Car Shipping to Texas

Texas is one of the busiest auto-transport markets in the country. Its sheer size (nearly 800 miles corner to corner), fast-growing metros and position on the east-west and north-south freight corridors mean carriers run Texas lanes every day, which usually keeps prices competitive and pickups fast.

Why Texas is an easy state to ship to

Interstates 10, 35 and 20 all cut through Texas, and Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio generate enormous freight volume. That density of trucks means capacity is rarely a problem, so you will usually find a carrier within a few days and at a fair rate. Steady relocation from California and the Northeast also keeps inbound demand (and carrier availability) high year-round.

Shipping within Texas costs more than people expect

Because Texas is so large, an in-state move can cost as much as a short interstate one. Houston to El Paso is over 740 miles — further than many state-to-state routes — so do not assume a “local” Texas move is cheap. The cost snapshot below includes an in-state lane so you can see the difference.

Most popular Texas routes

California to Texas is one of the heaviest relocation lanes in the US, so it is well-served and reasonably priced. Texas to Florida (and the reverse) is busy with seasonal and retiree moves, and the Chicago-to-Dallas corridor runs constantly. Popularity works in your favor: the busier the lane, the easier it is to book and the lower the per-mile cost.

Best time to ship to or from Texas

Texas has mild winters, so unlike northern states there is no real “closed season” — you can ship year-round without weather delays. Summer brings triple-digit heat, which is fine for open transport but worth prepping your vehicle for. Late spring and summer see relocation peaks, so book a week or two ahead then.

Choosing a Texas carrier

Plenty of carriers are Texas-based, but always verify active FMCSA operating authority and insurance before booking, and compare VTR Scores. Open transport is the affordable default; choose enclosed for a classic, exotic or low-clearance vehicle. Be wary of quotes well below the market range, which often stall when no carrier will take the load.