Texas Car Shipping: Auto Transport To, From & Within Texas
Ship a car to, from or within Texas door to door, from Houston and Dallas–Fort Worth to Austin, San Antonio, El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley. Based in Stafford in the Houston metro, insured on every shipment, with no upfront deposit.
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No upfront payment · Fully insured · FMCSA MC 1482694 · BBB A+ rated
Car shipping in Texas: the quick answer
NexGen Auto Transport ships cars to and from Texas door to door on open and enclosed carriers. Nearby routes usually take 1–3 days and coast-to-coast routes 5–9 days, and every shipment is insured at no extra cost.
- Local office: Stafford, TX (Houston metro), (832) 886-1321
- Service: door-to-door, open or enclosed transport
- Transit time: 1–3 days nearby, 5–9 days cross-country
- Insurance: up to $250,000 open, $500,000 enclosed
- Licensing: FMCSA MC 1482694, USDOT 3969190
- Track record: since 2021, 150,000+ vehicles shipped
- Price: free quote, no upfront deposit. Get your Texas quote
Guaranteed pickup
We pick up anywhere in Texas, from big metros to rural ranch roads, and schedule a pickup window that fits your move. Guaranteed pickup dates are available on request.
Insurance Covered
Every shipment is insured at no extra cost: up to $250,000 on open carriers and up to $500,000 on enclosed transport.
FMCSA Licensed
NexGen Auto Transport is registered with the FMCSA (MC 1482694, USDOT 3969190) and assigns every Texas shipment to a vetted, FMCSA-registered carrier.
What Is Texas Car Shipping?
Texas car shipping means moving a vehicle to, from or within Texas on a licensed car carrier instead of driving it. Texas is huge: El Paso to Houston alone is about 745 miles, so even in-state moves are often cheaper and safer by truck than by road.
Most loads travel on I-35 (Laredo, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas–Fort Worth to Oklahoma), I-10 (El Paso, San Antonio and Houston east to Louisiana), I-45 (Houston to Dallas), I-20 (West Texas through DFW to the Southeast) and I-30 and I-37. Because carriers run these corridors every day, pickup windows in Houston, DFW, Austin and San Antonio are usually short. West Texas, the Panhandle and rural areas can take a few extra days.
For example, a family moving from Chicago to Austin can ship their SUV door to door in about 3–5 days and skip a 1,100-mile drive.
Why Choose NexGen for Texas Car Shipping?
Texas is home for us. NexGen Auto Transport is based at 3945 Greenbriar Dr in Stafford, in the Houston metro, and we have shipped more than 150,000 vehicles since 2021, many of them to, from and within Texas.
- Local team: call (832) 886-1321 and talk to a Houston-area agent who knows Texas routes.
- Insured on every shipment: up to $250,000 on open carriers and $500,000 enclosed, at no extra cost.
- No upfront deposit: a card on file or reservation hold secures your booking, and the balance is due on delivery.
- Vetted carriers: we check each carrier’s FMCSA authority and insurance before assigning your car.
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
Car Shipping Services Available in Texas
We offer every main type of vehicle transport to, from and within Texas. Choose based on your budget, timeline and how much protection your vehicle needs.
Open Car Transport
The most affordable and most common option. Your car rides on a multi-car trailer and is strapped down for the whole trip. Ideal for everyday cars, relocations and dealer moves between Houston, DFW, Austin and San Antonio. More about open car transport.
Enclosed Car Transport
Your car travels inside a fully covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris and Texas hail. Recommended for luxury, exotic, classic and newly restored vehicles, and insured up to $500,000. More about enclosed transport.
Expedited Car Shipping
Need it fast? Expedited service moves pickup to within 24–48 hours of booking in most Texas metros, at a higher price. Useful for job start dates, closings and auction deadlines. More about expedited transport.
Door-to-Door Auto Transport
The carrier picks up at your address and delivers to your destination, with no terminal drop-off. If your street or HOA can’t fit a large truck, we arrange a nearby meeting point such as a store parking lot. More about door-to-door shipping.
Auction and Dealer Car Shipping
We pick up from Copart, IAAI and Manheim locations across Texas, plus independent and public auctions, and ship dealer trades and inventory statewide and nationwide. Auction car transport · Dealer auto transport.
Snowbird Car Shipping
Texas works both ways for snowbirds. Many Texans head to Florida and Arizona for winter, and thousands of “Winter Texans” from the Midwest and Canada spend the season in the Rio Grande Valley. Book early for October–November and March–April, when demand peaks. Snowbird car shipping.
How Does Car Shipping Work in Texas?
Shipping a car with NexGen takes four simple steps:
1. Get a Free Quote
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle and preferred date in the car shipping cost calculator to see your price instantly, or call (832) 886-1321.
2. Book and Get a Carrier
Book online or by phone. Your agent assigns a vetted, FMCSA-registered carrier for your route and shares the driver’s details and pickup window before pickup day.
3. Pickup and Inspection
The driver calls ahead. You or someone you choose inspects the car with the driver and signs the Bill of Lading, which records its condition before loading.
Updates While in Transit
Your agent keeps you updated while the car is on the road and lets you know right away if weather or traffic changes the delivery estimate.
4. Delivery
The driver delivers to your address or the nearest safe spot. Inspect the car against the Bill of Lading, pay the remaining balance and sign for delivery.
Questions at any step? Call your agent or (832) 886-1321.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to or from Texas?
On an open carrier, shipping a car within Texas usually costs $450–$650. Routes to neighboring states and the Southeast run about $550–$900, and moves to California, New York or the Pacific Northwest about $800–$1,500. Enclosed transport usually costs 40–50% more. Your price depends on distance, vehicle size, open or enclosed transport, the season and how close pickup and delivery are to a major highway.
Here are typical prices for popular Texas routes:
| Route | Approx. distance | Transit time | Open carrier | Enclosed (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX → Dallas, TX | 240 miles | 1–3 days | $450 – $650 | $650 – $1,000 |
| Austin, TX → San Antonio, TX | 80 miles | 1–3 days | $450 – $650 | $650 – $1,000 |
| Houston, TX → El Paso, TX | 745 miles | 2–4 days | $550 – $750 | $750 – $1,150 |
| Houston, TX → Atlanta, GA | 790 miles | 2–4 days | $550 – $800 | $750 – $1,200 |
| Dallas, TX → Denver, CO | 795 miles | 2–4 days | $550 – $800 | $750 – $1,200 |
| Dallas, TX → Chicago, IL | 925 miles | 2–4 days | $600 – $850 | $850 – $1,300 |
| Houston, TX → Phoenix, AZ | 1,175 miles | 3–5 days | $700 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Houston, TX → Miami, FL | 1,190 miles | 3–5 days | $750 – $1,000 | $1,050 – $1,500 |
| Dallas, TX → Los Angeles, CA | 1,435 miles | 3–5 days | $800 – $1,150 | $1,100 – $1,750 |
| Houston, TX → New York, NY | 1,630 miles | 4–7 days | $900 – $1,250 | $1,250 – $1,900 |
| Dallas, TX → Seattle, WA | 2,110 miles | 4–7 days | $1,100 – $1,500 | $1,550 – $2,250 |
Estimates for a standard sedan, reviewed November 2026. SUVs, pickups, non-running vehicles and peak-season dates cost more. Prices apply in both directions. Get your exact price with the car shipping cost calculator.
What Is Included in Your Price
- Door-to-door transport, carrier fuel and tolls
- Cargo insurance up to $250,000 open / $500,000 enclosed
- No upfront deposit: card on file or reservation hold, balance due on delivery
What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car to or from Texas?
The cheapest way to ship a car to or from Texas is on an open carrier, on a busy route, with flexible dates. Routes between major metros, like Houston–Dallas or Dallas–Los Angeles, have the most trucks and the lowest prices. To save more:
- Book 1–2 weeks ahead and give a pickup window of a few days.
- Avoid the peak snowbird months and major holidays.
- Meet the truck near a highway instead of on a narrow street.
- Ship several cars together for a multi-car discount.
See our guide on the cheapest way to ship a car.
Popular Texas Car Shipping Routes
Within Texas: Houston ↔ Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin ↔ San Antonio, Houston ↔ Austin, El Paso ↔ Houston or DFW, and the Rio Grande Valley to any metro.
Out of state: Texas to California, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois and New York are our most-booked routes.
- Car shipping from Texas and car shipping to Texas guides
- California to Texas, Houston to Los Angeles and Dallas to Miami
Texas city pages: Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.
Texas Cities We Serve
We pick up and deliver in every Texas city and town. These city guides have local prices, transit times and tips:
- Houston car shipping: home of our Stafford office
- Dallas car shipping: Dallas–Fort Worth metro
- Allen car shipping: Collin County and north DFW
- Austin car shipping: Central Texas
- Waco car shipping: Baylor and Fort Hood area
- San Antonio car shipping: South Central Texas
- Corpus Christi car shipping: the Coastal Bend
- Edinburg and McAllen car shipping: the Rio Grande Valley
- Midland car shipping: Midland–Odessa and the Permian Basin
- Abilene car shipping: Dyess AFB and the Big Country
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to or from Texas?
Shipments within Texas usually take 1–3 days. Routes to neighboring states take 2–4 days, the Midwest and Southeast 2–5 days, and the West and East Coasts 4–9 days.
- In-state (Houston to Dallas, Austin to San Antonio): 1–3 days
- West Texas (El Paso to Houston or DFW): 2–4 days
- Neighboring regions (Texas to Atlanta, Denver or Chicago): 2–4 days
- West Coast (Dallas to Los Angeles): 3–5 days
- Northeast and Northwest (Houston to New York, Dallas to Seattle): 4–7 days
Hurricane season on the Gulf Coast (June to November) and winter ice in North Texas can add a day or two. Rural pickups may take an extra 1–2 days to schedule. Expedited service shortens the wait for pickup.
- Get an Exclusive Discount 10–20% on Your First Car Shipment — Limited Time Only
How to Prepare Your Car for Transport to or from Texas?
Clean the vehicle thoroughly to document its current condition. A clear exterior reveals any pre-existing dents, dings, or scratches for the inspection process.
Remove all personal items from the car’s interior. Federal rules stop transporters from carrying household goods. Unsecured items can shift or break during transport.
Disable toll tags and parking passes to avoid unexpected charges. Open-road toll systems may detect tags during transit unless removed.
Check tire pressure, battery, and fluid levels to ensure the car can be safely loaded and unloaded under its own power. Vehicles that are inoperable require special equipment.
Ensure only a quarter tank of fuel is in the vehicle. This minimizes weight and complies with DOT transport safety protocols.
Deactivate alarms and provide a spare key to the carrier. This avoids disruptions during loading, unloading, or inspections.
Take date-stamped photos of all vehicle sides for condition reporting. This acts as documented proof in case of any damage claims.
Confirm all documentation is ready. This includes valid registration, title, and proof of insurance if required by the carrier or terminal location.
Can I Ship Personal Items Inside the Vehicle?
Yes, most auto transport companies in Texas permit up to 100 lbs of personal belongings in your vehicle during transit. Just ensure they are securely packed and kept below the window line, often in the trunk or back seat.
However, FMCSA regulations prohibit carriers from transporting household goods, so this allowance is granted at the carrier’s discretion and is not federally protected. Any personal items remain uninsured, meaning damage or loss will not be covered under the vehicle transport contract.
To reduce risk and ensure compliance:
Do not pack fragile items, valuables, electronics, or anything irreplaceable.
Keep items out of sight to deter theft during loading, transport, or inspections.
Don’t overload the vehicle. Too much weight can lead to rejection at pickup or delay scheduling.
Confirm policy with the assigned NexGen Auto Transport dispatcher prior to pickup.
Is My Vehicle Fully Insured During Transport?
Yes. Every NexGen shipment is insured at no extra cost, up to $250,000 on open carriers and up to $500,000 on enclosed transport. The driver records your car’s condition on the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery, which is the basis for any claim. You can ask for the carrier’s certificate of insurance before pickup. Personal items left in the car are not covered. See how our insurance works and our claims process.
What Documents Are Needed for Auto Transport From or To Texas?
For most standard car shipping scenarios to or from Texas, no title or registration transfer is required. However, certain documents are essential for identity verification, legal compliance, and carrier accountability:
Valid Government-Issued Photo ID A driver’s license or passport is required to verify identity at pickup or delivery, especially for door-to-door transport or terminal release.
Bill of Lading (BOL) This legally binding document records the vehicle’s condition at pickup and delivery. It acts as both a receipt and inspection checklist and must be signed by both parties.
Carrier Insurance Certificate (Optional Request) While not always provided automatically, shippers can request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the carrier for proof of cargo liability coverage.
Lienholder Authorization (If Needed) If your vehicle is leased or financed, some lenders may ask for written approval before you can ship it out of state. Always check with your financial institution in advance.
Power of Attorney (For Third-Party Drop-off/Pickup) If someone is picking up or dropping off your vehicle, we may ask for a signed POA. This helps with verification and clarifies liability.
Military Orders (For PCS Shipments) Active-duty military members shipping under Permanent Change of Station (PCS) must show official transfer orders. This is needed for discounts or reimbursements on transport programs.
Moving to Texas? Registering Your Out-of-State Car
If you are becoming a Texas resident, plan these steps once your car arrives:
- Register within 30 days of moving to Texas, at your county tax assessor-collector’s office.
- Insurance: get coverage that meets Texas minimum liability requirements.
- VIN verification: out-of-state vehicles need their VIN verified before the first Texas registration.
- Emissions test: since January 1, 2025, most non-commercial vehicles no longer need a safety inspection, but vehicles registered in 17 counties, including the Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin and El Paso areas, still need an emissions test. Bexar County (San Antonio) is scheduled to be added in 2026.
- Bring your paperwork: out-of-state title or registration, proof of insurance, ID and lienholder details if the car is financed.
Rules can change and vary by county, so confirm the current steps with the Texas DMV and your county tax office.
What to Consider Before Shipping a Car to or from Texas
- Budget and timing: get a quote early and give a flexible pickup window. Prices rise in snowbird season and around holidays.
- Open or enclosed: open is cheaper; enclosed protects luxury and classic cars from weather and hail.
- Number of vehicles: shipping several cars together lowers the price per car.
- Licensing and reviews: check the company’s MC or USDOT number on the FMCSA SAFER website and read independent reviews.
- Policies: read the payment and cancellation policy before you book.
- Inspection: photograph your car before pickup and check it against the Bill of Lading at delivery.
More tips in how to choose a car shipping company.
- Get an Exclusive Discount 10–20% on Your First Car Shipment — Limited Time Only
Are There Cancellation Fees?
No fee if you cancel before a carrier is assigned. Any amount you paid in advance is refunded in full. After a carrier is assigned:
- $75 rescheduling fee if your car isn’t ready and you move to a later date before the driver leaves for pickup.
- $200 cancellation fee if you cancel after a carrier is assigned or dispatched, or within 7 days of your requested pickup date.
- $200 dry run fee if the driver is already on the way and the car can’t be loaded.
Full details are on our cancellation and refund policy page.
How Do I Pay for Texas Car Shipping?
We don’t charge an upfront deposit. To reserve your shipment, we keep a card on file or place an electronic reservation hold. The remaining balance is due on delivery, as shown in your order confirmation.
If you prefer to pay in advance, you can pay by credit card, Zelle, PayPal or Venmo. Advance payments are fully refunded if you cancel before a carrier is assigned.
Texas Auto Auctions We Pick Up From
Bought a car at a Texas auction? We pick up from auction yards across the state and handle gate passes and release paperwork with you, so the car leaves the yard quickly and you avoid storage fees.
- Copart yards across Texas, including repairable and salvage vehicles. Copart auction transport
- IAAI branches statewide. IAAI auction transport
- Manheim dealer auctions in Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth and San Antonio. Manheim auction shipping
- Public and independent auctions such as Texas Car Auction, Public Auction Center, LSO Auction and police impound auctions
Send us the lot number, yard address and gate pass when you book.
Texas Car Shipping FAQs
Within Texas, open transport usually costs $450–$650. Texas to the Southeast or Midwest runs about $550–$900, and Texas to California, New York or the Pacific Northwest about $800–$1,500. Enclosed transport costs 40–50% more. Get an exact price with our calculator.
Most in-state shipments, such as Houston to Dallas or Austin to San Antonio, are delivered in 1–3 days after pickup. El Paso to Houston or DFW usually takes 2–4 days.
Yes. Our office is at 3945 Greenbriar Dr Ste B1, Stafford, TX 77477, in the Houston metro. Call (832) 886-1321.
Yes. We handle PCS moves to and from Fort Cavazos, Fort Bliss, Joint Base San Antonio, NAS Corpus Christi and other Texas installations, with up to 20% off for active-duty service members. Military car shipping.
Yes. We ship to and from UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, the University of Houston, Rice, Baylor and other campuses, with student discounts of up to 20%. Student car shipping.
It can. During hurricane season (June to November), storms along the Gulf Coast can close roads or delay pickups in the Houston, Galveston and Corpus Christi areas for a day or two. We reschedule safely and keep you updated.
You or someone you choose, who is at least 18, needs to be there to hand over the keys, inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading.
Yes. Tell us when you book and we will send a truck with a winch. Inoperable vehicles cost a little more because they take extra time and equipment to load.
Yes. New residents have 30 days to register an out-of-state vehicle at their county tax office. Most vehicles need a VIN verification, and vehicles in 17 counties need an emissions test. Check the Texas DMV for current rules.
No. We keep a card on file or place an electronic reservation hold, and the balance is due on delivery. Cancellation fees only apply after a carrier is assigned, as explained in our cancellation policy.
Texas Car Transport – NexGen Auto Transport
Address: 3945 Greenbriar Dr ste b 1, Stafford, TX 77477, United States
Phone: +(832) 886-1321
Email: contact@nexgenautotransport.com
Hours of Operation: The team is available to assist everyone from Monday to Sunday between 07:00 – 22:00. Please note that a prior booking is required to ensure availability.