How to Ship a Car from California to Texas (2025 Complete Guide)

Shipping a car from California to Texas costs **$900-$1,400** and takes **5-8 days**. This popular route has high competition, meaning better prices for you.

Average Costs by California City

From Los Angeles/San Diego:

**To Houston:** $900-$1,200

**To Dallas:** $950-$1,300

**To Austin:** $1,000-$1,350

**To San Antonio:** $1,000-$1,400

From San Francisco/Sacramento:

**To Houston:** $1,100-$1,500

**To Dallas:** $1,150-$1,550

**To Austin:** $1,200-$1,600

**Distance:** 1,200-1,800 miles (depending on cities)

**Transit time:** 5-8 days

**Price per mile:** $0.65-$0.85

Why This Route is Affordable

The California → Texas route is one of the **most popular** in the US:

1. **High traffic:** Carriers run this route daily

2. **Balanced loads:** Lots of cars going both directions

3. **Major highways:** I-10, I-20, I-40 make it efficient

4. **No special permits needed**

**Result:** 20-30% cheaper than less common routes.

Step-by-Step Shipping Process

Step 1: Get Multiple Quotes (1-2 days before shipping)

Post shipment on FreightFloo

Receive 5-15 competitive bids

Review carrier ratings & insurance

Accept best value bid

**Tip:** Get quotes 2-3 weeks in advance for best rates.

Step 2: Prepare Your Car

Wash exterior (for inspection photos)

Remove personal items

Disable car alarm

Leave 1/4 tank gas

Document existing damage

Step 3: Pickup (Day 1)

Carrier inspects vehicle

Signs Bill of Lading (BOL)

Provides estimated delivery date

You get copy of BOL & photos

Step 4: Transit (Days 2-7)

Track via FreightFloo GPS

Carrier provides ETA updates

Typical route: I-10 or I-20 through Arizona/New Mexico

Step 5: Delivery (Day 5-8)

Inspect vehicle thoroughly

Compare to pickup photos

Sign delivery confirmation

Payment released to carrier

Open vs Enclosed Transport

Open Transport (90% choose this)

**Cost:** $900-$1,400

**Protection:** Exposed to weather, road debris

**Best for:** Standard vehicles, daily drivers

Enclosed Transport

**Cost:** $1,400-$2,200 (+40-60%)

**Protection:** Fully enclosed trailer

Best for:

Luxury cars ($60k+)

Classic/vintage vehicles

High-end sports cars

Exotic vehicles

Seasonal Price Variations

Cheapest Months:

**January-February:** $850-$1,150 (winter discount)

**March:** $900-$1,200 (before spring rush)

Most Expensive Months:

**June-August:** $1,200-$1,600 (summer peak)

**October-November:** $1,100-$1,500 (snowbird season)

**Savings tip:** Ship in Feb-March to save $200-$400.

Common Questions

How long does it take?

**5-8 days** on average

Los Angeles → Dallas: 5-6 days

San Francisco → Houston: 7-8 days

Fast track options: 3-5 days (+$200-$300)

What's included in the price?

Basic carrier insurance ($100k coverage)

Door-to-door pickup & delivery

Fuel

Tolls

Bill of Lading

Not included:

Extra insurance (optional)

Storage fees (if you're not ready)

Inoperable vehicle fee ($150-$250 if applicable)

Do I need to be present?

**Pickup:** Yes (or authorized representative)

**Delivery:** Yes (or authorized representative)

**Can't be there?** Designate someone with ID

What if my car is damaged?

1. Document damage immediately

2. Note on Bill of Lading

3. Take photos

4. File claim within 24 hours

5. Carrier's insurance covers repairs

FreightFloo Advantage for CA→TX

Why shippers choose us for this route:

1. **50+ active carriers** on this route daily

2. **Real-time bidding** = lowest prices

3. **GPS tracking** throughout journey

4. **Escrow payment** (only pay after delivery)

5. **$1M insurance** on every shipment

6. **10% platform fee** (vs 20-25% brokers)

**Average customer savings:** $350-$600 vs traditional brokers

Real Customer Example

Sarah from Los Angeles → Austin:

Vehicle: 2022 Honda Accord

Traditional broker quote: $1,450

FreightFloo winning bid: $1,050

**Saved: $400 (28%)**

Transit time: 6 days

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Time to Ship

**Optimal booking window:** 2-4 weeks in advance

Avoid:

Last-minute bookings (30-50% more expensive)

Major holidays (limited availability)

July 4th week (peak summer)

Best days to ship:

Monday-Wednesday pickup (more carrier availability)

Avoid Friday pickups (risk of weekend delays)

Get Your California → Texas Quote

FreightFloo makes it simple:

1. Enter pickup/delivery cities

2. Add vehicle details

3. Receive competing bids in minutes

4. Choose best carrier

5. Track shipment in real-time

**Average quotes ready in:** 15 minutes

**Start shipping:** Next day

[Get Free Quote for CA to TX →](/signup?type=shipper)