($1,233) Cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Plano, TX
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,329 miles from Washington DC, Maryland, to Plano, Texas, will run you about $1,233 to $1,940. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Plano to Washington DC car shipping guide.
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
The best Washington DC to Plano car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Washington DC to Plano:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Washington DC
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Washington DC, MD:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Capital Exports Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Montage Transport & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Washington DC Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 MD to TX
If you’re planning a move from Washington DC to Plano, 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
When relocating from Washington DC to Plano, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,329 miles from Washington DC to Plano 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Maryland to Texas, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Washington DC to Plano safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Plano, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Washington DC to Plano car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Washington DC to Plano can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Washington DC to Plano, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Plano, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Washington DC depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Plano will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,329 miles from Washington DC to Plano is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Maryland.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Washington DC and Plano can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Plano are most likely.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Washington DC to Plano during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,329-mile drive between Washington DC and Plano, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Washington DC to Plano takes between three and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Washington DC and Plano vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
- Plano: Although Plano, Texas doesn't require a parking permit, it's always a good idea to double check with the city or county and also take into account that any subdivision or housing development that you may be moving to may have their own rules about parking.
Car insurance requirements
- Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
- Plano: 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
- Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
- Plano: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
Driver’s license
- Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
- Plano: 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 Washington DC to Plano?
The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Plano, 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 Washington DC to Plano will range from $1,233 to $1,940.
How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to Plano?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,329 miles from Washington DC to Plano. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to Plano?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Washington DC to Plano. 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 Washington DC to Plano?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Washington DC to Plano 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 1,329-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.
210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US
20559 Meadow Island Pl, Sterling, VA 20165 US
4 Dwelling House Ct, Catonsville, MD 21228 US
1530 Wilson Blvd # 650, Arlington, VA 22209 US
7300 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, MD 20012 US