Texas Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Texas is straightforward, but there are a few state-specific steps you'll want to take.

Remove toll transponders. If your vehicle has a TxTag, EZPass, or other toll transponder, remove it before shipping. Texas highways like the Dallas North Tollway and Harris County toll roads use these devices, and leaving one installed can result in unexpected charges during transit.

Check your tire pressure and coolant. Texas heat can be intense, especially in summer. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your coolant levels are topped off. High temperatures can affect both, and you want your vehicle in good condition when it arrives at its destination.

Clean off road salt and residue. If you're shipping from areas that treat roads in winter (like North Texas), wash your vehicle and remove any salt or chemical residue. These can cause rust and corrosion over time.

Remove interior and exterior accessories. Take off any toll passes, air fresheners, GPS units, roof racks, or custom mirrors. Remove any fragile items from inside the car as well. The carrier won't be responsible for damage to personal items or non-factory accessories.

Have a key ready. Make sure you have a spare key available to give to your carrier. They'll need it to move your vehicle on and off the transport.

For more details about the entire shipping process, check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips. We've been helping people ship cars since 2012, and we're here to make the process as simple and transparent as possible.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when shipping in Texas. All carriers we work with are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport.

This coverage protects your vehicle during transit. However, the specific details of what's covered can vary by carrier. We recommend reviewing your carrier's insurance information once it's assigned to your shipment so you know exactly what protection you have.

If you have questions about coverage for your specific vehicle or situation, we're here to help clarify how insurance works for your shipment.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and carrier availability in Texas. However, the ideal timing depends on several Texas-specific factors.

Peak Seasons in Texas

Texas sees major shipping surges during snowbird season (October through March), when people relocate from northern states to escape winter. Summer months (June through August) also bring high demand due to military PCS moves and corporate relocations. During these periods, carriers fill up quickly, so booking three to four weeks ahead gives you better options and pricing.

Weather Considerations

While Texas doesn't experience heavy snow like northern states, winter ice storms can disrupt carrier schedules, particularly in North and Central Texas. If you're shipping during December through February, add an extra week to your timeline as a buffer. Summer heat waves can also affect carrier operations—many carriers reduce schedules during extreme heat to protect vehicles, so plan ahead during July and August.

Hurricane Season

If you're shipping to or from the Texas Gulf Coast, hurricane season (June through November) can cause unpredictable delays. During this period, book your shipment at least a month in advance to account for potential weather disruptions.

General Rule

The sooner you schedule, the better. Posting your shipment early allows carriers to bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction, which typically means lower costs for you. Even if you need to ship urgently, we can help—but advance notice always works in your favor.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport in Texas

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport uses an open trailer where your car sits exposed to the elements and road debris. Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer for full protection.

Cost: Open transport is the budget-friendly option. Enclosed transport typically costs 50-100% more because it offers extra protection and uses specialized equipment.

Best for Open Transport: Daily drivers, newer vehicles in good condition, and standard cars where weather exposure isn't a concern.

Best for Enclosed Transport: Classic cars, luxury vehicles, custom paint jobs, or any vehicle you want to shield from rain, dust, and road debris during shipping.

Here's the honest truth: if you're shipping a standard vehicle and budget matters, open transport gets the job done reliably. But if your car has special value—whether it's sentimental or financial—enclosed transport gives you peace of mind. At Sakaem Logistics, we help you choose what makes sense for your specific situation and your vehicle's needs.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Texas. This means we pick up your vehicle from your preferred location and deliver it directly to your destination address.

Here's how it works: When you book with us, you provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will do their best to pick up and drop off at those exact locations. If there are any safety concerns or access restrictions at your addresses, the carrier will contact you to arrange an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient option for most people shipping cars in Texas. Since we started in 2012 to break up the broker monopoly, we've focused on making the shipping process straightforward and transparent. Our highly rated reviews show that customers appreciate our honest approach to getting their vehicles where they need to go.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!