($1,289) Cost to ship a car from McAllen, TX to Fresno, CA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,809 miles from McAllen, Texas, to Fresno, California, ranges from $1,289 to $1,874. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fresno to McAllen car shipping guide.

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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
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The best McAllen to Fresno car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from McAllen to Fresno:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
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Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
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  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in McAllen

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in McAllen, TX:

  1. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  2. Incognito Express Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ceva Logistics

11906 Hayter Rd, Laredo, TX 78045 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the drop-and-hook nature of the service and indicate that the facility is generally good and functional, but they also express frustration regarding inefficiencies, long wait times, and some unpleasant interactions with staff.

Get a Quote (956) 791-0981

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

Incognito Express Llc

1910 Cochran Lane, Rockport, TX 78382 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (254) 542-7804

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

AMPM Auto Transport

302 Crossroads Loop, Laredo, TX 78045 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (877) 241-2676

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2247310

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 McAllen to Fresno, 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

On moves from McAllen to Fresno, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.

Drive your car

Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,809 miles from McAllen to Fresno 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 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 McAllen to Fresno 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 Fresno, 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 McAllen to Fresno car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from McAllen to Fresno, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When shipping your car from McAllen to Fresno, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from McAllen 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 Fresno? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from McAllen. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Fresno 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 1,809 miles from McAllen to Fresno 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

The time of year and weather conditions in McAllen and Fresno play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

Consider moving to McAllen city on November, March and February. The city has two distinct seasons; a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.

Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from McAllen to Fresno in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,809-mile distance between McAllen and Fresno and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from McAllen to Fresno usually takes three–eleven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.

Comparing McAllen and Fresno vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • McAllen: Make sure to check with the City of McAllen for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to McAllen.
  • Fresno: Some parking meters are enforced until 10 pm, seven days a week, when an event is taking place at the Stadium, Selland Arena, Saroyan Theatre, or Convention Center. Decals on the meter identify this event-specific requirement. Information on downtown event parking. There are approximately 2,000 parking meters in downtown Fresno in time increments from 30 minutes to 10 hours. Meters are $1.00 or $1.50 per hour depending on the location. Meters are not enforced on the City of Fresno observed holidays.

Car insurance requirements

  • McAllen: 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.
  • Fresno: 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

  • McAllen: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
  • Fresno: 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

  • McAllen: 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.
  • Fresno: 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 McAllen to Fresno?

The cost to ship a car from McAllen, TX to Fresno, 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 McAllen to Fresno will range from $1,289 to $1,874.

How long will it take to ship my car from McAllen to Fresno?

It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,809 miles from McAllen to Fresno. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from McAllen to Fresno?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from McAllen to Fresno. 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 McAllen to Fresno?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from McAllen to Fresno 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 1,809-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.

Helpful McAllen resources