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. Start by removing your TxTag transponder if you have one, since toll systems like TxTag on highways won't work during transport and could be damaged. Take out any toll passes or stickers as well.

Next, remove all interior and exterior accessories that could shift or break during transit—this includes phone mounts, roof racks, spoilers, custom mirrors, and any loose items inside the cabin. Clear out personal belongings entirely.

Given Texas heat, check your tire pressure and coolant levels before shipment. Extreme temperatures can affect both, and you want your vehicle in good mechanical condition before loading. If you have any custom floor mats or seat covers, remove those too.

Make sure you have a valid key available for the carrier to use if needed during transport. If you have a second key, keep that with you.

Finally, document your vehicle's condition with photos before pickup. Note any existing dents, scratches, or damage so there's no confusion when your car arrives. This protects both you and the carrier.

For more details about the full car shipping process, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during shipping in Texas. All carriers working with us 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 insurance protects you in case of damage or loss during transit. However, it's a good idea to review your own auto insurance policy to understand what coverage you have while your vehicle is being shipped, as some policies may have specific terms about transport.

We've been helping people get fair value on car shipping since 2017, and part of our commitment is making sure your vehicle is protected every step of the way.

For car shipping in Texas, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance. This gives carriers time to bundle your shipment with others heading the same direction, which helps you get better rates.

Texas-Specific Timing Considerations:

Summer Heat (June-September): Texas summers are intense, and extreme heat can affect carrier schedules and vehicle condition. Book earlier during these months—three weeks or more is ideal. Many carriers reduce routes during peak summer heat to avoid overheating issues.

Winter Weather (December-February): While Texas rarely gets heavy snow, ice storms do happen and can shut down highways for days. If you're shipping during winter, add an extra week to your timeline to account for potential weather delays.

Hurricane Season (June-November): If you're shipping to or from coastal Texas areas, hurricane season can disrupt carrier schedules. Plan ahead, especially during peak months (August-October).

College Move Season (August and May): Texas has major universities (UT Austin, Rice, Texas A&M, SMU, and others). Move-in (late August) and move-out (May) periods create high demand. Schedule 4+ weeks ahead during these windows if possible.

Military PCS Season (Summer): Texas has significant military bases (Fort Hood, Joint Base San Antonio, Dyess AFB). Summer PCS moves create carrier demand spikes. Book early if you're relocating due to military orders.

Bottom Line: Two weeks is our minimum, but three weeks gives you better options and pricing. The sooner you book, the more carriers can work with you—especially during Texas's busy seasons.

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 auto transport is the most common and affordable option. Your car travels on an open trailer with other vehicles, exposed to the elements and road conditions. It's ideal for everyday cars and trucks.

Enclosed auto transport costs significantly more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport. Your vehicle travels inside a fully enclosed trailer, protected from weather, debris, and road hazards. This option makes sense for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or cars with custom paint jobs.

The choice comes down to your vehicle's value and your budget. If you're shipping a standard sedan or truck, open transport gets the job done reliably and saves you money. If you're moving something irreplaceable or high-value, enclosed transport provides extra peace of mind.

Both options are safe and widely used across Texas. The difference is really about protection level and cost.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Texas. This is the most convenient option for vehicle shipping.

When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your car directly to those locations whenever possible.

Sometimes, transportation restrictions or safety challenges may prevent direct delivery to a specific address. If that happens, our carrier will work with you to find an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot. We'll always communicate this upfront so there are no surprises.

Since 2012, we've been committed to making car shipping transparent and fair. Our customers consistently rate us highly because we deliver on our promises and keep you informed every step of the way.

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!