($1,093) Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Lancaster, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,093 to $1,659 to ship your car 1,569 miles from Houston, Texas, to Lancaster, 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 Lancaster to Houston 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 Houston to Lancaster car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Houston to Lancaster:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Houston
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Houston, TX:
- New World Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Horizon Auto Shipping: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Cayad Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Houston Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Fast Motion Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
New World Auto Transport
5150 Franz Rd STE 500, Katy, TX 77493 US newworldautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
New World Auto Transport is praised for their exceptional service and professionalism in moving vehicles, with many customers feeling valued and cared for throughout the process. Their quick delivery times and excellent communication stand out, leading to high customer satisfaction. However, there are no significant negative remarks reported in the reviews.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2246109
Alternative Business Names
- New World Auto Transport Logistics, LLC
Horizon Auto Shipping
6609 Supply Row, Houston, TX 77011 US horizonautoshipping.com
3.58 / 5.0
Customers have noted efficient and helpful service with on-time delivery, particularly praising supportive representatives. However, they have also reported overcharging and poor communication, with some items missing after shipment.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2227825
Cayad Auto Transport
11606 N Garden St, Houston, TX 77071 US cayadservices.com3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 4091368
Houston Auto Transport
10685 Hazelhurst Dr # B Pmb 11, Houston, TX 77043 US
nationwideautotransportation.com
3.5 / 5.0
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
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2248682
Fast Motion Auto Transport
21 Waterway Ave Ste 300, The Woodlands, TX 77380 US
movevocity.com
3.5 / 5.0
Fast Motion Auto Transport has received considerable feedback highlighting both their efficient logistics and significant service shortcomings. While some customers praise the excellent communication, prompt pickup, and courteous drivers, others express frustration over unprofessionalism, poor communication about delivery, and unresolved refund issues.
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
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2567987
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
When you’re moving from Houston to Lancaster, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Houston to Lancaster, 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
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,569-mile drive from Houston to Lancaster 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Texas to California, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Houston to Lancaster safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Lancaster is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Houston to Lancaster car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Houston to Lancaster can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Houston to Lancaster, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Houston 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 Lancaster, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Houston is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Lancaster will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 1,569 miles from Houston to Lancaster is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Texas.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Houston and Lancaster.
Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Houston to Lancaster during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,569-mile distance between Houston and Lancaster and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Houston to Lancaster is three to nine days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Houston and Lancaster vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit
- Lancaster: Check with the City of Lancaster for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lancaster.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Lancaster: 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
- Houston: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Lancaster: 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
- 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.
- Lancaster: 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 Houston to Lancaster?
The cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Lancaster, 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 Houston to Lancaster will range from $1,093 to $1,659.
How long will it take to ship my car from Houston to Lancaster?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,569 miles from Houston to Lancaster. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Houston to Lancaster?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Houston to Lancaster. 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 Houston to Lancaster?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Houston to Lancaster 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 1,569-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.
