Ship a Car from California to Texas

Shipping a car from California to Texas typically costs between $750 – $1,150 for open transport with Standard service. The price depends on your vehicle size, transport type, service tier, and time of year.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect across all service tiers and transport types for this 1,400-mile corridor:

Several factors affect your exact price on the California to Texas corridor. Distance is the primary driver, but vehicle size (SUVs and trucks cost more than sedans), transport type (enclosed runs 30-50% higher than open), and seasonal demand all play a role. The best way to get your exact price is to use our instant quote tool — it takes 60 seconds and reflects real-time market conditions.

With AutoTransport AI, the price you see at booking is the price you pay. No hidden fees, no surprise charges at delivery. Your rate is locked and guaranteed. Learn more about our transparent pricing model.

Transit time for a car shipping from California to Texas is typically 4-6 days once your vehicle has been picked up by the carrier. Total time from booking to delivery includes your chosen pickup window plus transit:

• Standard service: 1-7 business day pickup window + 4-6 days transit
• Expedited service: 1-5 business day pickup window (Expedited) + 4-6 days transit

The CA to TX lane runs along I-10 through the desert Southwest — one of the most direct and well-traveled freight corridors in the country. Carrier availability is consistently strong.

Learn more about each step of the process on our How It Works page.

Your vehicle is one of your most valuable assets. When you ship it from California to Texas with AutoTransport AI, it is protected by four layers of safety that no other auto transport company matches:

$200,000 third-party insurance coverage. Every AutoTransport AI shipment is backed by third-party cargo insurance for $200,000 — double what most competitors carry. This is in addition to the carrier's own insurance policy. Your vehicle is covered from the moment it is loaded until it reaches your door.

Highway-verified carriers. Every carrier assigned to your shipment is verified through Highway with real-time identity checks, insurance monitoring, and safety record validation. This is not a one-time background check. It is continuous digital compliance monitoring that catches issues before they affect your shipment.

GPS tracking with digital photo inspections. Track your vehicle in real time from pickup to delivery. Our carriers perform digital photo inspections at both ends of the journey, creating a timestamped, undeniable record of your vehicle's condition. The electronic Bill of Lading stays accessible throughout your shipment.

Pay only when your car arrives. Your card is authorized at booking to lock in your rate, but you're only charged once your vehicle is picked up. No deposits disappearing into the void. No paying before you know your car is safe. This is how vehicle shipping should work.

Read more about our safety practices on the Trust & Safety page.

1. Get your instant quote. Enter your pickup and delivery details. See your guaranteed price in 60 seconds. No commitment required.
2. Book your shipment. Choose Standard, Priority, or Expedited. Select open or enclosed transport. Your rate is locked at booking.
3. We match you with a verified carrier. Our system matches your shipment with a Highway-verified carrier experienced on the California to Texas corridor.
4. Track your vehicle in real time. GPS tracking from pickup to delivery. Digital photo inspection documents your vehicle's condition at pickup. You receive updates at every milestone.
5. Vehicle delivered. Payment captured. Final photo inspection at delivery. You confirm condition. Only then is your card charged. Done.

See the full process explained on our How It Works page.

Open transport is the most popular and cost-effective option. Your vehicle is loaded on a standard car carrier alongside other vehicles. It is exposed to weather and road conditions — the same exposure it would get driving the route itself. Open transport is the right choice for most sedans, SUVs, trucks, and daily drivers.

Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, shielded from weather, road debris, and visibility. This is the right choice for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotics, custom builds, and any vehicle where pristine condition justifies the 30-50% premium.

Summer temperatures in the Arizona and West Texas stretch regularly exceed 110°F. Enclosed transport is recommended for vehicles with sensitive electronics or custom paint during June through September.

Learn more: Open Transport | Enclosed Transport

Best time to ship: This corridor stays busy year-round thanks to the massive volume of vehicles moving between the two largest states. Summer months see slightly higher demand due to relocations. Winter offers the most competitive rates.

Prepare your vehicle: Give your car a thorough wash so the photo inspection at pickup is clear and accurate. Remove all personal items from the interior and trunk — carriers are not licensed to transport household goods and their insurance does not cover personal belongings. Keep the gas tank at one-quarter full. Disable your car alarm and provide a spare key to the driver.

Be flexible on pickup location: Car carrier trucks are large and may not fit on narrow residential streets. If your home has tight access, plan to meet the driver at a nearby parking lot or wide commercial street. A little flexibility here speeds up the process.

Book early: For the best rates and fastest pickup windows, book 1-2 weeks before your first available date. Last-minute shipments are possible with Expedited service but come at a premium.