10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Texas (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport tops our list for car shipping in Texas, standing out on price, service options, and reviews. Our team gave them a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars. Distance and shipping method drive most of the cost, which falls between $676 and $1,398 to ship your car from Texas.
Texas car shipping facts
- 92% of auto transport companies in Texas ship vehicles using open carriers, the most popular and budget-friendly method.
- 86% of Texas shippers provide enclosed transport services.
- Across the U.S., just 28% of companies offer guaranteed delivery, versus 34% in Texas. If timing is critical, we suggest Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Texas
Our team has dedicated more than 400 hours to researching and evaluating 612 car shipping companies nationwide, including 52 based in TX. This work allows us to provide unbiased, trustworthy recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
Whether you're shipping from Houston or another city in Texas, explore our top picks for reliable auto shippers below:
Average cost of transporting a car out of TX
The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in Texas ranges from $676 to $1,398, though the exact amount could be more or less depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $561 - $872
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $829 - $1,220
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,151 - $1,314
Here are a few examples:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Texas to Florida | $1,104 | $1,737 |
| Texas to Georgia | $1,014 | $1,619 |
| Texas to Colorado | $871 | $1,380 |
| Texas to Michigan | $1,197 | $1,685 |
| Texas to Ohio | $1,128 | $1,609 |
| Arizona to Texas | $939 | $1,418 |
| North Carolina to Texas | $1,150 | $1,702 |
| New York to Texas | $1,375 | $1,975 |
| Illinois to Texas | $963 | $1,465 |
| California to Texas | $1,251 | $1,916 |
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.
- 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 $676 - $1,398, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Book an off-peak ship date. Book off-peak when your timeline allows. Summer, holidays, and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. In Texas, in-state shipments typically deliver in 1 - 3 days; cross-country routes often take 7 - 14 days depending on distance and weather.
FAQs
Does weather in Texas impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Texas. Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move.
Are Texas car shippers insured against damage?
73% of car shippers in Texas are fully insured, and 28% offer a damage-free guarantee. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Texas?
Delivery times for car shipping in Texas depend on distance and route: in-state shipments typically take one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points can all affect these estimates, so confirm timing with your shipping provider.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Texas?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Texas, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its range of services, pricing accuracy, and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Texas?
Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
3530 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX, 75234
2201 Main St #205, Dallas, TX, 75201
325 North St. Paul Street Suite 3100, Dallas, TX, 75201
906 Main St, Silverton, TX, 79257