($1,105) Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Chesapeake, VA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,105 to $1,594 to ship your car 1,520 miles from Austin, Texas, to Chesapeake, Virginia. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake to Austin 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 Austin to Chesapeake car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Austin to Chesapeake:
- 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 Austin
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Austin, TX:
- San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- National Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Transport Austin: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Flix Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Linus 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 VA
Relocating from Austin to Chesapeake 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 Austin to Chesapeake, 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 1,520-mile journey from Austin to Chesapeake 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 Virginia, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Austin to Chesapeake safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Chesapeake. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Austin to Chesapeake car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Austin to Chesapeake can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Austin to Chesapeake, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Austin tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Chesapeake, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Austin depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Chesapeake will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
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 1,520 miles from Austin to Chesapeake 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 conditions in both Austin and Chesapeake can impact car shipping prices.
Austin has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
It is advisable tp plan your relocation to Chesapeake on May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Chesapeake, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Austin to Chesapeake during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,520-mile distance between Austin and Chesapeake 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 Austin to Chesapeake usually takes three–nine days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Austin and Chesapeake vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Austin: If you are temporarily loading or unloading non-construction materials or if you need to place a temporary storage device in the right of way, you will need a parking permit.
- Chesapeake:
Car insurance requirements
- Austin: 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.
- Chesapeake: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
Vehicle inspections
- Austin: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Chesapeake: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
Driver’s license
- Austin: 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.
- Chesapeake: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Austin to Chesapeake?
The cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Chesapeake, VA 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 Austin to Chesapeake will range from $1,105 to $1,594.
How long will it take to ship my car from Austin to Chesapeake?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,520 miles from Austin to Chesapeake. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Austin to Chesapeake?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Austin to Chesapeake. 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 Austin to Chesapeake?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Austin to Chesapeake 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 1,520-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.
5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US
8610 N New Braunfels Ave Suite S-607, San Antonio, TX 78217 US
1704 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701 US