Texas Auto Transport and Shipping
SouthWest Auto Transport is your trusted partner for Texas auto transport — the second-largest state by area in the US and one of the busiest vehicle shipping markets in the country. With major population centers spread hundreds of miles apart — Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, and El Paso — Texas presents unique logistics challenges that demand carriers with deep knowledge of the state's highway system and seasonal weather patterns. Whether you are relocating from Houston to New York, shipping a truck from Dallas to California, or moving a classic car from San Antonio in an enclosed trailer, our nationwide network of vetted carriers operates on Texas routes every week. Auto transport rates can vary greatly between carriers. That is why it is important to get more than one quote. We provide 10 free quotes that will save you time and money. Complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to get started today.
Texas Auto Transport — At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | I-10, I-35, I-20, I-45, I-30, US-87 |
| Major Service Cities | Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso |
| Service Frequency | 2–3 times per week on major routes |
| Transport Types Available | Open, Enclosed, Door-to-Door, Terminal-to-Terminal, Expedited |
| Military Discounts | Available — see below for installations served |
Texas Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Texas auto transport rates are shaped by the state's sheer size and the diversity of its terrain and weather. Understanding the key factors helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Distance & Route: Texas stretches roughly 800 miles both east to west and north to south. An intra-state move from El Paso to Beaumont is comparable in mileage to driving from Chicago to New York. High-volume corridors like Dallas↔Houston and San Antonio↔Austin benefit from frequent carrier availability and competitive pricing.
Transport Type: Open transport is the standard and most affordable option. Enclosed transport is popular for luxury vehicles, classic cars, and high-end trucks — protecting them from Texas hail, dust storms, and intense UV exposure on long hauls through West Texas and the Panhandle.
Vehicle Size: Texas is pickup truck country. Oversized vehicles — trucks with lift kits, grill guards, running boards, or fifth-wheel hitches — require more carrier space and typically carry an additional fee. Let us know your vehicle's modifications when requesting quotes.
Seasonality & Weather: Hail season (spring) and hurricane season (June–November) along the Gulf Coast can disrupt routes and add delays. Extreme summer heat in West Texas and the Panhandle can also affect carrier scheduling on long hauls.
For more ways to reduce your shipping cost, read Money Saving Tips for Your Auto Transport.
Average Cost & Time to Ship To and From Texas
Prices fluctuate with carrier availability, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. Use our quote form for real-time pricing tailored to your specific vehicle, dates, and cities.
| Route | Distance (Miles) | Est. Transit Time | Est. Price Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to New York City, NY | ~1,630 | 4 – 6 Days | $1,000 - $1,700* | Get Quote |
| Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA | ~1,430 | 3 – 5 Days | $925 - $1,575* | Get Quote |
| San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL | ~1,320 | 3 – 5 Days | $875 - $1,500* | Get Quote |
| Austin, TX to Miami, FL | ~1,310 | 3 – 5 Days | $875 - $1,500* | Get Quote |
| Dallas, TX to Houston, TX | ~240 | 1 – 2 Days | $400 - $675* | Get Quote |
| Dallas, TX to Oklahoma City, OK | ~205 | 1 – 2 Days | $375 - $650* | Get Quote |
| Houston, TX to New Orleans, LA | ~350 | 1 – 3 Days | $475 - $800* | Get Quote |
| Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX | ~1,430 | 3 – 5 Days | $925 - $1,575* | Get Quote |
| Chicago, IL to Houston, TX | ~1,080 | 3 – 5 Days | $775 - $1,325* | Get Quote |
| Phoenix, AZ to San Antonio, TX | ~990 | 3 – 4 Days | $750 - $1,250* | Get Quote |
*Price estimates were updated in October 2026. Prices are estimates only and will vary based on your specific vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, transport type, and time of year. Complete the form above or call 1‑800‑590‑6492 to receive up to ten free, no-obligation quotes from licensed carriers — so you can compare real prices for your exact route before you book.
Short trips cost more per mile. As a rough guide, short regional moves under 500 miles often run about $1.00–$1.50 per mile, while cross-country shipments usually drop to roughly $0.50–$0.75 per mile. Pickup or delivery in rural areas, enclosed transport, and non-running vehicles all add to the price.
Shipping a Car to Texas
Texas is one of the most popular destinations for people moving from other states, so many of our Texas shipments are coming in. Inbound shipping works the same way as outbound: you get up to 10 quotes, choose a carrier, and the truck delivers to your new address or a nearby meeting point. Carriers from California and Arizona usually enter on I-10 through El Paso or I-40 through Amarillo, trucks from the Midwest come down I-35 through Oklahoma, shipments from the Southeast arrive on I-10 near Beaumont or I-20 from Louisiana, and trucks from the Northeast often use I-30 through Texarkana. Deliveries into Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio are the quickest to schedule. West Texas, the Panhandle, and the Rio Grande Valley may take longer to arrange. Once your car arrives, see the section below on registering it in Texas.
Texas Auto Transport by City
We provide dedicated auto transport service to and from the largest cities in Texas. Select your city below for local shipping information and quotes:
We also arrange shipping to and from communities across the state, including Plano, Irving, Laredo, Lubbock, Amarillo, Waco, Killeen, Tyler, Beaumont, Midland, Odessa, McAllen, and Brownsville. Carriers serve these areas regularly, though pickup may be at a nearby main road or larger town rather than your door.
Who Ships Vehicles in Texas
- Families relocating to Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio from California, the Midwest, and the Northeast.
- Military families on PCS moves to or from Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, Joint Base San Antonio, and the state’s Air Force and Navy bases.
- College students and parents moving cars to and from UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other campuses.
- Truck and car buyers picking up vehicles from dealers and auctions in the Dallas and Houston areas.
- Winter Texans shipping cars to the Rio Grande Valley for the season.
- Oil and gas workers moving vehicles to and from the Permian Basin around Midland and Odessa.
Texas Auto Transport — Challenges & Tips
Shipping a vehicle to or from Texas comes with unique considerations. Here is what you need to know before booking:
Challenge: Hail & Severe Weather Season
Texas has some of the most active severe weather in the US. Spring hail storms — particularly along the I-35 corridor from Dallas to San Antonio — can cause significant damage to vehicles on open carriers. If shipping a high-value vehicle during spring (March–May), consider enclosed transport for protection against hail damage.
Challenge: Hurricane Season Disruptions
Gulf Coast routes serving Houston, Corpus Christi, and Beaumont are subject to hurricane disruptions from June through November. Major storms can close I-10 and I-45 for days and delay shipments by a week or more. Monitor the National Hurricane Center and build flexibility into coastal route bookings during this period.
Challenge: Vast Distances Between Cities
Texas is enormous — El Paso to Beaumont is more than 800 miles within the same state. Rural areas in West Texas, the Panhandle, and the Big Bend region have very limited carrier coverage. Shipping to or from remote Texas locations may require terminal-to-terminal service or a longer pickup window of 5–10 days.
Tip: Disclose Vehicle Modifications Upfront
Texas has a high concentration of modified trucks — lifted suspensions, oversized tires, grill guards, running boards, and fifth-wheel hitches all affect the carrier space required and the price quoted. Always disclose modifications when requesting quotes to avoid unexpected fees or carrier cancellations at pickup. See Preparing Your Car for Transport.
Tip: Use Terminal Service for Rural Areas
If you are shipping to or from a smaller Texas city — Lubbock, Midland, Amarillo, or Waco — terminal-to-terminal service can save $100–$200 and give you access to more carriers. Many major Texas cities have convenient transport terminals near interstate exits. Ask about terminal locations when requesting your free quotes.
Tip: Always Compare Multiple Quotes
Texas route pricing varies significantly between carriers due to fuel costs, driver availability, and seasonal demand. Our free 10-quote service removes the guesswork — you receive competing bids from licensed carriers and choose the best value with confidence. Never book the first quote without comparing. Get your 10 free quotes.
Call 1‑800‑590‑6492 or complete the quote form to get up to 10 free quotes.
Moving to Texas? Registering Your Car
If your car is being shipped to Texas because you are moving here, plan for the paperwork before it arrives. New residents generally have 30 days after moving to Texas to title and register their vehicle at the county tax office. Here is what is typically involved:
- Emissions test in 17 counties. If you live in one of the state’s emissions counties — including the Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, and El Paso areas — your vehicle must pass an emissions test before it can be registered.
- No safety inspection. Texas ended safety inspections for personal vehicles on January 1, 2025. A small replacement fee is now included in registration instead.
- Texas insurance and VIN check. You will need Texas liability insurance, your out-of-state title (or your lender’s information if the car is financed), and a check confirming your vehicle identification number matches the title.
- New resident tax. If the vehicle was already titled in your name in your previous state, you generally pay a flat $90 new resident tax instead of full sales tax.
Requirements can change, so confirm the current details with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles or your county tax office before your visit.
Texas Auto Transport — Frequently Asked Questions
Most Texas shipments cost between about $400 and $1,500, depending mainly on distance. Short regional moves, such as Dallas to Houston or Houston to New Orleans, usually fall at the low end of that range. Cross-country routes, such as Houston to New York, fall at the high end. Enclosed transport typically adds 40–60% to the price, and non-running vehicles, oversized trucks, and rural pickup locations also cost more. Because rates on the same route can differ by several hundred dollars between carriers, comparing multiple quotes is the most reliable way to get a fair price.
Short regional trips of under 500 miles usually take 1–3 days once the vehicle is picked up. Coast-to-coast trips typically take 7–10 days, and most other long-distance routes take 3–7 days. Before that, allow a few days for a carrier to be assigned and arrive for pickup — usually faster in major metro areas and sometimes longer in West Texas and the Panhandle. Weather and peak seasons can add a day or two.
You or someone you trust, age 18 or older, needs to be there at both ends. That person walks around the vehicle with the driver, notes any existing damage on the inspection report (called the Bill of Lading), signs it, and hands over or receives the keys. If you cannot be there, a friend, family member, or dealership can stand in for you.
Door-to-door service means the carrier picks up and delivers your vehicle as close to your specified address as safely possible — the most convenient option. Terminal-to-terminal service requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle at a designated carrier terminal, typically near a major highway interchange. In Texas, where large carrier trucks face access restrictions on narrow rural roads and some urban neighborhoods, terminal service is often $100–$200 less expensive and gives you access to more carriers. Major Texas cities — Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin — all have convenient terminal locations. Ask about terminal options when requesting your free quotes.
Preparation is especially important for Texas shipments due to the state’s unique conditions. Key steps: Document your vehicle thoroughly with timestamped photos before pickup — Texas hail and road debris can make pre-existing damage hard to distinguish from transport damage. Keep the fuel tank at 1/4 full — not empty (carriers need it to load) and not full (a full tank adds unnecessary weight). Remove toll transponders like TxTag, EZ TAG, or TollTag to avoid unexpected charges during transit. Retract or remove antennas and running boards if possible to reduce trailer space. Disable aftermarket alarms to avoid triggering during loading. For a complete checklist, read our guide to Preparing Your Car for Transport.
Open transport is safe and affordable for most standard vehicles. However, Texas-specific conditions make enclosed transport worth considering for high-value vehicles: spring hail storms along I-35 and I-20 can cause significant damage, and extreme dust and UV exposure on West Texas routes can affect paint and interiors on long hauls. Enclosed transport typically costs 40–60% more but provides full protection. Learn more on our Auto Transport Services page.
Yes — carriers can transport inoperable vehicles using winches and dollies to load and unload safely. Non-running vehicles typically carry an additional fee of $150–$300 due to the specialized equipment and extra handling time required. Always disclose inoperability upfront when requesting quotes so carriers can send the right equipment. Read our Auto Transport Insurance Explained guide for coverage details on inoperable vehicles.
Get up to 10 free quotes from licensed carriers in minutes. Complete the quote form or call 1‑800‑590‑6492.
🎖 Military Auto Transport Discounts — Texas
SouthWest Auto Transport and our network of drivers are proud to offer discounts to US military members assigned in Texas. Please complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to learn more. Texas military installations we serve:
- Army: Fort Hood (Killeen), Fort Bliss (El Paso), Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis
- Air Force: Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph, Dyess AFB (Abilene), Goodfellow AFB (San Angelo), Laughlin AFB (Del Rio), Sheppard AFB (Wichita Falls)
- Navy: NAS Corpus Christi, NAS Kingsville, NAS Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth
- Coast Guard: Coast Guard Air Station Houston, Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi
- National Guard & Reserve: Camp Bowie (Brownwood), Camp Maxey (Paris), Camp Swift (Bastrop), and Marine Corps Reserve units statewide
Texas Auto Transport — All Shipping Routes
We offer affordable terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door service to virtually every state on a regular basis from Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, and Corpus Christi. Browse routes by frequency below:
- Texas to Iowa
- Texas to Nevada
- Texas to Arkansas
- Texas to Mississippi
- Texas to Kansas
- Texas to New Mexico
- Texas to Nebraska
- Texas to West Virginia
- Texas to Idaho
- Texas to New Hampshire
- Texas to Maine
- Texas to Montana
- Texas to Rhode Island
- Texas to Delaware
- Texas to South Dakota
- Texas to North Dakota
- Texas to Vermont
- Texas to Wyoming
For Texas Auto Transport to Alaska, Hawaii, or any state not listed above, please call us at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page to check availability.
Helpful Links for Your Texas Shipment
- FMCSA SAFER System — Carrier Safety Check Verify any carrier's safety record, licensing, and insurance status before you book. Essential due diligence for every shipment.
- DriveTexas.org — Real-Time Texas Traffic Live traffic conditions, road closures, construction, and weather-related alerts across Texas state highways and interstates.
- TxDOT — Texas Department of Transportation Official TxDOT resource for highway conditions, freight corridor information, and road closure alerts statewide.
- Texas DMV — Register Your Vehicle Requirements for titling and registering a vehicle as a new Texas resident.
Call now at 1‑800‑590‑6492 or complete the form on this page to find the best Texas auto transport rate and when a truck will be in your area.
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