($1,165) Cost to ship a car from Dallas, TX to Sacramento, CA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,165 to $1,708 to ship your car 1,725 miles from Dallas, Texas, to Sacramento, California. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sacramento to Dallas 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 Dallas to Sacramento car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Dallas to Sacramento:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Dallas
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Dallas, TX:
- Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Crestline Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Number 1 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 TX to CA
Getting your car from Dallas to Sacramento can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Dallas to Sacramento, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,725-mile drive from Dallas to Sacramento into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Texas to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Dallas to Sacramento carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Sacramento—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Dallas to Sacramento car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Dallas to Sacramento can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Dallas to Sacramento, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Dallas tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Sacramento, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Dallas 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 Sacramento will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,725 miles from Dallas to Sacramento will cost more than a shorter move within Texas.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Dallas and Sacramento can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
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 Dallas are most likely.
Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Dallas to Sacramento during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,725 miles between Dallas and Sacramento, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Dallas to Sacramento is three to nine days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Dallas and Sacramento vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Dallas: For exact details about what parking permits you need to acquire for your move, contact the parking permits and licenses department at the City of Dallas
- Sacramento: All Residential Parking Permits, including Online 24-Hour Temporary Parking Permits, are free of charge. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Vehicle permit (stickers) or Visitor permits (placards) is $25. Online Temporary Permits that are lost, stolen or damaged will not be replaced as the permit may be re-printed for that vehicle if the valid time is still in effect.
Car insurance requirements
- Dallas: 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.
- Sacramento: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Dallas: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Sacramento: 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.
Driver’s license
- Dallas: 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.
- Sacramento: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Dallas to Sacramento?
The cost to ship a car from Dallas, TX to Sacramento, CA 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 Dallas to Sacramento will range from $1,165 to $1,708.
How long will it take to ship my car from Dallas to Sacramento?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,725 miles from Dallas to Sacramento. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Dallas to Sacramento?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Dallas to Sacramento. 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 Dallas to Sacramento?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Dallas to Sacramento 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 1,725-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.
2201 Main St #205, Dallas, TX 75201 US
325 North St. Paul Street Suite 3100, Dallas, TX 75201 US
3530 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75234 US
13101 Preston Rd #406, Dallas, TX 75240 US