Ship A Car from Texas to California
Smart Auto Move offers Vehicle Shipping service from the State of Texas to California with auto transport pickups in Houston, Austin, Dallas, McKinney, Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio, Fairview, Waco, and delivering vehicles to Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Thousand Oaks, Hollywood, Long Beach, Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose, and just about anywhere else in the state of Texas. Get the best door-to-door fully insured auto transport service and rates by the local BBB A+ Rated and Accredited car shippers you can trust.
How much will it cost to ship my vehicle from Texas to California?
The cost to ship your car from Texas to California will depend on several factors regarding your car shipping details such as, the type of vehicle you are interested in transporting, the cities from which you’d like to have your vehicle picked up and delivered to, whether the car you are transporting is in running or non-running condition, and the kind of service you’re interested in using Open, Enclosed car transporters and or Expedited shipping.Â
To get an accurate auto transport quote go to our simple to use Car Shipping Calculator. Be sure to submit the correct zip codes, your vehicle type such as if you are looking to ship a Car, SUV, or Pickup Truck, and the cars operating condition; Operable or Inoperable.
Also, include the date you’re considering for auto transport to get the best rates for fully insured door to door auto transport instantly. To get more information regarding pricing you can visit our page;Â How much will it cost to ship my car?
How long does it take to ship a vehicle from Texas to California?
Shipping a car from Texas to California typically takes between 3 to 5 days, depending on factors such as the specific pickup and drop-off locations, time of year, traffic conditions, and the type of transport service chosen. Routes between major cities like Dallas and Los Angeles or Houston and San Diego are often quicker due to high carrier volume and well-established logistics. If you choose standard open transport, you’ll likely see the fastest turnaround, while enclosed transport or remote pickup locations may add a day or two. Expedited service is also available for faster delivery. Overall, the process is efficient and well-managed, especially when booked with an experienced company.
How safe is it to ship my vehicle from Texas to California?
Shipping a car from Texas to California is a very safe process when using a trusted, professional auto transport company. Reputable carriers like Smart Auto Move are fully licensed, insured, and staffed with experienced drivers who specialize in long-distance vehicle transport. Your car is securely loaded onto a transport trailer—either open or enclosed—using industry-standard equipment and safety protocols to prevent movement or damage during transit. Additionally, most auto shipping companies provide insurance coverage throughout the journey, giving you extra peace of mind. Compared to driving the car yourself over hundreds of miles, shipping reduces exposure to road hazards, weather conditions, and mechanical wear, making it a safer and more reliable option overall.
Can I put things in my car when I ship my vehicle from Texas to California?
When shipping your car from Texas to California, most auto transport companies, including Smart Auto Move, allow you to leave up to 100 pounds of personal items inside the vehicle at no additional cost. These items must be stored securely, typically in the trunk or below the window line, to ensure safety and compliance with weight regulations. This small allowance is convenient for customers looking to move essentials like clothes, small boxes, or tools without packing them separately. However, it’s important to note that personal belongings are not covered by the carrier’s insurance, so you should avoid placing valuables or fragile items inside. Always check with your transport coordinator to confirm the exact guidelines before loading your vehicle.
Will my vehicle be insured when I ship it from Texas to California?
Yes, When you ship a vehicle from one state to another, it is typically covered by the Car Transporters carrier’s insurance throughout the entire journey. Reputable shipping companies are required by federal law to carry liability and cargo insurance, which protects your vehicle against damage that may occur during loading, transport, or unloading. Before your car is picked up, the driver conducts a detailed inspection and documents the vehicle’s condition in a report, which is reviewed again at delivery. While this insurance covers the vehicle itself, it usually does not include personal belongings left inside, so it’s important to remove any valuables. For added peace of mind, you can also ask the carrier for proof of insurance and verify what specific coverage limits apply to your shipment.
How do I prepare my vehicle for shipping from Texas to California?
Preparing your car for vehicle shipping is a simple but important step to ensure a smooth and safe transport. Start by cleaning your vehicle inside and out so that the carrier can perform an accurate inspection and note any pre-existing damage. Remove all personal belongings, especially valuables, electronics, and loose items, as they are not covered by the carrier’s insurance and can shift during transit. Disable any alarm systems to avoid unnecessary disruptions, and ensure your car has about a quarter tank of gas—enough for loading and unloading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. Check that the battery is charged, tires are properly inflated, and there are no fluid leaks. Lastly, make sure the driver has any necessary keys or instructions, especially if your vehicle has special starting or operating requirements.
Why is Smart Auto Move the best choice to ship a vehicle from Texas to California?
Choosing Smart Auto Move to ship your car from Texas to California is the smartest and most reliable choice for hassle-free vehicle transport. With offices located in both Texas and California, Smart Auto Move offers local expertise, faster scheduling, and more personalized service throughout the entire shipping process. Their network of fully licensed and insured carriers ensures that your vehicle is handled with the highest level of care from pickup to delivery. Whether you’re relocating, sending a car to a family member, or completing an out-of-state purchase, Smart Auto Move provides door-to-door service, real-time updates, and competitive pricing. Backed by a dedicated support team and regional presence in both states, Smart Auto Move delivers unmatched convenience, reliability, and peace of mind every mile of the journey.

How long does it take to get a vehicle transported from Texas to California?
We make vehicle shipping simple. Your Car, SUV or Truck gets picked up at your location.
Truck gets on it’s way from Texas to California and typically takes 3-4 days
About 3-4 days later your vehicle is delivered conveniently to your door in California
Estimated Car Shipping cost & transit time for popular Texas to California Auto Transport Trips
 Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance |  Transit Time |
---|---|---|---|
 Houston to Los Angeles | $800 | 1543 miles | 3-4 days |
 Dallas to San Jose | $1050 | 1717 miles | 3-4 days |
Austin to San Diego | $1049 | 1373 miles | 3-4 days |
 San Antonio to San Francisco | $1099 | 1772 miles | 4-5 days |
Fort Worth to Irvine | $750 | 1402 miles | 3-4 days |
 McKinney to Bakersfield | $850 | 1487 miles | 3-4 days |
Killeen to Modesto | $1299 | 1689 miles | 4-5 days |
 Sugar Land to Oakland | $1300 | 1919 miles | 5-6 days |