($661) Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Memphis, TN
Quick answer: Shipping a car 568 miles from Houston, Texas, to Memphis, Tennessee, typically costs between $661 and $986. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis to Houston car shipping guide.
Our track record
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 Houston to Memphis car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Houston to Memphis:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Houston
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Houston, TX:
- New World Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Horizon Auto Shipping: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Cayad Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Houston Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Fast Motion Auto Transport: 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 TN
If you’re relocating from Houston to Memphis, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Houston to Memphis, 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
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 568 miles from Houston to Memphis can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Texas to Tennessee. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Houston to Memphis carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Memphis is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Houston to Memphis car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Houston to Memphis, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Houston to Memphis, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Memphis, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Houston has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Memphis will cost more than moving a smaller 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 568 miles from Houston to Memphis 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
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Houston and Memphis can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Houston to Memphis during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 568-mile journey from Houston to Memphis 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 Houston to Memphis takes between one and six days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Houston and Memphis vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit
- Memphis: A single trip or annual permit must be obtained before traveling with oversize and/or overweight loads on Tennessee roadways. All permit types can be obtained through the TNTRIPS application.
Car insurance requirements
- Houston: 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.
- Memphis: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Houston: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Memphis: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
Driver’s license
- Houston: 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.
- Memphis: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Houston to Memphis?
The cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Memphis, TN 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 Houston to Memphis will range from $661 to $986.
How long will it take to ship my car from Houston to Memphis?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 568 miles from Houston to Memphis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Houston to Memphis?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Houston to Memphis. 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 Houston to Memphis?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Houston to Memphis 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 568-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.
10685 Hazelhurst Dr # B Pmb 11, Houston, TX 77043 US
21 Waterway Ave Ste 300, The Woodlands, TX 77380 US