): $100–$200 per night
- Food: $40–$60 per day
- Maintenance checks: $50–$100
- Total Est. Cost: $500–$1,000+
DIY makes the most sense if you enjoy road trips, are moving a daily driver, or need the vehicle immediately.
Car Shipping Costs from California to Texas
Auto shipping pricing varies depending on multiple factors:
Estimated Price by Route
| Route | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Houston | $800–$1,000 |
| San Francisco to Dallas | $900–$1,200 |
| San Diego to Austin | $850–$1,100 |
By Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Compact Cars | $600–$800 |
| Mid-Size Sedans | $700–$900 |
| Luxury Sedans | $800–$1,000 |
| Small SUVs | $750–$950 |
| Mid-Size SUVs | $850–$1,050 |
| Full-Size Trucks | $900–$1,100 |
Other Price Factors:
- Inoperable Vehicles: +$150–$300
- Seasonal Surges: 10–20% increase in summer
- Rural Pickups/Drop-offs: +$100–$200
- Expedited Shipping: +25–30%
- Insurance Upgrades: Varies by provider
Booking 2–3 weeks in advance usually secures the best pricing.
Transit Times Between Major Cities
| Route | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Dallas | 3–4 days |
| San Francisco to Houston | 4–5 days |
| San Diego to Austin | 3–4 days |
| Sacramento to San Antonio | 5–7 days |
Shipping Documentation Requirements
Before shipping your car, gather the following documents:
- ✅ Valid vehicle registration
- ✅ Proof of insurance
- ✅ Government-issued photo ID
- ✅ Bill of Lading (BOL) signed at pickup
- ✅ Inspection photos (before and after)
Need more peace of mind? Add uShip Property Protection to safeguard your home or business during pickup and delivery, with up to $10,000 in coverage and an easy online claims process.
Shipping a Car from Hawaii to Texas
Shipping a car from Hawaii involves port-to-port + overland transport:
Cost Breakdown:
- Ocean Freight: $1,000–$1,500
- Port Fees: $200–$400
- Mainland Transport (CA to TX): $600–$1,100
- Extras (e.g., enclosed carrier): $100–$300
Required Documents:
- Registration, Title, Bill of Sale
- Proof of ownership
- Government-issued ID
- Insurance and inspection reports
- Customs clearance (for port arrival)
What About Shipping to California?
If you’re transporting a car from Texas to California, be aware of strict vehicle requirements:
- California emissions standards (CARB compliance)
- Smog certification
- Proof of insurance
- Title transfer within 20 days
- CA registration and plates
Be sure to check local DMV requirements before finalizing your shipment.
Expert Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience
✅ Pre-Ship Checklist:
- Clean the car (inside and out)
- Take dated photos of its condition
- Remove personal items
- Leave only ¼ tank of gas
- Disable alarms and remove toll tags
✅ Carrier Research:
- Compare quotes from multiple providers
- Confirm USDOT registration
- Check reviews and insurance coverage
- Ask about tracking systems
✅ During Transport:
- Save all tracking links and carrier contact info
- Stay flexible on delivery times
- Have a backup contact for delivery if needed
✅ On Delivery:
- Inspect the car thoroughly before signing
- Take photos and test key features
- Keep all documents for your records
⚠️ Red Flags to Avoid:
- Unusually low quotes
- Vague or no insurance details
- High-pressure sales tactics
- No physical address listed
- Huge upfront deposits
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How much does it cost to move a car from California to Texas?
On average, between $700 and $1,200 depending on vehicle type, route, and timing.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a car?
Driving yourself is usually cheapest. Among carriers, open transport is the most cost-effective.
Can I ship a car from Hawaii to Texas?
Yes. It involves sea freight to California, then overland transport to Texas. Expect total costs from $1,800–$3,000.
How long does it take to ship a car to Texas?
Transit usually takes 4–7 days, depending on pickup location, weather, and carrier availability.
What documents are needed to transfer a car from Texas to California?
You’ll need the title, registration, insurance, smog certification (if required), and a CA DMV form for registration.
Final Takeaway: Choose What Fits You Best
Whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle, or just need it in another state, the right transport method depends on:
- 🚙 Your vehicle type and value
- 📅 Your timeline
- 💰 Your budget
- 🧾 Your paperwork readiness
Shipping your car with a trusted platform like uShip ensures it arrives safely, affordably, and on time, no matter the distance.
