($1,181) Cost to ship a car from Lubbock, TX to San Francisco, CA
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,403 miles from Lubbock, Texas, to San Francisco, California, will run you about $1,181 to $1,656. 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.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Francisco to Lubbock car shipping guide.
The best Lubbock to San Francisco car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Lubbock to San Francisco:
- 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 Lubbock
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Lubbock, TX:
- RAPID AUTO SHIPPING: 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
If you’re planning a move from Lubbock to San Francisco, 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 Lubbock to San Francisco, 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
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,403-mile journey from Lubbock to San Francisco 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
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 Lubbock to San Francisco carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to San Francisco, 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 Lubbock to San Francisco car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Lubbock to San Francisco, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Lubbock to San Francisco, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Lubbock 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 San Francisco, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Lubbock. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to San Francisco will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 1,403 miles from Lubbock to San Francisco 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
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Lubbock and San Francisco often affect the cost of auto transport.
Although in many parts of Texas hurricanes and extreme heat may affect your move, this is less of a concern in Lubbock. Local climate shouldn't play a big role in your move to Lubbock.
San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Lubbock to San Francisco in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,403-mile trip from Lubbock to San Francisco, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Lubbock to San Francisco takes three to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Lubbock and San Francisco vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Lubbock: For information on whether you need a permit to move to Lubbock call the city at 8067753000
- San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
Car insurance requirements
- Lubbock: 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.
- San Francisco: 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
- Lubbock: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- San Francisco: 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
- Lubbock: 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.
- San Francisco: 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 Lubbock to San Francisco?
The cost to ship a car from Lubbock, TX to San Francisco, 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 Lubbock to San Francisco will range from $1,181 to $1,656.
How long will it take to ship my car from Lubbock to San Francisco?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,403 miles from Lubbock to San Francisco. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lubbock to San Francisco?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lubbock to San Francisco. 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 Lubbock to San Francisco?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lubbock to San Francisco 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 1,403-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.
906 Main St, Silverton, TX 79257 US