- Understanding the auto shipping process
- How much does it cost to ship a car from Texas to California?
- How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to California?
- How to prepare your vehicle for shipping from Texas to California
- What to expect on delivery
- Why choose Montway for your auto transport needs
- Frequently asked questions
The need for car shipping services from Texas to California has increased for many reasons. With a geographic distance of about 1,500 miles between these two states, driving is not only time-consuming but also potentially expensive considering fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear. Plus, driving such long distances can raise safety concerns, including potential accidents and vehicle breakdowns.
If you’re moving for a new job, retirement or just to be closer to family, consider shipping your car from Texas to California. With over two decades of experience, Montway Auto Transport is an expert at arranging car shipping services from Texas to California. For a custom Texas to California car shipping estimate, use our instant quote calculator.
Understanding the auto shipping process
If you have never shipped a vehicle before, you may not be familiar with the process. Luckily, Montway makes it as easy as 1-2-3!
To start, get a quote based on your vehicle type, first available shipping date and locations. Then book your car shipping order. Once your order is assigned (dispatched) to a qualified trucker in our network, your car will be picked up and loaded onto a trailer. After leaving Texas your vehicle will arrive at your destination, perhaps even right at your own driveway.
At Montway, we strive to deliver 5-star service to every customer. If you have any questions about shipping a car from Texas to California, just ask us! We’re here to provide a hassle-free experience.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Texas to California?
Factors that influence the cost of shipping a car from Texas to California
While there are many factors that go into calculating the cost of shipping your car from Texas to California, the primary one is distance. For example, Dallas is about 1,400 miles away from Los Angeles, so shipping a car that distance would cost about $729. Other considerations that may influence pricing include pickup and delivery locations, shipping dates, vehicle type, seasonality and trailer type. Let’s dig into these factors a bit more:
- Total travel distance. Since this is the main component in calculating a car shipping quote, it makes sense that the further the distance the higher the overall price.
- Vehicle type and condition. Knowing the exact specifications of your car is important. Larger vehicles or those with modifications or that are inoperable (non-running), may require transport adjustments that could affect the cost.
- Transport type. Open transport is the most common type of car shipping method and is generally less expensive than enclosed transport. Keep in mind that luxury or exotic vehicles or cars with low clearance usually require a lower lift gate, only available with enclosed transport.
- Time of year. Car shipping, like many other industries, has periods of high and low demand. The seasonality of demand impacts car shipping prices.
Montway customers tell us they enjoy the convenience, safety and peace of mind they receive when using our professional auto shipping services.
The average cost of shipping a car from Texas to California
| Shipping from | Shipping to | Price estimate |
| Houston, TX | San Francisco, CA | $929 |
| San Antonio, TX | Sacramento, CA | $979 |
| Dallas, TX | Los Angeles, CA | $729 |
| Austin, TX | Riverside, CA | $739 |
| Fort Worth, TX | Chula Vista, CA | $749 |
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to California?
Shipping a car from Texas to California is influenced by many factors. The distance between the two states is a primary determinant of the transit time. For example, a 1,600-mile route between Texas and California will usually take between 5 and 7 days. While the vast majority of car shipping orders are transported smoothly and arrive as scheduled, things like severe weather, traffic congestion and road closures, may require rerouting and cause a delay. When you work with Montway, you’ll receive an estimated delivery date and can contact us anytime for updates on your vehicle’s status.
The average transit time to ship a car from Texas to California
| Shipping from | Shipping to | Average distance | Time estimate |
| Houston, TX | San Francisco, CA | 1,900 miles | 5-7 days |
| San Antonio, TX | Sacramento, CA | 1,730 miles | 5-7 days |
| Dallas, TX | Los Angeles, CA | 1,420 miles | 4-6 days |
| Austin, TX | Riverside, CA | 1,325 miles | 4-6 days |
| Fort Worth, TX | Chula Vista, CA | 1,288 miles | 4-6 days |
How to prepare your vehicle for shipping from Texas to California
Once you have a confirmed pickup date, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for shipping from Texas to California. Here are a few expert tips from Montway to ensure a fast and stress-free experience.
- Have keys ready. You are expected to provide a set of keys to the trucker at vehicle pickup.
- Wash your vehicle. It’s suggested you wash your vehicle prior to pickup. This makes it easier for you and the trucker to inspect your car for any scratches, dents, etc. You’ll sign the Bill of Lading (BOL) with this inspection at pickup and delivery.
- Fuel levels. Make sure your gas tank is about 1/4 full. A full tank adds weight to your vehicle and the car carrier. Electric vehicles must have a 45-65% battery charge along with charging cables.
- Exterior. Retract or remove your antenna and place it in your trunk. Remove your bike rack and any aftermarket accessories.
- Remove valuables and personal items. Remove vehicle add-ons such as custom stereos and GPS systems.
- Parking passes/toll tags. Remove all passes or tags to avoid fees as your car passes through tolls. You’ll be responsible for resolving any fees incurred during transport.
What to expect on delivery
The best part of shipping your car from Texas is being happy to receive it in California! Your trucker will call you when nearing your delivery location. Upon arrival, you’ll inspect your vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading (BOL) which will be your receipt. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to a Montway customer service agent. With almost 100,000 online customer reviews, you can expect timely delivery and professional service every step of the way with Montway.
“Excellent service and communication. My cars were delivered in the same condition as picked up and in the expected time.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ N Bagga, 7/14/2023
Why choose Montway for your auto transport needs
When planning a move from Texas to California, one item on your to-do list will be deciding how to transport your vehicle. Choosing a professional auto shipping service like Montway offers numerous benefits over driving the vehicle yourself.
Leaving auto transport in the hands of experts eliminates the stress and risk associated with long-distance driving such as fatigue, potential breakdowns, and wear and tear on the vehicle. When you factor in the expenses of a long road trip, such as fuel, food, lodging and potential vehicle maintenance, using Montway may be a more cost-effective option. Plus, reputable auto shippers offer insurance coverage during transit, providing peace of mind that your vehicle is protected against unforeseen circumstances. Lastly, using Montway allows you to focus on other aspects of your move or travel plans, making the transition a safe and positive experience.
At Montway, we pride ourselves on our logistics expertise, service excellence and the prestige we’ve earned from our satisfied customers. Here’s why you should choose us when shipping your car from Texas to California:
- Licensed and insured. Montway is a fully licensed and insured auto transport company. Your vehicle’s safety during transit is our top priority.
- Affordable rates. We offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry without compromising on service quality.
- Reliable delivery. Our efficient logistics experts and nationwide network of carriers ensure timely pickup and delivery of your vehicle.
- 5-star customer service. Our dedicated customer service team is ready to assist you during every step of your auto shipping process.
Ready to ship your car from Texas to California? Get a quote from Montway Auto Transport today. We offer affordable, reliable and speedy car shipping services tailored to your needs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I ship a car from one state to another in the U.S.?
Shipping a car anywhere in the U.S. is just like shipping a car from Texas to California. The process starts with choosing a reputable auto transport company, getting a quote and booking your order. Then once your pickup date is set, you’ll prepare your car for shipping.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
While cost is an important factor, it’s also crucial to consider the company’s reliability, service quality and customer reviews. Montway offers competitive rates with a priority on safety and service. A simple way to save money is by opting for open auto transport rather than enclosed. You can also save money by keeping your pickup date flexible and avoiding seasonal demand.
Who is the most reliable car transport company?
There are many auto transport providers in the market, but only Montway has nearly two decades of experience, a reliable nationwide carrier network and a proven commitment to delivering 5-star service. We want our customers to have a hassle-free car shipping experience.
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
The cost of shipping a car to another state depends on several factors, including the distance, the type and condition of your vehicle, the transport trailer and the season. Do you need to calculate the costs of moving your vehicle from Texas to California or another state? Click here to get an instant quote on your auto shipment.
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to California?
The transit time can vary based on the distance, the specific route and other factors. On average, it can take between 5 and 7 days to ship a car from Texas to California.
