Texas offers the lowest baseline rates ($800–$1,200 avg.), California is mid-range ($1,100–$1,400), and Florida peaks in winter ($1,000–$1,350, with snowbird surge adding $200–$400). The best overall value across all three states? Autostar Transport Express (4.8/5 reviews, transparent pricing), while Montway dominates long-distance ($0.95/mile 1,500+ miles), and Sherpa wins for guaranteed pricing. Read for exact costs, verified customer experiences, and proven tactics to save $200–$500 on your shipment.
👥 Real Verified Customer Experiences: What Users Actually Report
Off-Season Savings: Flexibility Pays Off
From Trustpilot (Verified Autostar Customer):
“The quote I got was what I paid. There were no unexpected charges or hidden fees. The driver who picked up my car was the same that delivered my car, which was cool. The communication was great, and I could track my car’s progress online using the tracking tool. I am 100% satisfied.”
— Shopper Approved Review
Key Insight: Booking during off-season (May–October) typically saves 20–30% vs. peak season. One customer reported transparent pricing with zero surprises—the hallmark of smart off-season booking.
Snowbird Season Reality: Plan Ahead to Avoid Surprises
From Google Reviews (Verified Autostar Customer, Florida):
“I used AutoStar Transport Express to ship my mother-in-law’s car from Hawaii to Georgia. The communication was great and they were very transparent with pricing. The pricing was very fair. They provided email updates on where the car was… I will use them again. Highly recommend.”
— Verified Google Review
Key Insight: Even cross-country (Hawaii-Georgia), transparent pricing prevents sticker shock. However, booking during peak snowbird months (Jan–Mar in Florida) adds $200–$400 vs. off-season rates. Plan ahead.
Why Communication Matters During Long Distances
From Trustpilot (Verified Customer):
“Demetri was my agent and I have used him before. He got back to me on a weekend to let me know he got my request then followed up when they opened for business. He stayed involved until the car was delivered. Just excellent customer service!”
— Verified Trustpilot Review
Key Insight: Repeat customers value consistent communication. Autostar’s 4.8/5 rating consistently reflects responsive support.
🤠 Texas Car Shipping: Costs, Top Carriers & Honest Comparisons
Realistic Texas Pricing (2026):
- Dallas to Houston (300 mi): $600–$900
- Houston to Austin (160 mi): $500–$750
- Dallas to Los Angeles (1,435 mi): $900–$1,300
- Houston to Miami (1,180 mi): $850–$1,200
| Company | Specialty | Price Range | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montway | Cheapest long-haul | $850–$1,100 | 4.7/5 | Budget, volume moves |
| Autostar | Transparent service | $870–$1,120 | 4.8/5 | Repeat customers |
| SGT | Quick local booking | $799–$1,050 | 4.6/5 | Same-week urgent |
| Sherpa | Price Lock (30 days) | $1,050–$1,250 | 4.9/5 | Premium peace-of-mind |
Pro Tip: High carrier competition = your advantage. Get 3 quotes; expect $100–$300 price gaps. Full Texas shipping guide →
🌴 California Car Shipping: Premium Rates & Best Routes
California Realistic Pricing (2026):
- LA to San Francisco (380 mi): $650–$1,000
- San Francisco to New York (2,800 mi): $1,900–$2,350
- LA to Miami (2,500 mi): $1,800–$2,200
| Company | Specialty | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa | Best communication | $1,100–$1,400 | 4.9/5 | Premium service |
| Autostar | Cross-country expert | $1,050–$1,350 | 4.8/5 | Reliable, personalized |
| Montway | National network | $1,000–$1,300 | 4.7/5 | Volume + discounts |
| AmeriFreight | Insurance options | $1,150–$1,450 | 4.8/5 | Extra protection |
Heads-Up: Coast-to-coast routes (LA-NYC) are lower per-mile but larger base price. Enclosed shipping adds $400–$600. Full California guide →
☀️ Florida Car Shipping: Seasonal Surge & Smart Timing
Florida Realistic Pricing (2026):
- Miami to Tampa (280 mi): $600–$950
- Miami to Texas (1,180 mi): $900–$1,300
- Miami to California (2,500 mi): $1,800–$2,200
⚠️ SNOWBIRD SEASON (Jan–Mar): +$200–$400 to ALL rates
| Company | Specialty | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autostar | TX/CA/FL specialist | $850–$1,200 | 4.8/5 | Snowbirds, cross-country |
| Montway | Fast, large fleet | $900–$1,250 | 4.7/5 | Volume shippers |
| SGT | Quick local quotes | $800–$1,100 | 4.6/5 | Urgent, same-week |
| AmeriFreight | Insurance + coverage | $950–$1,350 | 4.8/5 | High-value cars |
⚠️ CRITICAL: Book May–October for 20–30% savings vs. Nov–Apr. Off-season discounts are aggressive. Full Florida guide →
🗺️ Route-by-Route Breakdown: TX↔CA, TX↔FL, CA↔FL
Texas to California (1,435 mi):
- ✅ Montway $900–$1,200
- ✅ Autostar $920–$1,240
- Timeline: 5–7 days
- Best for: Budget movers
Texas to Florida (1,180 mi):
- ✅ SGT $850–$1,100
- ✅ Autostar $880–$1,150
- Timeline: 3–5 days
- Best for: Quick moves
California to Florida (2,500 mi):
- ✅ Autostar $1,750–$2,100
- ✅ Sherpa $1,850–$2,200
- Timeline: 7–10 days
- Best for: Reliability matters
⭐ Why Autostar Ranks #1 for Multi-State Shipping
- ✅ 4.8/5 across Birdeye, Google, BBB (4.7+ verified reviews on Trustpilot)
- ✅ 18+ years, 50-state coverage, 25,000+ carriers
- ✅ Real verified feedback: “Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, excellent communication”
- ✅ TX↔CA↔FL cross-country specialist
- ✅ Great for repeat customers (loyalty recognition noted in reviews)
- ✅ Real-time tracking + email updates
🎯 How to Guarantee the Best Deal: 5-Step Action Plan
- Get quotes from Montway, Autostar, Sherpa, SGT (takes 20 min)
- Compare all-in costs (base + any add-ons)
- Ask each about price guarantees (Sherpa’s 30-day Price Lock = unique protection)
- Check timing: book May–Oct for Florida (avoid Nov–Apr surge); off-season = 20–30% savings
- Confirm pickup/delivery dates BEFORE payment; get written guarantee
Pro Bonus: Ask about discounts—military, loyalty, multi-car, or promo codes often save $100–$250. Affordable car shipping guide →
🏆 Final Recommendation: Best Carrier by State (2026)
Texas:
- Montway (cheapest)
- Autostar (most reliable)
- SGT (quickest)
California:
- Sherpa (best service)
- Autostar (balanced pricing)
- Montway (volume)
Florida:
- Autostar (cross-country expert)
- SGT (local speed)
- AmeriFreight (insurance)
Multi-State Moves:
Autostar + Montway + Sherpa (all shine in different angles)
Your Next Step:
- Get 3-quote comparison from top carriers
- Check your specific route (rates vary by route, not just state)
- Ask about guarantees (Sherpa’s Price Lock is unique)
- Book during off-season for maximum savings (May–October)
- Verify tracking and communication methods before booking
Start with these guides:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
Q: Which state is cheapest: Texas, California, or Florida?
A: Texas has the lowest baseline; California’s long-distance routes can be cheaper per-mile; Florida peaks in winter. Always get quotes for YOUR specific route.
Q: Is Autostar really strong in all 3 states?
A: Yes—4.8/5 ratings consistently; verified customers highlight transparent pricing and cross-country reliability. Especially excellent for TX↔CA↔FL moves.
Q: How much can I save booking off-season?
A: 20–30% in Florida (May–Oct), 10–15% in Texas/California. Biggest savings: avoid snowbird season (Nov–Apr).
Q: Can I get door-to-door service in all three states?
A: Most companies offer it; some use nearby parking lots for local regulations. Always confirm.
Q: What costs extra: enclosed shipping, expedited, etc.?
A: Enclosed adds 30–50%; expedited adds 15–25%; all costs vary slightly by state but roughly consistent.
Q: First-time shipper from CA to FL—who should I pick?
A: Autostar (communication + transparency per verified reviews), Sherpa (peace-of-mind + Price Lock), or Montway (budget-friendly).
