Ship your vehicle to or from the Lone Star State with confidence. Number 1 Auto Transport connects you with fully vetted carriers for safe, on-time delivery anywhere in Texas, from Houston and the Gulf Coast to El Paso and the Panhandle. Our network runs I-10 and I-35 daily, which means faster pickups and competitive rates whether you are relocating, buying a car out of state, or sending a vehicle to a family member.
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Read what customers say on our auto transport reviews page.
Texas is one of our highest-volume corridors. Long distances, heavy heat, military moves, and a constant flow of relocating households push steady carrier volume into and out of the state year-round.
Number 1 Auto Transport has coordinated Texas shipments for over a decade. We connect you with vetted carriers running every major Texas route, from the Texas Triangle of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin to El Paso, the Rio Grande Valley, and the Panhandle. Every carrier we assign is verified for FMCSA authority, insurance, and safety history before they touch your vehicle.
Five steps from quote to delivery. One agent stays with you the whole way. For the longer version, read how car shipping works.
Texas sits at the center of the country's busiest east-west and north-south corridors. Number 1 Auto Transport coordinates daily shipments to and from every Texas region. Pricing below reflects standard sedan rates from current carrier activity. Larger vehicles, lifted trucks, and inoperable cars price separately.
The five cities with their own guides are linked. Every other city below is covered on the same terms.
Route averages for open and enclosed transport between Texas and high-demand origin or destination states. Quotes update daily based on carrier supply.
| Route | Distance | Transit | Open cost | Enclosed cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas to California | ~1,500 mi | 4 to 6 days | $750 to $1,100 | $1,050 to $1,650 |
| Texas to Florida | ~1,350 mi | 3 to 5 days | $650 to $950 | $900 to $1,350 |
| Texas to New York | ~1,550 mi | 4 to 7 days | $900 to $1,200 | $1,250 to $1,700 |
| Texas to Georgia | ~800 mi | 2 to 4 days | $650 to $950 | $900 to $1,350 |
| Texas to Colorado | ~800 mi | 2 to 4 days | $775 to $1,050 | $1,075 to $1,500 |
| Texas to Arizona | ~1,075 mi | 2 to 4 days | $750 to $1,000 | $1,050 to $1,425 |
| Texas to Illinois | ~825 mi | 2 to 4 days | $650 to $900 | $900 to $1,275 |
| Texas to Pennsylvania | ~1,500 mi | 4 to 6 days | $700 to $1,000 | $975 to $1,425 |
| Texas to Washington | ~2,100 mi | 5 to 9 days | $1,150 to $1,400 | $1,600 to $2,000 |
| Texas to New Jersey | ~1,550 mi | 3 to 5 days | $850 to $1,200 | $1,175 to $1,700 |
| Texas to Maryland | ~1,350 mi | 3 to 5 days | $775 to $1,000 | $1,075 to $1,425 |
| Texas to Massachusetts | ~1,750 mi | 4 to 6 days | $950 to $1,250 | $1,325 to $1,775 |
| Texas to Michigan | ~1,200 mi | 3 to 5 days | $850 to $1,100 | $1,175 to $1,575 |
City-pair pricing for both inbound and outbound Texas moves. Routes run in both directions at the same rate range.
| Route | Distance | Transit | Open cost | Enclosed cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA | 1,545 mi | 4 to 6 days | $850 to $1,200 | $1,200 to $1,700 |
| New York, NY to Dallas, TX | 1,555 mi | 4 to 7 days | $900 to $1,250 | $1,250 to $1,775 |
| Houston, TX to Miami, FL | 1,190 mi | 3 to 5 days | $700 to $1,000 | $975 to $1,425 |
| Atlanta, GA to Houston, TX | 790 mi | 2 to 4 days | $650 to $950 | $900 to $1,350 |
| Dallas, TX to Phoenix, AZ | 1,075 mi | 2 to 4 days | $750 to $1,000 | $1,050 to $1,425 |
| Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX | 1,200 mi | 3 to 5 days | $750 to $1,050 | $1,050 to $1,500 |
| Austin, TX to Denver, CO | 950 mi | 2 to 4 days | $775 to $1,050 | $1,075 to $1,500 |
| Seattle, WA to Houston, TX | 2,350 mi | 6 to 9 days | $1,200 to $1,500 | $1,675 to $2,125 |
| Dallas, TX to Boston, MA | 1,775 mi | 4 to 7 days | $975 to $1,275 | $1,365 to $1,800 |
| Newark, NJ to Houston, TX | 1,620 mi | 4 to 6 days | $875 to $1,225 | $1,225 to $1,725 |
Texas is wide. Houston to El Paso alone is 745 miles. We coordinate intra-state moves on every major lane.
| Route | Distance | Transit | Open cost | Enclosed cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston to Dallas | 240 mi | 1 to 2 days | $350 to $550 | $500 to $775 |
| Austin to San Antonio | 80 mi | 1 day | $250 to $425 | $350 to $600 |
| Dallas to San Antonio | 275 mi | 1 to 2 days | $400 to $625 | $550 to $875 |
| Austin to Houston | 165 mi | 1 to 2 days | $300 to $500 | $425 to $700 |
| Houston to El Paso | 745 mi | 2 to 3 days | $725 to $1,025 | $1,025 to $1,450 |
| Dallas to El Paso | 635 mi | 2 to 3 days | $675 to $950 | $950 to $1,325 |
| San Antonio to El Paso | 550 mi | 2 to 3 days | $625 to $875 | $875 to $1,225 |
| Houston to Lubbock | 525 mi | 2 days | $600 to $850 | $850 to $1,200 |
| Dallas to McAllen | 510 mi | 2 days | $575 to $825 | $800 to $1,175 |
$1.00 to $1.75 per mile
$0.75 to $1.00 per mile
$0.50 to $0.75 per mile
What changes the price: Enclosed transport runs 40 to 60 percent above open. Snowbird season (October to December) and PCS season (May to August) tighten supply on Texas lanes and add a small premium. Inoperable vehicles add $100 to $250 for winch loading.
Full pages on the lanes we run most, with city-pair pricing, transit windows, and what to do after the car arrives. The complete list is on our popular routes page.
Want the real number for your car? A locked quote takes about a minute.
Texas runs the most miles, the most heat, the most heavy haul, and the most military moves in the country. Here is why customers trust us for the lane.
Decade of work on Texas Triangle, El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, Permian Basin, and Gulf Coast lanes. BBB A+, 5-star Google, 5-star Transport Reviews.
Quote at booking is the price at delivery. No fuel surcharges, surprise fees, or rate hikes after the carrier is assigned.
Open carriers for daily drivers, enclosed carriers for classics, exotics, and high-value Texas inventory. Same agent handles both.
One agent stays on the move from quote to delivery. Direct line, direct email, no call queue or transfer loops.
FMCSA-compliant network with 5,000+ carriers. Faster pickup on every Texas corridor and broader options for tight windows.
Active authority, current insurance, on-time records, and customer feedback are checked before any carrier touches your vehicle.
Texas hosts more active-duty service members than any state except California. Number 1 Auto Transport coordinates PCS shipments to and from every major Texas installation.
We work around orders timing, lock quotes early, and discount military rates for active duty, reserve, National Guard, and veterans. Your assigned agent stays with the move from quote through delivery. One number, one person, one record. Full details on our military auto transport page.
Killeen, TX. One of the largest posts in the country.
El Paso, TX. Army post on the far west end of the state.
San Antonio, TX. Lackland, Randolph, and Fort Sam Houston.
Fort Worth, TX. Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base.
Abilene, TX. Air Force base in West Central Texas.
Wichita Falls, TX. Training base near the Oklahoma line.
San Angelo, TX. Intelligence and firefighter training.
Corpus Christi, TX. Naval Air Station on the Gulf.
PCS season runs May to August. Carrier supply tightens, prices rise, and pickup dates fill weeks ahead. Book 3 to 4 weeks out once orders are in hand. We can hold a quote for 7 days while you finalize report dates.
For overseas PCS to Hawaii, Alaska, or Europe, we coordinate with the gaining base's vehicle processing center. We deliver to the port, you handle the rest at destination.
Military rate available for: active duty, reserve, National Guard, retired service members, and veterans. Mention your status on the call or in the quote form. Government bills of lading and DPS reimbursement requests are supported.
Need a Texas PCS quote today? Get a price-locked rate in minutes from a dedicated agent.
Texas runs more wholesale auto auctions than any state in the country. Number 1 Auto Transport coordinates dealer trades, auction pickups, and full fleet moves out of every major Texas yard. Net terms are available for verified dealers and businesses.
Dealer-to-dealer swaps, customer sales, and trade-in moves. Multi-car loads on regular Texas Triangle lanes. Net 15 or net 30 for verified dealerships.
Open or enclosed pickups from Copart Dallas, Copart Houston, Manheim Texas Hobby, Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth, IAA Houston, IAA Dallas, ADESA Houston, and Mecum Houston. Provide lot number and gate pass and we handle the rest.
Bulk vehicle moves for corporate fleets, rental rotations, and employee relocations. Volume pricing on 3 or more vehicles. Same agent handles every shipment in the batch.
Licensed broker, not a fleet. Number 1 Auto Transport connects you with a vetted carrier on your route. MC-796224, USDOT 2336907. Call 855.422.4141 for dealer or fleet pricing.
Multi-car or recurring Texas moves? Get a fleet quote with net terms in one phone call.
Texas runs heavier and bigger than most states. Oil and gas equipment in the Permian Basin, construction iron in Houston and Dallas, agricultural machinery across the Panhandle, and drilling rigs along the Gulf Coast all move on lowboy and step deck trailers.
Number 1 Auto Transport coordinates oversized and overweight loads with carriers that hold Texas Department of Motor Vehicles oversize permits and run with route surveys and escort vehicles when required.
Lowboy decks sit 18 to 24 inches off the ground. Tall machinery clears bridges and overpasses on Texas interstates.
Step deck and lowboy trailers carry the weight of full-size dozers, cranes, and combines without straining the suspension.
Carriers in our network handle TxDMV permitting, route surveys, escort vehicles, and restricted travel windows.
Texas ports handle import vehicles, oilfield equipment, and overseas auto auction shipments. We deliver to and pick up from every major Gulf Coast facility.
Equipment that does not fit on a step deck moves on a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailer. The front detaches so tracked machinery rolls on without ramps. Best for excavators, dozers, and equipment without functional drive systems.
Need a Texas heavy haul quote? Send equipment specs and route. We come back with a price-locked rate.
Most Texas customers ship on open auto transport. About 85 percent of US shipments move this way. Enclosed auto transport is the right pick for classics, exotics, and any vehicle valued at $75,000 or more.
| Feature | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Share of US shipments | About 85% | About 15% |
| Vehicles per load | 8 to 10 | 2 to 6 |
| Cost vs. base | Standard | 40 to 60% above open |
| Protection | Tied down, weather exposed | Fully enclosed |
| Carrier availability | Wide, faster pickup | Tighter, books up fast |
| Booking lead time | 1 to 2 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Best fit | Daily drivers | Classics, exotics, $75K+ |
Best for daily drivers, leases, and trade-ins. Faster pickup on Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio lanes. Most Texas auto auctions and dealers use open carriers for inventory moves.
Best for classics, exotics, low-clearance cars, and high-value collector vehicles. Hurricane and hail season pushes more Gulf Coast shippers to enclosed for storm protection.
Texas weather note. Hail storms hit North Texas every spring. Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast. Enclosed transport gives full weather protection for high-value vehicles during these windows.
Not sure which one fits? Tell us the year, make, and model and we will say so straight.
When comparing the cost of driving versus shipping a car to Texas, shipping is often the more efficient choice once you account for fuel, lodging, and vehicle depreciation. The table below provides a cost-benefit analysis for a 1,550-mile trip from Los Angeles to Houston, one of the busiest auto transport lanes in the country.
| Factor | Cost of driving (CA to TX) | Cost of shipping to Texas (open) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $210 to $290 | $0 (included) |
| Lodging (2 nights) | $160 to $360 | $0 (not required) |
| Food and meals | $60 to $120 | $0 |
| Tolls | $0 to $40 | $0 |
| Vehicle wear (tires, oil, mileage) | $150 to $250 | 0 miles added |
| Time required | 23 to 25 hours of driving | 3 to 5 days, no driver time |
| Total estimated cost | $580 to $1,060 | $800 to $1,100 |
The bottom line. Shipping costs about the same out of pocket, but it spares your car 1,550 miles of desert-highway wear, frees up three days of your time, and cuts the risk that comes with long hauls across the I-10 corridor. On a high-value vehicle, the math often tips toward shipping.
Number 1 Auto Transport coordinates every kind of vehicle move in and out of Texas. Pick the category below that fits your shipment, or see the full range on our car shipping services page.
Daily drivers, leases, and trade-ins on multi-car open carriers across every Texas lane.
Enclosed transport with hydraulic lift gates and soft tie-downs for low-clearance classics.
Fully enclosed carriers, GPS tracking, and high-value cargo insurance for $75K+ vehicles.
Specialized motorcycle carriers with soft straps, wheel chocks, and crate options on long hauls.
Step deck and lowboy boat haulers for runabouts, sportfish, and yacht transports across Texas waterways.
Driveaway and tow-away service for Class A, Class C, fifth wheels, and travel trailers.
Side-by-side, ranch utility vehicles, and golf cart transport across Texas in open or enclosed.
Lowboy, step deck, and RGN trailers for excavators, dozers, drilling rigs, and farm machinery.
PCS moves to and from every Texas installation, timed to your orders and discounted for service members.
Most people shipping into Texas are relocating. Once the car is in your driveway, Texas puts you on a clock. Here is what actually applies.
New Texas residents have 30 days to register the vehicle with their county tax assessor-collector. Active duty military get 60 days.
Texas charges a flat $90 new resident tax on a vehicle you already owned and had registered in your name in another state. That replaces the standard motor vehicle sales tax. You pay it to your county tax assessor-collector when you title and register. Miss the 30-day window and the calculation changes to a use tax based on the purchase price or the standard presumptive value, which usually costs more.
Texas ended the annual safety inspection for non-commercial vehicles on January 1, 2025. In its place there is an Inspection Program Replacement Fee, $7.50 a year for most vehicles and $16.75 for a new vehicle covering two years.
Emissions testing is a separate program and it still applies. It is required in the Houston, Dallas Fort Worth, Austin, and El Paso area counties, and Bexar County, which covers San Antonio, joins in 2026. Electric vehicles are exempt. Check your county's current requirement with the Texas DMV before you head to the tax office.
Texas requires liability coverage of at least $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Your out-of-state policy will need to be switched to a Texas policy at a Texas address. You also need to transfer your driver license, so check the current window with Texas DPS when you register.
Bring proof of Texas insurance, the vehicle title, and proof of your Texas address to the county tax office. Doing all of it in one trip saves a second one.
Texas demand swings hard with the seasons. Snowbirds head south in October, PCS orders peak May to August, and hurricane season runs June to November on the Gulf Coast. Booking around these windows saves money and locks in better pickup dates.
Texas is a top "Winter Texan" destination. Snowbirds drive into the Rio Grande Valley, South Padre Island, and Big Bend country from October through December. Northbound return trips peak again in March and April. See our snowbird auto transport page for booking lead times and price locking.
| Window | Demand | Premium vs. base | Booking lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to December (south) | Peak | +10 to 20% | 3 to 4 weeks |
| January to February (steady) | Shoulder | Base | 1 to 2 weeks |
| March to April (north) | Peak | +10 to 15% | 3 weeks |
| May to August (PCS season) | Peak | +10 to 20% | 3 to 4 weeks |
June to November along the Gulf Coast. Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Brownsville are most affected. Lock pickup windows early.
Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano see heavy hail every March to May. Enclosed transport gives full protection during these weeks.
Triple-digit days for weeks at a stretch. Carriers pre-cool sensitive vehicles and check tire pressure on the lane.
We track Gulf storms 5 days out and flag any Texas shipments inside the cone.
Your dedicated agent calls 24 to 48 hours before the affected pickup or delivery window.
No penalty for weather-driven changes. We reroute, delay, or refund based on your call.
Booking lead time during peak Texas windows: 3 to 4 weeks for snowbird, hurricane, and PCS season. 1 to 2 weeks for shoulder months.
The questions we get most on Texas moves. For everything else, see our auto transport FAQ.
In-state Texas routes run $350 to $850 for open transport. Regional routes from neighbor states run $700 to $1,200. Cross-country routes from California, New York, or Washington run $950 to $1,500 open and 40 to 60 percent more for enclosed.
In-state moves take 1 to 2 days. Regional routes from Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, or New Mexico take 2 to 4 days. Cross-country shipments take 5 to 9 days. Texas Triangle pickup often happens within 24 to 48 hours of dispatch.
We are a licensed broker, not a carrier. MC-796224, USDOT 2336907. We connect customers with vetted carriers from a network of more than 5,000 FMCSA-compliant transporters. We do not own trucks or employ drivers.
The quote you book is the price you pay at delivery. No fuel surcharges, no surprise add-ons, no rate hikes once a carrier is assigned. You pay only what was quoted.
Open transport uses multi-car haulers carrying 8 to 10 vehicles. It is the standard option and costs less. Enclosed transport uses fully covered trailers for full weather protection. It costs 40 to 60 percent more and is best for classics, exotics, and vehicles valued at $75,000 or more.
You can leave up to 100 pounds in the trunk or cargo area, kept below the window line. Personal items are not covered by the carrier's insurance. Avoid valuables, electronics, and irreplaceable items.
FMCSA requires every motor carrier to hold a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance. Enclosed carriers carry higher policies, often $250,000 to $2,000,000. We confirm active coverage before any carrier is assigned to your move.
Yes. Carriers winch-load vehicles that roll, steer, and brake but will not start. Add $100 to $250 to the standard rate. Vehicles that do not roll need a forklift or specialty rig and require a custom quote.
Your dedicated agent shares pickup, transit, and delivery updates. Many carriers offer GPS tracking on request. Ask for tracking when you book and we confirm what the assigned carrier supports.
Remove personal items and aftermarket accessories. Fill the tank between one quarter and one half. Document existing damage with photos. Disable alarms. Secure or remove convertible tops. Leave one full set of keys for the driver.
Someone 18 or older must be present at pickup and delivery to sign the inspection report. You can designate a friend, family member, neighbor, or dealership employee to stand in for you.
Texas Triangle and major urban routes book 3 to 5 days out. West Texas, the Panhandle, and small towns book 5 to 7 days out. Snowbird, hurricane, and PCS season need 3 to 4 weeks of lead time.
Yes. Active duty, reserve, National Guard, retired service members, and veterans qualify for a discounted rate. We coordinate PCS shipments to and from Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, Joint Base San Antonio, NAS JRB Fort Worth, Dyess AFB, Sheppard AFB, Goodfellow AFB, and NAS Corpus Christi.
We track Gulf storms five days out and flag any shipment in the cone. Your agent calls 24 to 48 hours before any affected window. You can hold, reroute, or refund without penalty when weather forces a change.
Yes. We pick up from Copart Dallas, Copart Houston, Manheim Texas Hobby, Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth, IAA Houston, IAA Dallas, ADESA Houston, and Mecum Houston. Provide the lot number, gate pass, and buyer information when you book.
Yes. We coordinate pickups and deliveries in every Texas city, every Texas county, and every zip code. Smaller cities sometimes need an extra day for carrier sourcing. Tell us your zip and we lock in the route.
Yes, if you are moving here. New residents have 30 days from first use in Texas, and active duty military get 60. There is a flat $90 new resident tax instead of the standard motor vehicle sales tax. Emissions testing still applies in the Houston, Dallas Fort Worth, Austin, and El Paso area counties.
Credit card, debit card, cashier's check, money order, cash, and electronic transfers (Zelle, Venmo, CashApp). Verified businesses and dealerships can apply for net 15 or net 30 terms.
Number 1 Auto Transport runs daily on every major Texas lane and connects you to vetted carriers in all 50 states. Below are the top Texas cities we serve and direct links to every other state page.
We also pick up and deliver in smaller Texas cities and across all 254 counties. Tell us your zip code and we will source a carrier on your route.
Every state page below has its own routes, pricing, and lead times. The full directory is on our ship by state page.
Number 1 Auto Transport connects you with vetted carriers running every Texas lane. Lock your rate in minutes from one dedicated agent. Read what customers say on our auto transport reviews page.
Number 1 Auto Transport
Phone: 855.422.4141
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm ET, Saturday 9am to 5pm ET
MC-796224 | USDOT 2336907
Number 1 Auto Transport is a licensed and bonded auto transport broker, not a motor carrier. We arrange transportation with vetted, FMCSA-authorized carriers who hold active cargo insurance. Pricing shown reflects recent carrier activity on Texas lanes and is not a binding quote. Your locked rate is confirmed at booking.
