10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Texas (2026 Cost Guide)

Best car shipping companies in Texas

We've carefully reviewed 612 car shippers across the U.S., dedicating more than 400 hours to comparing services, quotes, and availability. Among them are 52 car shippers operating within Texas. That's enough data to confidently point you toward the best car shipping companies near you.

If you need to ship a car out of Houston or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in Texas:

Average cost of transporting a car out of TX

If you're moving your car from Texas to another state, costs run between $773 and $1,294. Your actual price might be higher or lower based on things like the transport distance and whether you pick open or enclosed shipping.

Here are some estimated price ranges:

What affects car shipping costs from Texas

• Your move distance: Shipping within Texas or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
• Location: Shipping from a rural part of Texas often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Houston or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
• Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Texas cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 59% of Texas shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Shipping options in the Lone Star State: 92% of Texas auto transporters offer open transport, and 86% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Texas's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
• Gas prices: Fuel costs in Texas factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.55 per gallon right now.
• Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
• Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
• Discounts: In Texas, 20 companies offer military discounts, 6 offer student discounts, 1 offer AAA discounts, 5 offer senior discounts, 1 offer teacher discounts, 2 offer law enforcement discounts, 51 offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.

For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Texas car shipping routes.

How to ship a car from Texas

Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Texas.

1. Estimate your shipping cost. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Texas typically costs $773 - $1,294, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
2. Choose open vs enclosed transport. Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. This is especially relevant given Texas's weather patterns.
3. Verify MC/DOT licensing. Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
4. Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes. Compare at least three of the 52 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Texas. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
5. Book an off-peak ship date. Schedule outside peak season when possible. Summer weekends and month-end dates command premium rates. For Texas routes, expect 1 - 3 days for in-state delivery and roughly 7 - 14 days for long interstate hauls.

FAQs

Can I ship a car internationally from Texas?

Yes, 57% of car shippers in Texas offer international shipping services. Confirm customs requirements and delivery timelines with the carrier before booking.

Does Texas require a vehicle inspection?

In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.

Do Texas car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or other specialty vehicles?

Yes, plenty of Texas shippers handle specialty vehicles. 73% ship motorcycles. 32% ship RVs. 46% ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when requesting quotes.

Do Texas car shippers offer discounts?

Yes, car shippers in Texas offer several discounts: 20 for military members, 6 for students, 1 for AAA members, 5 for seniors, 1 for teachers, and 2 for law enforcement. Compare a few of these providers to find the best combination of savings and service.

How many car shipping companies operate in Texas?

moveBuddha tracks 52 car shipping companies operating in Texas. Comparing at least three quotes among them can help you find the best combination of price and service for your route.