If you're looking to ship a car to or from Houston, Texas, you likely have questions: How much will it cost? How long will it take? What’s the safest way to do it? In a competitive city like Houston — with its busy ports, sprawling metro areas, frequent storms, and regulatory requirements — knowing the right things to ask and do can save you stress, time, and money.
Here’s a complete guide to help you ship your vehicle with confidence in Houston.
Houston isn’t just any city when it comes to auto transport. Some of the special factors include:
Geography & traffic — Houston is huge, with heavy traffic, sprawling suburbs, and major highway arteries (I-10, I-45, I-69, etc.). Pickup and delivery logistics can be trickier than in smaller or less congested places.
Weather & seasonality — Summer heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, and hurricane threats in late summer / early fall can impact both pricing and timing.
Port activity — Being a port city, there are periods when demand from imported vehicles or export shipments pushes up carrier rates and reduces available trailers/windows.
Regulations — Vehicle registration, inspections, local state laws, insurance requirements, and carrier licensing matter a lot in Texas, especially Harris County and the surrounding areas.
While exact cost depends on many variables, here are rough ranges and what drives them:
| Factor | Typical Cost Range* | What Influences It Most |
|---|---|---|
| Short distance (within Texas, or nearby states) | $600 to $1,100 A-1 Auto Transport, Inc.+1 | Distance, type of transport (open vs enclosed), fuel surcharges. |
| Longer interstate / cross-country | More than $1,100+ moveBuddha+1 | Mileage, routing, demand, whether pick-up/drop-off points are remote. |
| Time & speed | Premium if you need expedited delivery or guaranteed dates. | Carrier availability, peak seasons. |
*Prices approximate, subject to change — always get quotes from multiple vetted carriers.
Tips that affect cost:
Book 2-3 weeks ahead of peak periods (e.g., summer) to avoid surcharges. Sherpa Auto Transport+1
Be flexible with pickup/drop-off windows, especially near major highways where carriers run more frequently. Sherpa Auto Transport
Eliminate unnecessary extras (storage, enclosed transport unless needed) unless you need them.
To avoid surprises, make sure any company you choose ticks these boxes:
Licensing & Insurance
FMCSA DOT number, valid credentials.
Proof of insurance & what exactly is covered.
Transparent Pricing
Get a full breakdown: base rate, distance/mileage, fuel surcharges, pickup/drop fees, possible extra charges (non-running vehicles, oversized, enclosed).
Watch for “cheap” quotes that hide fees. Fisher Shipping+1
Delivery / Pickup Scheduling
Pickup windows, delivery times, delays due to weather or traffic.
How flexible the carrier is if address isn’t ideal.
Vehicle Prep and Inspection
Clean car inside & out so damage or existing dings can be documented. RoadRunner Auto Transport+1
Remove personal items.
Take photos (before pickup, after delivery) for insurance and damage claims.
Reviews / Reputation
Read customer reviews, especially local ones (Houston, suburbs).
Ask how they handle claims and what their track record is.
Service Types
Open vs enclosed transport: enclosed is safer but costs more.
Door-to-door vs terminal pickups.
Options for expedited or flexible scheduling.
Here’s a basic timeline so you know the typical flow when shipping a car to or from Houston:
| Phase | What Happens | What You Can Do To Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | You request quotes, choose carrier, agree on pickup/drop off points. | Have your car’s details ready: make/model, condition, any modifications, whether it runs. |
| Pre-pickup | Carrier assigns driver, sets schedule. | Clean vehicle, document condition, remove all personal effects. |
| Pickup | Driver arrives, inspects condition, signs Bill of Lading. | Be present or have someone trustworthy there. Take photos. |
| Transit | Vehicle travels to destination. May cross multiple states. | Track shipment (if offered), stay in communication. |
| Delivery | Final inspection, sign paperwork. | Compare pre-pickup photos, note any damage, test basic functions. |
Typical transit times out of Houston: 3-6 days for interstate shipments if routes are favorable; longer if distances are great or if enclosed or special services are chosen. A-1 Auto Transport, Inc.+1
Ship during “shoulder” seasons if possible (avoid peak summer/hurricane times).
Use open transport unless your vehicle needs extra protection.
Be flexible with pickup/drop off locations near major highways to reduce deadhead miles for carrier.
Request and compare quotes from several carriers.
Don’t pay large deposits to brokers; ensure terms are transparent.
Read small print: are there fees for things like oversized parts, non-running vehicles, fuel surcharges, or shared vs dedicated transport?
If you’re inside Harris County or certain Houston suburbs, regulations may affect inspections, registration, etc. Be aware of county DMV rules.
In hurricane season (roughly June through November), weather disruptions can cause delays or surcharges. Plan accordingly.
Fuel prices in Texas fluctuate and may impact cost, especially for long haul.
Major highways (I-10, I-45, I-69) are heavily used routes and often preferred by carriers — pickup/drop-off points near these highways tend to be cheaper/more available.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes, any reputable carrier should provide insurance for your vehicle in transit. But be sure to understand what is covered (damage, theft, water/salt exposure, etc.), limits of liability, and how to make claims.
Can I ship my car inside Houston only (local move)?
Yes — pricing will be lower than interstate because distance and highway use are less. But many of the same steps apply: inspection, licensing, insurance, pickup/drop windows, etc.
How long does it take?
Expect about 3-6 days for many interstate shipments from Houston, depending on route. Closer distances = faster; enclosed or special services = slower.
What’s the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport is standard, more affordable, but exposes the vehicle to weather and road debris.
Enclosed transport offers extra protection (dust, precipitation, weather, road salt etc.), is more expensive, and may add time.
(Here’s where you can personalize with your business.)
At Bigfella Auto Express, we pride ourselves on:
Transparent, all-in quotes with no surprise fees.
FMCSA-licensed, fully insured transport with experienced drivers.
Flexible pickup and drop windows, especially along major Houston trucking and highway corridors.
Detailed pre- and post-inspection photos; same-day communication during transit.
Excellent customer reviews locally across Houston because we deliver on time, safely, and always keep customers in the loop.
Shipping your vehicle to or from Houston doesn’t have to be stressful — but it does take careful planning. Whether you're moving out of state, importing a classic car, or relocating for work, getting the right car shipping company, understanding the costs, and preparing your vehicle properly will make all the difference.
When you’re ready, get quotes from a few reputable carriers, check licensing, document your vehicle, and don’t settle for anything less than transparent service. Do that, and Houston car shipping becomes just one more task checked off your moving or transport to-do list — without surprises.