Texas Auto Transport: Daily Car Shipping Routes in Dallas, Houston & Austin

Costs depend on distance, vehicle type, transport method (open vs. enclosed), route popularity, and time of year. As a general guide: in-state Texas routes range from $350–$850, regional routes (Texas to neighboring states) run $700–$1,200, and cross-country shipments (Texas to California or New York) typically cost $950–$1,450 for open transport. Enclosed transport adds 40–60% to these estimates. Call our team for an exact quote based on your specific shipment.

Transit time depends on distance and route. In-state Texas shipments (Houston to Dallas, Austin to San Antonio) take 1–2 days. Regional shipments to neighboring states take 2–4 days. Cross-country shipments from the East or West Coast take 5–10 days. Pickup scheduling typically adds 1–3 days after booking. Texas Triangle routes (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin) have the fastest pickup times due to high carrier availability—often within 24–48 hours.

We are a licensed auto transport broker (MC-796224, USDOT 2336907). This means we do not own trucks. Instead, we maintain a vetted network of over 5,000 FMCSA-compliant carriers and match your shipment with the best available carrier for your route, timeline, and budget. The broker model gives you access to more carriers, more competitive pricing, and faster pickup windows than booking with a single carrier directly.

The quote we give you is the price you pay. When you book with Number 1 Auto Transport, your rate is locked in at the time of booking. There are no surprise fees at pickup, no fuel surcharges added later, and no price adjustments at delivery. If market rates change between your booking date and pickup date, your price stays the same.

Carriers generally allow a small amount of personal items in the trunk or rear cargo area—typically up to 100 pounds and below the window line. However, personal items are not covered by carrier cargo insurance. We recommend keeping items to a minimum and removing anything valuable. Overloading the vehicle with personal belongings can result in additional fees or carrier refusal at pickup.

Yes. We coordinate transport for inoperable vehicles regularly. Non-running vehicles require a carrier with winch-loading capability, which adds $100–$250 to the standard rate depending on the vehicle’s condition. The vehicle must be able to roll, brake, and steer for standard loading. If the vehicle cannot roll at all, a forklift or specialized equipment may be required—contact our team for a custom quote.

Every carrier in our network is required to carry FMCSA-mandated cargo insurance with a minimum of $100,000 in coverage. For high-value vehicles, many of our enclosed carriers carry $250,000 to $2,000,000 in cargo coverage. We verify insurance documentation for every carrier before
assignment. Your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery under the carrier’s policy.

Remove all personal items, aftermarket accessories that could come loose (spoilers, antennas, bike racks), and any toll transponders. Make sure your gas tank is between one-quarter and one-half full. Document any existing damage with dated photos before the carrier arrives. Disable any aftermarket alarms. If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, secure it in the closed position. Leave one set of keys
with the driver.

Your dedicated shipping coordinator provides updates throughout transit. You can call or email us at any time for a status update on your shipment. Some carriers in our network also offer GPS tracking, which we can request when available for your route.

Open transport uses multi-car haulers that expose vehicles to weather and road elements. It is the most affordable option and is used for the vast majority of standard vehicle shipments. Enclosed transport uses covered or fully enclosed trailers that protect vehicles from weather, debris, and sun
exposure. Enclosed is recommended for high-value, classic, exotic, or collector vehicles. Enclosed transport costs 40–60% more than open.

Yes. We offer military discounts for all active duty, reserve, National Guard, and veteran service members. Texas has more military installations than any other state, and we coordinate PCS (Permanent Change of Station) vehicle shipments from Fort Cavazos, Fort Bliss, Joint Base San
Antonio, NAS JRB Fort Worth, and all other Texas bases. Contact our team with your branch and installation for your discounted rate.

For Texas Triangle routes (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), booking 3–5 days in advance is usually sufficient due to high carrier availability. For West Texas destinations (El Paso, Lubbock, Amarillo), we recommend 5–7 days. During peak seasons—snowbird season (October–December),
summer relocation season (May–August), and college move-in periods—book 1–2 weeks in advance for the best rates and availability.

Someone over 18 must be present at both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of Lading and inspect the vehicle. This does not have to be the vehicle owner—you can designate a trusted representative (family member, friend, dealership employee) to handle pickup or delivery on your behalf. Let your coordinator know in advance if someone else will be signing.

At delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly and compare its condition to the Bill of Lading signed at pickup. If you notice any new damage, note it on the delivery receipt before signing and contact us immediately. We manage the claims process on your behalf, working directly with the carrier’s
insurance company to resolve the claim. Our carrier vetting process prioritizes safety records specifically to minimize damage incidents.

If you are establishing permanent residency in Texas, state law requires you to register your vehicle and obtain a Texas title within 30 days. You will need a valid Texas driver’s license, proof of Texas insurance, a passed vehicle inspection, and payment for registration fees and applicable sales tax
(6.25%). Visit your county tax assessor-collector’s office to complete the process.

Yes. We coordinate pickup from all major Texas auction locations including Copart Dallas, Copart Houston, Manheim Texas Hobby, Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth, IAA Houston, and IAA Dallas. Provide your lot number, gate pass information, and auction release documentation, and we handle pickup
coordination directly with the auction facility—including inoperable vehicles that require winch loading.

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cashier’s checks, money orders, cash, and electronic bank transfers (zelle,Venmo,Cashapp). A deposit is charged after the vehcile has been picked up. We also offer net payment terms for businesses, dealerships, and other corporate entities.