($1,196) Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to McAllen, TX
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,671 miles from Richmond, Virginia, to McAllen, Texas, typically costs between $1,196 and $1,671. 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 McAllen to Richmond 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
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The best Richmond to McAllen car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Richmond to McAllen:
- 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 Richmond
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Richmond, VA:
- Safemile Auto Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Richmond Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Quality Services Moving: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Sweetie Boy Delivers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 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 VA to TX
Relocating from Richmond to McAllen 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’re moving from Richmond to McAllen, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,671-mile trip from Richmond to McAllen 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 Virginia to Texas is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Richmond to McAllen. 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 McAllen, 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 Richmond to McAllen car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Richmond to McAllen can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Richmond to McAllen, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Richmond 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 McAllen, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Richmond 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 McAllen will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,671 miles from Richmond to McAllen will cost more than a shorter move within Virginia.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Richmond and McAllen.
Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is rather uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dry periods lasting several weeks sometimes occur, especially in autumn, when long periods of pleasant, mild weather are most common.
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.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Richmond to McAllen during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,671 miles between Richmond and McAllen, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Richmond to McAllen typically takes between three and nine days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Richmond and McAllen vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Richmond: This application is to be used to request a parking permit in the City of Richmond. Please complete the parking permit application to be approved for your event. Before you submit your application to the Richmond Police Permit Office, make sure that the following steps have been completed: Parking Permit Application must be received to the Police Department at least three (3) business days prior to the requested date and times. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to have the appropriate no parking signs affixed to a pole or signage in the exact area that the parking permit lists for the special occasion or event. The parking signs must be in position no less than 48 hours prior to the event or occasion. Please Note: The No Parking Signs may be purchased from the two companies that are listed on the parking permit application.
- 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.
Car insurance requirements
- Richmond: 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.
- 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Richmond: 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.
- McAllen: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
Driver’s license
- Richmond: 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.
- 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Richmond to McAllen?
The cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to McAllen, TX 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 Richmond to McAllen will range from $1,196 to $1,671.
How long will it take to ship my car from Richmond to McAllen?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,671 miles from Richmond to McAllen. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Richmond to McAllen?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Richmond to McAllen. 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 Richmond to McAllen?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Richmond to McAllen 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 1,671-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.
500 E Main St 16th floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 US
1518 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230 US
10595 Furnace Rd # 140, Lorton, VA 22079 US
4001 Carolina Ave, Richmond, VA 23222 US
6802 Paragon Pl Suite 410, Richmond, VA 23230 US