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The Best Way to Ship a Car from California to Texas

Summary

So, you need to ship a car from California to Texas and are wondering about the best way to do it. Ultimately, the best way is one that suits your budget, schedule, and preferences. 

It’s going to require some research, but to save you some time, we’ve gathered together your options. With all the info in one place, you can better decide how you’re going to ship your car from California to Texas.

Shipping a car from California to Texas - These are your options

If you’ve never done it before, it’s only natural that you’re wondering how to ship a car from California to Texas. The good news for you is that there are several car relocation services available. The following guide will make your decision much easier. 

Drive your car yourself

This is generally the first idea that springs to mind and why not take a road trip? It might be a lot of fun. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider it for a short distance. However, when it comes to shipping a car from California to Texas, a distance of more than 1400 miles, there are some downsides you might want to consider. 

If there’s only going to be one person doing all the driving, it might take a couple of overnight stops which will add to the cost of shipping a car from California to Texas. Compared to the cost of hiring an auto transport company, you could end up paying a lot more because of all the other costs that you have to factor in. 

In addition, the extra miles lead to unnecessary wear and tear and how long it takes to ship your car from California to Texas will depend on traffic and weather conditions.    

Hire a driver to drive it for you

Hiring a driver is another possible option, and you’ll find a wide selection of companies that offer such a service. Another option is to hire someone directly, without using a third party. You might find people advertising their driving services in your local paper or online via websites such as Fiverr or Angie's List. 

This option will lead to unnecessary wear and tear, along with extra miles on the odometer. It’s another service that is likely to cost more than hiring an auto transport service, and you’ll have to do a lot of research to find an individual or company you can trust. 

Have a friend or family member drive it for you

Perhaps you know someone who’d be willing to drive your car for you. This is one of the more budget-friendly options. You’re also going to know the driver personally which must be a good thing, but how well do you know their driving abilities?

Another disadvantage of this option is that you may need to take out additional insurance coverage. Then there’s the additional wear and tear to consider, which is yet another hidden cost.   

Ship your car by train

This is not an option that immediately springs to mind, but you can ship vehicles by train. It’s a relatively simple process and one that’s not very expensive. However, you do have to get your car to the train station first and then collect it at the end of the train journey. It’s not a service that’s offered at every train station, so you might have to travel quite a distance to get your car on the right train.

In addition, the service is not as convenient and flexible as hiring an auto transport company. Trains run to schedule, so you’re limited with regards to route and time. Unlike car shipping with an auto transport company, you can’t leave personal items in your car when it’s being transported.  

Use an auto transport management company

With an auto transport company, you can expect a car shipping experience that’s on a whole new level. Companies like SGT Auto Transport manage the entire shipping process, from start to finish, on your behalf. From the first time you make contact, whether it’s by email, Live Chat, or phone, we take care of everything for you. 

The benefits of an auto transport service include:

  • It’s an all-inclusive service
  • We make all the arrangements for you
  • We manage the entire auto transport service on your behalf
  • We offer a nationwide service including shipping your car from California to Texas and vice versa
  • It is one of the best ways to ship a car from California to Texas

How much to ship a car from California to Texas?

This is a very common question, but it’s a difficult one to answer specifically. We understand it’s going to be something you worry about, so let’s see if we can fill you in on some details. 

The actual price you pay for car shipping services depends on several things. Every customer we deal with is different and has different needs, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It is possible, however, to provide some guidance, explain what can affect the cost of shipping a car, and maybe save you some money. 

Here is a table that gives you a rough idea of how much it might cost on an average price-per-mile basis.  

DistanceType of transportAverage price per mileSample distanceSample price
0-500 milesopen$0.80250 miles$399
500-1000 milesopen$0.73700 miles$695
1000-1500 milesopen$0.701000 miles$795
1500-2000 milesopen$0.481750 miles$1099
2000-2500 milesopen$0.452400 miles$1395
2500-3000 milesopen$.0472700 miles$1695
3000+ milesopen$0.473200 miles$1799

 

These are average prices, and they reflect market conditions as of April 2022. These rates are subject to change due to the cost of gas, seasonal fluctuations, pick-up and delivery locations, and more. 

If you want to know the exact cost, get an instant quote for shipping your car from California to Texas!

What factors affect the cost of shipping a car to another state?

  • The time of year
  • The weight and size of your car
  • The distance traveled
  • The type of auto transport method
  • Other types of auto transport services
  • The type of car you want to move
  • The condition of your vehicle
  • Added insurance

Tips on getting the best deal

  • Book at least a couple of weeks in advance
  • Choose open car shipping as it’s the cheapest option
  • Be flexible with your shipping dates
  • Pick the right time of the year
  • Check for all-inclusive prices

If you need to ship your car from California to Texas in the near future, now is the best time to sort out your auto transport arrangements.

Get an instant quote now!

Those of you who prefer to speak with a representative simply call (864) 546-5038 or use our Live Chat option.

If you like the price you’re given, click to make your booking or confirm the details with the SGT Auto Transport representative.   

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