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Updated: Dec 1, 2024, 4:00am
Reviewed By
| Updates Editor and Home ExpertWhen you’re looking for the best car shipping companies, you’ll need to consider several factors, especially since the Lone Star state has so many vehicle transport companies to choose from.. Whether you’re in Dallas, Austin or San Antonio, you’ll need to find a car mover that fits your needs for the price you want. We’ve thoroughly researched Texas car shippers to find you the best Texas car shippers for your move.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Nexus
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
2
SGT Auto Transport
BBB Score
B
States Serviced
49
International Shipping
No
3
Easy Auto Ship
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
Key Takeaways
Texas offers a number of car transport companies built to serve any kind of car shipping needs. Whether you’ve purchased a vehicle out of state and need it shipped to you or you need to move a car out of storage, you have a number of choices. We’ve conducted exhaustive research to help you find the best car shipping company in Texas.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE* | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.8   | Best Overall RVs | $720 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.8 | Price Matching | $524 | On SGT Auto Transport's Website | |
| 4.8 | Customer Service | $529 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.8 | Pricing | $625 | On Sherpa Auto Transport's Website | |
| 4.7  | Professionalism | $550 | From Participating Partners |
Best for Shipping Boats and RVs
Best for Shipping Boats and RVs
Easy Auto Ship
Founded 11 years ago, our number one pick, Easy Auto Ship, has risen to become one of the best car shippers in the business. It holds a 4.6-star Google Reviews rating and stands out from other companies with its rates and customer service, along with options to ship boats and RVs.
We awarded Easy Auto Ship a score of 4.8 out of 5 based on our rigorous evaluation process. The company earned points because it will ship boats, RVs, golf carts and heavy machinery. Not all brokers will accommodate those types of moves, and shipping a golf cart can especially appeal to snowbirds who golf or travel around the neighborhood in a golf cart.
Why We Like It
Easy Auto Ship has generated high reviews across several review sites. We like the gap insurance the company provides should a carrier’s insurance not cover a claim. Easy Auto Ship also earned points for its price guarantee and the offer of a free car wash should your vehicle arrive dirty.
What We Don’t Like
Easy Auto Ship lost points for its fewer years in the industry and limited customer service phone hours when compared to other car shippers. The business doesn’t have 24/7 customer service. We also didn’t like that guaranteed pick-up dates require paying extra.
Who It’s Best For
Easy Auto Ship is best for those who like a price guarantee. The company can have higher quotes but they come with a price lock to give it some value. Easy Auto Ship is great for those who want a no-hassle car-shipping experience.
Learn more: Easy Auto Ship review
Easy Auto Ship stands out by offering additional services that other car shipping companies don’t, likecar rental, car washes and extra insurance coverage. You can also enjoy a binding quote with Easy Auto Ship for up to 30 days.
Perks
Easy Auto Ship has thoughtful perks, like covering the cost of a rental car if your shipment takes longer than two weeks. The company also provides reimbursement for a car wash if your vehicle arrives dirty.
Additional Insurance Available
If you have a classic car or a really expensive car that you want properly insured, Easy Auto Ship can help. Carriers have to have a minimum amount of insurance, usually around $100,000 per vehicle. But Easy Auto Ship offers an additional $100,000 of coverage for your vehicle if you feel it’s necessary.
Binding Quotes
Easy Auto Ship guarantees binding quotes for up to 30 days, which is great when you’re gathering quotes from other car shippers. The company also has a price guarantee and an on-time shipping promise.
| EASY AUTO SHIP | |
|---|---|
Shipment Tracking | Yes |
Insurance Coverage | Yes |
Multi-Car Transport Available | Yes |
International Shipping | Yes |
Enclosed Containers | Yes |
DOT License Number | 3149259 |
| AUTOMOBILE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTIONS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open transporter | $720 |
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open transporter | $1,123 |
Honda CRV | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open transporter | $1,450 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $911 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,497 |
Lexus ES | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,972 |
Easy Auto Ship has favorable reviews online. Those who have used the company have enjoyed its professionalism and timeliness with moves. Other reviews have said Easy Auto Ship provided detailed communication. Those who left negative reviews took issue with some scheduling mix ups with drivers.
Best for Price Matching
Best for Price Matching
SGT Auto Transport
We recommend SGT Auto Transport for price matching. Few companies offer the service so if you can find a good deal, SGT will match it. This company is best for snowbirds who need to ship their vehicle from their summer home to their winter home and vice versa. Based in New York and founded in 2014, SGT has a 4.7 Google Reviews rating. It specializes in shipping cars from New York to Florida for those who winter in Florida.
We rated SGT Auto Transport a score of 4.8 out of 5 based on our research. We especially like the pricing guarantee and price-matching the company will provide. You can also get an instant quote from the SGT Auto Transport website and find discounts for students and military members.
Why We Like It
You can count on 24/7 customer service with SGT and you have the option to select express auto transport and choose a guaranteed pick-up date. The business caters to snowbirds and offers open and enclosed transport options.
What We Don’t Like
We deducted points because it doesn’t rate as well as other companies in BBB ratings and has a few more complaints.
Who It’s Best For
SGT’s price matching helps it stand out along with its network of 25,000 carriers to find the best deals. SGT Auto is especially good for those shipping cars 500 miles or less.
Learn more: SGT Auto Transport review
SGT stands out for having guaranteed pick-up dates available for those who need to move a vehicle quickly. The company offers 24/7 customer support to check on the status of your shipment. Students and military members can enjoy discounts on car shipments. You can also find discounts by booking on Sundays with SGT.
Guaranteed Pick-up Dates
If you need a vehicle picked on a specific day, you can use SGT’s guaranteed pick-up service. You can take advantage of a 24-hour pick-up window Monday through Friday.
24/7 Customer Support
To monitor your shipment, you can reach SGT 24/7 by calling the company or reaching them through live chat. Live chat is available 24/7, and phone service is available 24 hours a day during the week. On weekends, phone hours are limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.
Offers Discounts
SGT has discounts for students and military members shipping vehicles. The company also features deals if you book your move on a Sunday. You can enjoy exclusive discounts when you book on a Sunday.
| SGT AUTO TRANSPORT | |
|---|---|
Shipment Tracking | No |
Insurance Coverage | Yes |
Multi-Car Transport Available | Yes |
International Shipping | Yes |
Enclosed Containers | Yes |
DOT License Number | 2521690 |
| AUTOMOBILE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTIONS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open transporter | $524 |
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open transporter | $1,167 |
Honda CRV | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open transporter | $1,379 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $838 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,557 |
Lexus ES | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,779 |
SGT Auto Transport receives mostly positive reviews. Favorable reviews often mention the satisfaction with pricing and the company’s ability to stick to its shipping timeline. On the other hand, some negative reviews noted delayed shipments and communication problems with the company or driver.
Best for Customer Service
Best for Customer Service
American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping is our pick for Best Customer Service. The company has facilitated moves since 1999 and can ship more than just cars, with experience moving motorcycles and even aircraft like airplanes and helicopters. American Auto Shipping enjoys a 4.9 Google Review rating because it goes out of its way to help customers with any type of move.
We awarded American Auto Shipping a score of 4.8 out of 5 based on our detailed research process. American Auto Shipping scored points for its outstanding customer service. A personal concierge for your move, a free rental car if your shipment gets delayed and a free car wash are perks you don’t see with many other car shipping companies.
Why We Like It
On top of those perks, the company will help pay for any damage to a vehicle sustained during shipping. American Auto Shipping will cover up to $500 of your insurance deductible should you need to file a claim. The business also has 24/7 phone support and has shipped more than 137,000 vehicles.
What We Don’t Like
The company lost some points from our experts because it does not offer international shipping. We also want to see American Auto Shipping offer 24/7 shipment tracking like some competitors do.
Who It’s Best For
American Auto Shipping is best for those who have a timeline in mind for their shipment. The company has three different pick-up window options. You can choose from standard, priority and expedited. Standard pick-up means the company will pick up your car within one to four days. With priority pick-up you can have your vehicle picked up within one or two days. Expedited shipping will have your car picked up within 24 hours.
Learn more: American Auto Shipping review
American Auto Shipping stands out from other car shipping brokers by connecting you with a shipping representative who will handle your move from start to finish. Following the move, you can also receive a reimbursed car wash.
Personal Concierge
American Auto Shipping makes the shipping process feel manageable by putting you in touch with a personal shipping representative. Which makes it easy to get in touch with the company and avoid explaining your situation each time you call. Plus, it’s nice to know only one person will work on your move and you won’t get passed around on the phone.
Free Car Wash
American Auto Shipping provides $20 toward each vehicle for a car wash following shipment. You just need to take a picture of your car wash receipt and email it to your car shipping representative for reimbursement.
Three Pricing Options
One of the perks with American Auto Shipping is you have the option to select the transit time of your vehicle. You can pick standard service (one to five weekdays), priority shipping (one to two weekdays) or expedited shipping (24 hours). That makes planning your move a little easier so you have a clear idea of when to expect your vehicle. Priority shipping costs $200 more than standard and expedited shipping costs $500 more than standard.
| AMERICAN AUTO SHIPPING | |
|---|---|
Shipment Tracking | Yes |
Insurance Coverage | Yes |
Multi-Car Transport Available | Yes |
International Shipping | No |
Enclosed Containers | Yes |
DOT License Number | 3180595 |
| AUTOMOBILE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTIONS | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open transporter | $529 |
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open transporter | $819 |
Honda CRV | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open transporter | $1,129 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,109 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,639 |
Lexus ES | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $2,089 |
The vast majority of the reviews American Auto Shipping receives are five stars. Customers appreciate the customer service and care the company provides. Reviews mention swift car deliveries and the caution drivers took loading their vehicles. American Auto Shipping has some negative reviews. Poor experiences stemmed from poor communication. Other negative reviews called out delayed pick-up times.
Best for Pricing
Best for Pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
We picked Sherpa Auto Transport as the best for pricing because of its Price Lock Promise. The company ensures that your quoted total for your vehicle shipment will match the final bill. If it does not, Sherpa will provide up to $300 to match the difference.
Founded in 2017, Sherpa is for those who appreciate a straightforward approach. The company has drawn rave reviews and holds a 4.8 Google Review rating.
We rated Sherpa a score of 4.8 out of 5 against our proprietary data. Sherpa stands out for its Price Lock Promise so there aren’t any surprises with the final bill. We also put it on the list of top car shippers in Texas because it verifies its drivers to ensure a smooth experience.
Why We Like It
The company also throws in discounts for military members and repeat customers. Plus, Sherpa has a Clean Car Guarantee, which means if your car arrives dirty, the company will provide the funds for a car wash.
What We Don’t Like
We deducted points because the company only ships cars. It does not ship RVs, boats, ATVs or golf carts. It makes Sherpa perfect for snowbirds looking to just get their vehicle from their summer home to their winter home. Sherpa also doesn’t have international shipping. You can only find door-to-door shipping with the business, too.
Who It’s Best For
Sherpa is best for those looking for a reliable and trusted car shipping company. It puts the drivers it works with through a verification process before partnering with them. If a driver doesn’t perform up to the company’s standards, they will part ways with them.
Learn more: Sherpa Transport review
Sherpa sets itself apart from other car shipping brokers by embracing technology to improve its service. The company highlights its use of technology to find the best shipping deals from carriers, which is great news for customers looking for deals. Sherpa also sets itself apart by standing behind its quotes so there aren’t surprises with your bill.
Price Guarantee
Some car shipping companies will do price matching if you find a better price from another company. Sherpa takes it a step further by offering up to $300 if the cost of your move exceeds your quoted amount.
Technology-based Pricing
Sherpa touts its data-driven approach to finding the best prices from carriers. New software in the industry has changed how brokers operate through the years and Sherpa appears ahead of the curve.
Trusted Carriers
Sherpa makes sure to vet carriers before working with them. With many carriers in the industry, having a trusted one makes a big difference. Sherpa looks into the crash and claims history of each carrier it uses.
| SHERPA AUTO TRANSPORT | |
|---|---|
Shipment Tracking | Yes |
Insurance Coverage | Yes |
Multi-Car Transport Available | Yes |
International Shipping | No |
Enclosed Containers | Yes |
DOT License Number | 4085166 |
| AUTOMOBILE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTIONS | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open transporter | $625 |
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open transporter | $1,200 |
Honda CRV | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open transporter | $1,400 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $925 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,475 |
Lexus ES | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $2,350 |
Customers hold Sherpa Auto Transport in high regard and leave many five-star reviews. Those who have posted reviews touted the professionalism of the drivers. Other positive reviews have enjoyed the car wash credit the company offers after it drops off your vehicle. Sherpa Auto Transport has received some criticism, too. Those who posted reviews mentioned a four-hour notification window for pick-up and drop-off, too slim of a timeframe. Other negative reviews reported receiving vehicles back with damage.
Best for Professionalism
Best for Professionalism
Number 1 Auto Transport
We recommend Number 1 Auto Transport for professional service. Number 1 Auto Transport is one of the best car shipping companies in Dallas. The company goes out of its way to provide outstanding customer service and enjoys high marks on Google Reviews with a 4.9 rating. It also has a 4.9 Yelp rating. Number 1 Auto Transport goes out of its way to respond to customer concerns.
We rated Number 1 Auto Transport a score of 4.7 out of 5 against our expert evaluation. It does offer binding quotes and can move anything from heavy machinery to ATVs. Number 1 Auto Transport has an excellent track record of sticking to quoted prices with its moves, which customers appreciate.
Why We Like It
Number 1 Auto Transport in Dallas goes out of its way to respond to customers and their questions to make sure they feel comfortable shipping their car. The team provides outstanding service and excellent communication throughout the process.
What We Don’t Like
Like other auto shippers, Number 1 Auto Transport can subcontract some moves customers reported receiving a dirty vehicle even though they chose an enclosed transport.
Who It’s Best For
Number 1 Auto Transport is best for anyone needing to ship any type of vehicle. The company can work quickly to pick up vehicles and provide outstanding customer support. Number 1 Auto Transport has received praise for sticking to the prices it provides in quotes. That’s impressive when the company doesn’t have something like a price guarantee.
Number 1 Auto Transport stands out because it also offers lowboy trailer moves, which is helpful for heavy equipment. It also provides another transportation method for your vehicle. Number 1 Auto Transport also has two enclosed trailer options.
Low Damage Record
The company points to its damage record as one of the lowest in the industry and there are no damage reports listed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. That’s a good sign that you can trust the business to ship your vehicle safely.
Can Ship a Variety of Vehicles
In addition to shipping vehicles, Number 1 Auto Transport can ship ATVs, boats, heavy machinery and motorcycles. Not all car shippers will handle boats or heavy machinery, so it’s good to know the company can handle unique moves.
Multiple Shipping Options
The company has a lowboy shipping option, which is good for machinery. If you want enclosed transport for your vehicle, you can choose either a soft-sided enclosed transport or a hard-sided enclosed transport. A soft-sided enclosed transport provides the safety of enclosed transport but at a lower cost than a hard-sided enclosed transport. A hard-sided enclosed transport has a hydraulic lift gate and offers climate control. The liftgate makes loading low-profile vehicles easier and helps keep the vehicle level in transit.
| NUMBER 1 AUTO TRANSPORT | |
|---|---|
Shipment Tracking | Yes |
Insurance Coverage | Yes |
Multi-Car Transport Available | Yes |
International Shipping | No |
Enclosed Containers | Yes |
DOT License Number | 2336907 |
| AUTOMOBILE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTIONS | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open transporter | $550 |
Honda CRV | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open transporter | $975 |
Honda CRV | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open transporter | $1,350 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $750 |
Lexus ES | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,325 |
Lexus ES | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,750 |
Number 1 Auto Transport maintains excellent reviews with many five-star reviews. Positive reviews mention the responsiveness from the company throughout the process. Others have liked how quick Number 1 Auto Transport has stepped in to help those who faced issues with other car transporters. The company hasn’t received many negative reviews. The complaints it has seen stemmed from cars arriving dirty or a delayed arrival.
If you’re moving to Austin, Texas, from another spot within the state, like San Antonio, you’ll want to look at several things when picking an auto moving company. The hot Texas sun can affect vehicles, and a car mover based in areas like Dallas, Texas, can make accommodations. Here are other things to consider when looking for an auto shipper in Texas.
Company reviews and ratings can help you narrow your search for a car shipper. Reading enough reviews can show the type of service an auto transport company provides and how it responds to difficult situations.
Car shippers have to have a minimum amount of insurance coverage for each vehicle they ship. Brokers don’t have to provide insurance coverage, they just have to use insured carriers. Some brokers will offer additional insurance coverage, which is helpful if you are shipping a valuable vehicle. Some brokers will also cover the cost of your insurance deductible if you need to file a claim.
A car shipping company that makes its prices clear makes the process easier. You can find a quick quote online on car shipping websites, but those quotes might not include all the costs. You shouldn’t have to go through the terms and conditions multiple times to understand how you’ll get charged. Car shippers with clear costs indicate their trustworthiness.
Final prices don’t always match initial quotes, so a quote guarantee eliminates guesswork and alleviates any issues when it comes time to pay the final bill. You can also get an idea of the costs by using a car shipping cost calculator.
An experienced car shipper can have a leg up over the competition because of the connections it has built with carriers. Vehicle shipping brokers vet their carriers but an experienced broker could find you a good deal or book your shipment quicker if it has strong relationships with carriers.
The way a car shipping company treats its customers makes a big difference. Working with a shipping broker creates a unique situation because you don’t deal directly with the shipper. Reading reviews can give you an impression of how a company responds to issues. A company that has perks, like a free car wash, can make it stand out, too.
A local Texas car shipper can help make moves easier by finding faster routes and knowing construction areas. Texas car shippers also understand the weather and the challenges it can present when moving a car. Parts of Texas can suffer from flash flooding when it rains and Texas car shippers can know how to avoid those spots. Texas car shippers can also factor in the direct sunlight a car will face while on a trailer and have solutions to lessen the sun’s impact.
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The cost to ship a car depends on how you ship the vehicle. There are two ways to ship a car. You can choose open transport, which puts the vehicle on a trailer with other cars. You can also choose enclosed transport, which places the vehicle in a box trailer. Enclosed transport costs more than open transport but it offers protection from weather and road debris.
The average cost to ship a car is $1,150. That works out to be around $0.60 per mile to $1.70 per mile. Enclosed transport moves will fall closer to the higher per-mile rate.
| FROM | TO | MILEAGE | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | Dallas, TX | 207 | $125 – $225 |
| New Orleans, LA | Dallas, TX | 507 | $300 – $550 |
| Jacksonville, FL | Dallas, TX | 994 | $600 – $1,100 |
| Dallas, TX | Philadelphia, PA | 1,467 | $875 – $1,625 |
| Dallas, TX | Seattle, WA | 2,079 | $1,250 – $2,300 |
| FROM | TO | MILEAGE | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | Dallas, TX | 207 | $200 – $350 |
| New Orleans, LA | Dallas, TX | 507 | $450 – $875 |
| Jacksonville, FL | Dallas, TX | 994 | $900 – $1,700 |
| Dallas, TX | Philadelphia, PA | 1,467 | $1,325 – $2,500 |
| Dallas,TX | Seattle, WA | 2,079 | $1,875 – $3,550 |
Car shipping costs vary based on several factors. The shipping distance, type of transport, type of vehicle and fuel costs have some of the biggest impacts on car shipping prices. Other things like the options you select with the move can affect the price.
Where you live can affect car shipping costs. If you live near a metro area, your door-to-door shipping costs will likely cost less than if you live in a rural area. The farther a car shipper has to travel will increase the price of a move.
People typically choose between open transport or enclosed transport when shipping a car. Open transport shipping costs less than enclosed transport. Enclosed transport has fewer spots available for cars.
Shipping distance is one of the biggest factors in shipping a car. Shorter distances will cost less than shipping a car to another state. Shipping a car to another state can take several days, which means higher costs. Most car shippers charge per mile.
The type of vehicle you ship affects car shipping costs. Bigger vehicles take up more room on trailers and cost more to ship. They also weigh more so trailers can’t transport as many. Classic cars or high-end sports cars can cost more to ship, too. They might need enclosed shipping instead of open transport to protect them from damage.
Fuel prices make up a big part of car shipping costs. Gas prices fluctuate throughout the year and some months experience higher prices than others. The summer months tend to see higher gas prices.
How you ship your vehicle impacts the cost. Some companies have terminal-to-terminal shipping, which can be cheaper than door-to-door. The type of insurance you select will impact the cost of your move because you can select additional insurance with some shippers.
The car shipping business sees its busiest times during spring and summer. Shipping a car during those months can cost more than slower months. Fuel prices can also rise during those months and trips get extended due to road construction to make for a more expensive shipment.
How long it takes to ship a car varies based on the distance, route, time of year along with road and weather conditions. Farther moves will take more time and poor weather can delay shipments. If the route faces any detours or road construction, you can see longer shipping times.
| FROM | TO | ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | Austin, TX | 2 - 3 days |
| Orlando, FL | Austin, TX | 3 - 5 days |
| Philadelphia, PA | Austin, TX | 6 days |
| Seattle, WA | Austin, TX | 7 days |
| Bangor, ME | Austin, TX | 8 days |
Shipping a car requires a bit of knowledge to know what to expect so there aren’t surprises when your car gets delivered. Understand that quotes can change from the initial estimate to the final bill due to costs incurred during the move. Trucks can encounter detours or inclement weather to delay shipments. It’s also important to understand insurance coverage and the bill of lading.
An initial quote can change at delivery time for a variety of reasons. Some brokers give carriers some discretion with pricing to secure a deal. Should a carrier experience a delay or detour, prices can rise. Some companies offer binding quotes and can be a good option.
Car shippers provide a window of time to pick up your vehicle and to deliver it. Road conditions vary during the year and can result in longer shipping times. Some car shippers offer guaranteed delivery times, though it costs more money.
Carriers have to have insurance coverage to move vehicles. Most carriers have a minimum of $100,000 in coverage for a car. Some brokers offer additional or gap coverage, too. It’s important to review what the carrier will cover if there’s damage so you know what to do should your car get damaged.
A car shipping bill of lading serves as a contract in the shipping industry. It shows the condition of your car before shipping so it’s important to note any dings, dents and scratches before shipping. The bill of lading also outlines terms and conditions, plus insurance coverage.
Car shipping has some high costs, depending on the distance and how you ship the vehicle. Getting multiple quotes and having some flexibility with your move can help you save money.
Multiple car shipping quotes help you form a budget for your move and give you an idea of which companies have higher prices and which have lower prices. Once you’ve got a good amount of quotes, you can decide which company provides the best service for the money you want to spend.
Expedited shipping is great but it comes with additional costs. If you can plan out your shipment in advance you can save some money. The seasonality of your move can also impact the cost. Moves during slower times of the year can net you some savings.
Some car shippers offer terminal-to-terminal shipping or rail shipping. Those transportation modes can help you save money versus door-to-door transport.
Car shippers can see busier times during the summer and the fall. Snowbirds often ship their vehicles south ahead of the winter and shipping companies might have limited capacity. The summer months typically host higher fuel prices, too. If you can ship during the winter months or early spring, you might find some deals.
Cheap car shipping companies don’t mean a loss of service. Bigger companies can provide better prices because they have a larger network of carriers. Take a look at how many carriers a broker works with as you research companies.
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To determine the best car shipping company, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed 37 major companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including customer reviews and support, company information, pricing and insurance, services offered and state availability.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies in our detailed methodology page.
Shipping a car from Texas depends on the distance, fuel and transportation mode you choose. On average, it costs around $1,150.
The best way to ship a car in Texas is often using open transport. Open transport provides a more affordable and sometimes faster way to ship a car. Finding a reputable auto transport company with an established record of excellent service is a good way to find a car shipper.
Most car shippers provide instant quotes on their websites. Getting multiple quotes can lead you to the cheapest car shipping company in Texas. You can also use those quotes with companies that offer price matching. A company that offers price matching might offer better service.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides carrier and broker information on car shippers. You will need to enter a company’s DOT number to view information.
You can contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to file a complaint against a car shipping company. You can call the Texas DOT or fill out a form online.
After 10 years in print journalism, Nick transitioned to the home improvement space. He has specialized in maintenance, mortgages, home warranties, moving, car shipping, home security and more for 7 years. Nick contributes to publications like Angi, Trusted Company Reviews and Family Handyman as well.
Tom spent 20 years running his own contracting company, working as a building mechanic and operating as a carpenter. Now he creates solar, home security, moving and home warranty content content for industry professionals and average homeowners.
Cassidy is an updates editor whose main responsibility is to write and edit articles on a range of home improvement topics. Her passion for lifestyle writing began with her editorial apprenticeship at Travel + Leisure magazine. Moving from travel to home, Cassidy now specializes in writing DIY and interior design content.
