($1,084) Cost to ship a car from Plano, TX to Lancaster, CA

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,412 miles from Plano, Texas, to Lancaster, California, generally falls between $1,084 and $1,583. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check 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 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

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

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Plano to Lancaster car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Plano 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 Exact Pickup Dates
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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
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Plano

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Plano, 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

Relocating from Plano to Lancaster means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.

Coordinate with your movers

On moves from Plano 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 lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,412-mile drive from Plano 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

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Texas to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Plano. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Lancaster.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Lancaster—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 Plano to Lancaster car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from Plano 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 Plano 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

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Plano 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

Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 1,412 miles from Plano to Lancaster will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Texas.

Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Plano and Lancaster often affect the cost of auto transport.

Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Plano are most likely.

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.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Plano to Lancaster in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,412-mile journey from Plano to Lancaster makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.

Delivery expectations

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

Comparing Plano and Lancaster vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Plano: Although Plano, Texas doesn't require a parking permit, it's always a good idea to double check with the city or county and also take into account that any subdivision or housing development that you may be moving to may have their own rules about parking.
  • 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

  • Plano: 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

  • Plano: 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

  • Plano: 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 Plano to Lancaster?

The cost to ship a car from Plano, 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 Plano to Lancaster will range from $1,084 to $1,583.

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

It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,412 miles from Plano to Lancaster. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Plano 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 1,412-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 Plano resources