Texas to California Car Shipping (2026)
For mid-range car shipping routes like Texas to California, you can expect to pay around $1,277-$1,862. Transit time is generally 3-8 days.
Nexus Auto Transport
|
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
Navi Auto Transport
|
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves, our goal is simple: provide accurate, unbiased information and honest reviews about car shipping companies so you can make confident decisions.
Using our proprietary rating methodology, we’ve evaluated more than 2,400 auto transport providers across the United States. We look closely at pricing transparency, service offerings, coverage areas, and overall customer satisfaction. We also analyze verified customer feedback to surface recurring strengths and common complaints.
Our editorial team carefully reviews and updates every piece of content to ensure it stays current, factual, and genuinely helpful for readers researching car shipping.
Cost of Shipping a Car From TX to CA
For a shipment from Texas to California covering 1,406 miles, most quotes range from $1,277-$1,862. The exact cost depends on booking lead time, fuel trends, vehicle type, and whether you select open or enclosed transport.
Pro tip: Book your car shipment 6-8 weeks in advance for the best rates. That gives carriers time to plan efficient routes and avoid rush pricing. Use our free cost calculator tool below to see what your move might cost.
Best Texas to California Car Shippers
Here are the top car shipping companies:
Nexus Auto Transport
|
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
Navi Auto Transport
|
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise and free car wash at delivery are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a highly-rated car shipping broker that works with more than 25,000 carriers to transport vehicles. They offer long-distance car shipping to 49 states. With the exception of Hawaii, all services are door-to-door and you can choose from open or enclosed shipping options. Get free quotes online in minutes and book an exact pick-up date for a seamless vehicle move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Top Local TX-CA Car Shippers
These are the best local car shipping companies in Texas:
New World Auto Transport
New World Auto Transport (DOT: 2246109) offers a wide array of shipping services, including the transport of boats, motorcycles, RVs, and even heavy equipment. They cater to both classic cars and electric vehicles, ensuring safe and insured deliveries with a damage-free guarantee. New World Auto Transport boasts an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a decent 3.7-star rating on Yelp; however, the company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
While they offer several discounts, such as those for seniors, students, and military personnel, customers should note that they don’t provide guaranteed delivery times, which could be a downside for some. On the financial side, they accept payments via credit card and cryptocurrency, but not by cash or money order.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Pay by Credit Card
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Accepts Cryptocurrency
- Classic Car Shipping
Crestline Auto Transport
Crestline Auto Transport (DOT: MC698686) is a reputable car shipping business known for its wide range of services and high customer satisfaction ratings, boasting a 4.1 on Yelp and 4.6 on Google, as well as an A+ rating with the BBB. They excel in handling inoperable car transport, classic car shipping, and heavy equipment shipping, ensuring a damage-free guarantee with all shipments.
The company supports various transport modes, including open and enclosed transport, but lacks international shipping, which might be a downside for some customers. Crestline Auto Transport offers student and military discounts, providing additional value to these specific customer groups.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
RAPID AUTO SHIPPING
RAPID AUTO SHIPPING (DOT: 1646918) is a comprehensive car shipping company that excels in providing a range of transportation services. Notably, the company offers interstate and international shipping, guaranteed and expedited delivery, and can handle specialized needs such as transporting motorcycles, RVs, and cars that don’t run. They are fully insured and offer a damage-free guarantee, making them a reliable choice for shipping classic and electric vehicles with additional care.
With a strong Google rating of 5.0, RAPID AUTO SHIPPING demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction, although the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB rating: NR). While they accept a range of convenient payment options including cash and credit card, it may be a downside for some customers that they do not accept cryptocurrency. Despite this, their lack of a deposit requirement and their inclusion of a student and military discount make them accessible to a wide range of customers.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
National Transport Services
National Transport Services (DOT: 3347682) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services including interstate and international shipping, as well as options for transporting classic cars, motorcycles, and heavy equipment. The company boasts a high Google rating of 4.8 and an A+ rating with the BBB, although it has a lower Yelp rating of 2.4.
Customers can take advantage of unique services such as enclosed transport and the ability to ship inoperable cars. Despite these offerings, potential clients should be aware that the company does not provide a damage-free guarantee, which may be a drawback for some. Additionally, the company requires a deposit and does not offer discounts for seniors, teachers, or military personnel.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Bold Auto Transport
Bold Auto Transport (DOT: 3775668) is a car shipping company offering a range of services including interstate shipping, guaranteed delivery, and detailed inspection reports. The company has a BBB rating of A, demonstrating a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, although it holds a modest Yelp rating of 2.7 and has yet to establish ratings on Google.
They provide convenient options such as terminal-to-terminal delivery, classic car shipping, and electric vehicle transport, making them a versatile choice for various car shipping needs. However, they do not offer shipping for cars that don’t run, which may not meet the requirements of some customers seeking to transport inoperable vehicles.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Law Enforcement Discount
- Interstate
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Review our full guide to top car shippers servicing Texas residents, or discover the strongest choices for car shipping from Texas to California.
Car Shipping Methods
Most drivers moving a car from Texas to California choose between open and enclosed transport. Open carriers are the popular, more affordable choice, whereas enclosed trailers come at a higher price and provide extra protection for luxury and antique cars.
Open Transport
Open carriers handle the majority of car shipments and offer the most competitive pricing. For a move from Texas to California, transit time is often about 3 days. Costs may rise during peak moving seasons or for oversized or specialty vehicles.
Enclosed Transport
For maximum protection, enclosed transport keeps your vehicle inside a covered trailer throughout the trip. From Texas to California, delivery often takes roughly 8 days. Expect to pay more due to the added security and specialized handling.
Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company
The company you choose matters more than you think. For a successful Texas to California shipment, look at factors like:
- Prior route experience: Prioritize shippers that know the Texas to California route well and operate it often.
- Customer reviews and service: Check reviews to see how past customers rated their experience, especially when it comes to communication, problem resolution, and overall support.
- Pricing and transparency: Get multiple estimates and make sure fees, deposits, and delivery windows are clearly explained. Extremely low offers can sometimes signal the need to think about avoiding car shipping scams.
- Licensing and insurance: Before booking, verify licensing details and insurance coverage using the FMCSA license lookup database.
- Pickup and delivery flexibility: Understanding scheduling flexibility can help you avoid delays and unexpected fees.
Nexus Auto Transport
|
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
Navi Auto Transport
|
FAQ
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to California?
Delivery from Texas to California typically ranges between 3 and 8 days. Your transport method and pickup window can influence the timing. Need it faster? Expedited shipping is often an option.
How much should I budget to ship a vehicle from Texas to California?
Most drivers pay between $1,277-$1,862 to ship a vehicle from Texas to California. Costs can increase for larger vehicles, expedited shipping, or enclosed trailers.
Where can I get an accurate car shipping quote from Texas to California?
For a quick and reliable estimate, use our car shipping calculator tool. After entering your route and vehicle information, you’ll receive an estimate based on current market data for shipments between Texas and California.
Is my car insured during a shipment from Texas to California?
Most car shippers include basic insurance for in-transit damage, but limits vary. Check the details (including deductibles and exclusions) and consider adding your own policy for extra protection.
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
When shipping from Texas to California, clean the car, check for damage, and empty loose contents. Many auto transporters prefer a quarter tank of fuel to keep weight down.
How will I pick up my car in California?
Upon arrival in California, inspect your vehicle, review the delivery docs, and flag any problems with the carrier. After that, complete registration and any state-specific compliance tasks.
Why Ship a Car From Texas to California?
Shipping a car from Texas to California reduces wear, saves time, and helps you avoid long-distance driving stress. It’s often the smarter choice for moves, purchases, or job-related transitions.
Texas Relocation Resources
- Car Shipping Calculator
- Best Car Shipping Companies in Texas
- Cheapest Car Shipping Companies
- Military Car Shipping Companies
- Best Texas Moving Companies
Shipping the reverse route? Check out our California to Texas car shipping guide