($1,125) Cost to ship a car from McKinney, TX to Lancaster, CA

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,125 to $1,578 to ship your car 1,422 miles from McKinney, 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
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 Lancaster to McKinney 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 McKinney to Lancaster car shipping companies

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

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
read our full review
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
read our full review
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
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in McKinney

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in McKinney, TX:

  1. Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Crestline Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Number 1 Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.

2201 Main St #205, Dallas, TX 75201 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise Thrifty Auto Shipping for their exceptional customer service and reliable, timely deliveries. Positive comments highlight the excellent communication and ease of the shipping process. However, some notes indicate that prices may not be the lowest compared to competitors, though regarded as fair.

Get a Quote (844) 741-1221

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • AAA
  • Student
  • Teacher
  • Law enforcement

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2537155

Bold Auto Transport

325 North St. Paul Street Suite 3100, Dallas, TX 75201 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised Bold Auto Transport for their excellent service, professional staff, and fast delivery times. However, no significant negative feedback was noted, with every shipment being handled promptly and efficiently.

Get a Quote (469) 942-5444

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
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military
  • Law enforcement

Additional Information

Crestline Auto Transport

3530 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75234 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Crestline Auto Transport is praised for its reliability, timely service, and excellent communication. Customers consistently report hassle-free experiences and competitive pricing, making them a preferred choice for vehicle transport. Some experiences noted slightly higher costs and occasional delays due to weather.

Get a Quote (214) 382-5000

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Student

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Crestline Logistics, LLC

Number 1 Auto Transport

13101 Preston Rd #406, Dallas, TX 75240 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers frequently praise the exceptional service and communication provided by the team at Number 1 Auto Transport. Many reviewers appreciate the dedication and support from the staff, particularly from individuals like James, Marc, and John Russo. However, there were initial hesitations regarding the legitimacy of the service, which were quickly dispelled with transparency about pricing.

Get a Quote (855) 422-4141

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

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 McKinney to Lancaster 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

On moves from McKinney to Lancaster, 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

There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,422-mile journey from McKinney to Lancaster 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

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 McKinney to Lancaster 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 Lancaster, 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 McKinney to Lancaster car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from McKinney to Lancaster can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from McKinney to Lancaster, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.

Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Lancaster, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of McKinney will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Lancaster than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,422 miles from McKinney to Lancaster will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Texas.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both McKinney and Lancaster.

October, April and May are the most pleasant months in McKinney, while July and August are the least comfortable months as you may experience extreme heat during these months.

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 McKinney to Lancaster during these times can be more expensive.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,422-mile drive between McKinney and Lancaster, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from McKinney to Lancaster takes between three and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing McKinney and Lancaster vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • McKinney:
  • 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

  • McKinney: 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

  • McKinney: 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

  • McKinney: 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 McKinney to Lancaster?

The cost to ship a car from McKinney, 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 McKinney to Lancaster will range from $1,125 to $1,578.

How long will it take to ship my car from McKinney to Lancaster?

It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,422 miles from McKinney to Lancaster. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from McKinney to Lancaster?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from McKinney 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 McKinney to Lancaster?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from McKinney 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 1,422-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 McKinney resources