($1,308) Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Sacramento, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,308 to $2,006 to ship your car 1,929 miles from Houston, 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 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 Sacramento car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Houston 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
- 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
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in 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
If you’re planning a move from Houston to Sacramento, 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 Houston to Sacramento, 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 several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,929-mile journey from Houston to Sacramento could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Texas to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Houston to Sacramento. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
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 Houston to Sacramento car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Houston to Sacramento, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Houston to Sacramento, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Houston are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Sacramento? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Houston 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
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,929 miles from Houston to Sacramento will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Texas.
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
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Houston and Sacramento often affect the cost of auto transport.
Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
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.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Houston to Sacramento in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,929-mile distance between Houston and Sacramento 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 Houston to Sacramento takes between three and eleven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Houston and Sacramento vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Houston: 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
- 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.
- 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 Houston to Sacramento?
The cost to ship a car from Houston, 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 Houston to Sacramento will range from $1,308 to $2,006.
How long will it take to ship my car from Houston to Sacramento?
It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,929 miles from Houston to Sacramento. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Houston to Sacramento?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Houston 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 Houston to Sacramento?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Houston 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 1,929-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.
