($1,553) Cost to ship a car from Stockton, CA to Houston, TX

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,553 to $2,188 to ship your car 1,883 miles from Stockton, California, to Houston, Texas. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston to Stockton car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

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
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The best Stockton to Houston car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Stockton to Houston:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Stockton

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Stockton, CA:

  1. McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  2. Ats Transportation Svc: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. United Road: 3.5 out of 5 stars

McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.

45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 257-9595

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Heavy equipment

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
  • McCollister's Transportation

Ats Transportation Svc

8195 Parish Way, #27 Gilroy, CA 95020 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the professionalism, communication, and reliability of Randy and the transport service. Many highlight fair pricing and recommend ATS for vehicle transportation needs, particularly noting its trustworthiness. A few reviews mention comparisons to larger companies, emphasizing ATS's superior service and competitive rates. Overall, the feedback reflects a high level of satisfaction with the vehicle shipping experience.

Get a Quote (408) 842-5341

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • First Class Shipping, Inc.

Car Shipping Carriers

39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Customers frequently praise the company's exceptional communication, reliable service, and excellent pricing, contributing to their loyalty. However, no significant negatives were reported, indicating strong overall satisfaction with the service provided.

Get a Quote (866) 744-2540

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

United Road

1444 El Pinal Dr, Stockton, CA 95205 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (209) 932-8640

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companies

We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.

Here’s what we considered:

  • Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
  • Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
  • Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
  • Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
  • Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.

Car shipping alternatives from CA to TX

If you’re planning a move from Stockton to Houston, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Stockton to Houston, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.

Drive your car

Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,883 miles from Stockton to Houston might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.

Use a driving service

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from California to Texas. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Stockton. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Houston.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Houston, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.

Factors affecting Stockton to Houston car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Stockton to Houston, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

There are a few ways to ship your car from Stockton to Houston, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.

Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Houston, our comparison guide can help.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Stockton has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Houston will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,883 miles from Stockton to Houston will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in California.

Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.

The time of the year

Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Stockton and Houston.

Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.

Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.

During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Stockton to Houston during these times can be more expensive.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,883-mile distance between Stockton and Houston and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Stockton to Houston takes between three and eleven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing Stockton and Houston vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Stockton: Parking at meters is enforced, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meters have limits ranging from 30 minutes to 10 hours, depending on the location; signs are posted to indicate limitations. Parkmobile sticker Effective September 1, 2015, use PayPal and credit cards to purchase time on parking meters using a cell phone mobile app. Meters are marked with stickers displaying the website address to download the app toll-free free number.
  • Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit

Car insurance requirements

  • Stockton: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
  • Houston: 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Stockton: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
  • Houston: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.

Driver’s license

  • Stockton: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Houston: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Stockton to Houston?

The cost to ship a car from Stockton, CA to Houston, TX varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Stockton to Houston will range from $1,553 to $2,188.

How long will it take to ship my car from Stockton to Houston?

It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,883 miles from Stockton to Houston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Stockton to Houston?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Stockton to Houston. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Stockton to Houston?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Stockton to Houston than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,883-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Stockton resources