($951) Cost to ship a car from McAllen, TX to Lexington, KY

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,380 miles from McAllen, Texas, to Lexington, Kentucky, generally falls between $951 and $1,481. 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 Lexington 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
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best McAllen to Lexington car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from McAllen to Lexington:

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
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

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. San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Incognito Express Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

San Antonio Auto Shipping Group

5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised the excellent support, professionalism, and reliable delivery speed provided by the team at Auto Shipping Group. Many highlighted the positive experiences with specific representatives who ensured smooth communication throughout the shipping process. Additionally, recipients appreciated the careful handling of their vehicles upon delivery. However, some customers encountered difficulties with prior service issues before finding satisfaction with this company. A few reviews noted initial challenges in locating transporter services, suggesting the need for better initial coordination in future cases.

Get a Quote (801) 973-4385

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
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Ceva Logistics

5801 George Mcvay Dr # C, Mcallen, TX 78503 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (956) 205-7500

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 KY

Relocating from McAllen to Lexington 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

If you are relocating from McAllen to Lexington, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.

Drive your car

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,380-mile trip from McAllen to Lexington could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.

Use a driving service

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Texas to Kentucky is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from McAllen to Lexington. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Lexington, 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 Lexington car shipping costs

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

Transport method

When shipping your car from McAllen to Lexington, 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 Lexington? 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 Lexington will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.

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 1,380 miles from McAllen to Lexington 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 McAllen and Lexington often affect the cost of auto transport.

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.

Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods

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

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,380-mile trip from McAllen to Lexington, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from McAllen to Lexington typically takes between three and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing McAllen and Lexington 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.
  • Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

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.
  • Lexington: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.

Vehicle inspections

  • McAllen: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
  • Lexington: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.

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.
  • Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from McAllen to Lexington?

The cost to ship a car from McAllen, TX to Lexington, KY 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 Lexington will range from $951 to $1,481.

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

It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,380 miles from McAllen to Lexington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from McAllen to Lexington 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 1,380-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