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Houston, TX Car Shipping: 2025 Costs & Routes

Last updated: October 2025

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
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ON THIS PAGE

1 Houston Car Shipping Overview
2 Top Destination Cities
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to Houston?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Houston, TX

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has been the scrappy, customer‑focused alternative to the big brokers, delivering honest, affordable car shipping and auto transport across Houston, TX and beyond. Our transparent process, backed by years of experience and top‑rated reviews, gives you peace of mind whether you’re sending a sedan to Dallas or picking up an SUV from Miami. Read on for costs, tips, and popular routes.

Average Cost FROM Houston

$700 – $975
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Houston

$850 – $1,100
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Houston, TX

1
California
706 shipments
$800 – $1,000
2
Florida
263 shipments
$650 – $775
3
Washington
246 shipments
$1,050 – $1,300
4
New York
207 shipments
$850 – $1,050
5
North Carolina
179 shipments
$700 – $850
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Houston, TX

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Houston, showing average costs and specific routes. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination Cities Updated: October 2025
Rank Destination City Avg Cost Range Route
1 Los Angeles, CA $725 – $900 Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA
2 New York, NY $800 – $975 Houston, TX to New York, NY
3 Seattle, WA $1,025 – $1,250 Houston, TX to Seattle, WA
4 Washington, DC $700 – $875 Houston, TX to Washington, DC
5 San Francisco, CA $825 – $1,025 Houston, TX to San Francisco, CA
6 Miami, FL $675 – $800 Houston, TX to Miami, FL
7 Chicago, IL $700 – $800 Houston, TX to Chicago, IL
8 Atlanta, GA $600 – $700 Houston, TX to Atlanta, GA
9 San Diego, CA $775 – $975 Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
10 Phoenix, AZ $700 – $825 Houston, TX to Phoenix, AZ
Houston, TX CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
They transported 3 vehicles for us from Texas to Florida last year in April, and the driver provided outstanding customer service. I recommend them.
Ana King
Sep 2024
Google logo
I had my vehicle moved from Houston to Nashville TN by Sakeem. it was enclosed transport. they were very responsive, easy to work with and quickest delivery. they delivered my car with care. thank you Sakeem.
Dulguun Sereglen
Feb 2023
Google logo
I shipped my car from Texas to Pennsylvania and they are very responsible and responsive. They made my life easy. Thank you very much.
Pavan Ganipineni
Jan 2023
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Houston

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you’re paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don’t pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs in Houston

Distance

Shipping a car to or from Houston is priced largely by the number of miles traveled; longer hauls add fuel, driver time, and wear costs. Because Houston sits near the Gulf Coast, trips to the East Coast are relatively short, while cross‑country moves to the West Coast can double or triple the base rate.

Season

During summer and early fall, when many families relocate, demand for auto transport spikes, pushing rates up by 10‑15 %. Winter months see slower demand, and the hurricane season (June‑November) can cause occasional delays or extra fees for weather‑related reroutes.

Route

Major highways such as I‑10, I‑45, I‑69, US‑59 and Beltway 8 connect Houston to the rest of Texas and the national interstate system, so carriers can choose efficient, high‑capacity routes that keep prices lower. When a route must detour around construction or toll roads, carriers may add a small surcharge to cover extra mileage and time.

Vehicle Type

Larger vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, or low‑clearance classics require more space on the carrier and may need special tie‑down equipment, raising the price. Small sedans and compact cars fit more easily on a standard open trailer, keeping costs down.

Traffic Considerations

Houston’s rush‑hour congestion on I‑45 and the Katy Freeway (I‑10) can add hours to a trip, so carriers factor in potential delays when quoting prices. Urban density and frequent construction projects also mean drivers may need to plan alternate routes, which can modestly increase the fee.

Carrier Availability

Houston’s status as a major logistics hub and port city attracts many auto‑transport carriers, creating healthy competition that often drives rates lower. However, peak moving periods can temporarily tighten capacity, leading to slightly higher quotes until more trucks become available.

Population Density

Houston’s sprawling layout and moderate population density mean carriers often travel longer distances between pickup and drop‑off points within the metro area, adding a small mileage surcharge. The city’s size also provides many convenient drop‑off locations near major highways, helping keep overall logistics efficient.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

The cheapest months to ship a car to or from Houston are typically February through March and late October through early November, when demand dips after the holiday rush and before the summer moving peak. Mild temperatures and lower traffic on I‑10 and I‑45 mean carriers have more capacity and can offer lower rates.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can slot your load into a truck that’s already traveling through Houston, avoiding weekend or last‑minute surcharges. Even a one‑day shift can move you from a peak‑price window to a discount‑price window on the same route.

3

Hub city advantages

Houston sits at the crossroads of I‑10, I‑45, I‑69 and the Port of Houston, making it a major auto‑shipping hub with many carriers competing for business. This competition drives down prices and provides frequent departures, especially for routes to other Gulf Coast and Midwest markets.

4

Weather considerations

Houston’s hurricane season (June‑November) and frequent summer thunderstorms can cause road closures on I‑10 and I‑45, leading to delays. Planning shipments in the cooler, drier months of December through February or scheduling buffer days during peak rain periods helps keep your timeline on track.

5

Booking in advance

Securing your spot 3‑4 weeks ahead of time lets Houston‑based carriers plan their routes around busy port schedules and avoid the summer surge when many businesses move. Early bookings also give you leverage to negotiate rates before demand spikes in May and June.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are the standard choice in Houston because the city’s generally mild climate and short transit times reduce exposure risk. Using an open trailer can shave 10‑15% off the cost compared to an enclosed carrier, especially on straight‑through routes like Houston → Dallas or Houston → Los Angeles.

7

Flexible dates

When you offer a flexible delivery window, carriers can consolidate your car with other loads traveling the same I‑10 corridor, cutting deadhead miles. This route‑optimization often translates into a lower quote because the carrier can fill a truck more efficiently.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your Houston car shipping needs. We will match any competitor’s quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Houston

Professional auto transport service for Houston moves

When shipping a car to Texas, secure a Texas title and pass the safety inspection before registering at the county tax office. New residents must show proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license, and a completed VTR‑346 form. The Texas DMV then issues plates and a registration sticker. [TXDMV]

Houston adds its own rules. Many neighborhoods require residential parking permits, and downtown HOV lanes on I‑45 and I‑10 give priority to vehicles with two or more occupants. Truck traffic peaks during rush hour, so schedule auto‑transport deliveries for mid‑day to avoid congestion. [Houston.gov]

Texas law sets vehicle standards. Emission testing is required only in 12 counties, none in Harris, so most Houston cars are exempt. Front‑side tint may not be darker than 5 % and rear tint no darker than 35 %; the driver must stay visible. Check bridge height limits for oversized rigs. [TxDOT]

Houston’s heat and humidity demand a cooling system, coolant checks, and tire‑pressure monitoring. Winter tires are rarely needed, but if you travel north in winter, a set can improve safety. Use a car cover for long‑term storage to protect paint from sun damage. [Weather Service]

Insurance in Texas is fault‑based, with a minimum liability of $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 for bodily injury and property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional but recommended for auto transport. Verify your policy covers out‑of‑state shipping and that the carrier carries proper liability insurance. [Insurance Commission]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Houston Vehicle Transport FAQs

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We’re a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details about how to prepare your vehicle for shipping. In Houston, be sure to remove any Harris County toll tags, clear out loose items that could shift in the heat, leave a key for the carrier, and detach exterior accessories such as roof racks or bike mounts that might be damaged on the busy highways.

Yes, when you ship a vehicle to or from Houston, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers serving the Houston area must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is active for the whole trip. This coverage protects your car throughout the journey, whether it travels through the busy Port of Houston corridor or the surrounding highways.

In Houston, we recommend booking your pickup at least two weeks in advance, though the sooner you post the shipment the better. Because Houston is a major auto‑shipping hub with many carriers serving the Port of Houston and the surrounding metro area, early scheduling lets us bundle your vehicle with other nearby loads and secure the most competitive rates. This also helps avoid delays from the city’s busy traffic patterns and peak shipping seasons.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our Auto Transport Process Article for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.

In Houston, open‑deck trailers are the most common and typically cost about 50% less than enclosed carriers. Enclosed transport is best for classic, collector, or freshly painted cars that need protection from the Gulf Coast humidity, dust and occasional hail that can occur in the Houston area.

We provide door-to-door auto transport throughout Houston, TX, so you can choose any address—home, office, or a nearby business—for pickup and delivery. Our carriers will meet you at the location you specify, and if local traffic, road restrictions, or safety concerns arise, they’ll work with you to find a convenient alternative such as a gas station or parking lot.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don’t run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics’ FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun Facts About Houston

Discover interesting insights about the state you’re shipping to or from

Houston, TX blends big‑city energy with a relaxed, Southern vibe—making it a fascinating hub for anyone shipping a car in or out of the Lone Star State.

  • Geography & Nature: Houston sits near the Gulf of Mexico on the expansive Gulf Coast plain, giving it easy access to the Houston Ship Channel and more than 100 miles of bayous.
  • Iconic Landmarks: The towering JPMorgan Chase Tower and the historic Astrodome sit alongside the vibrant Museum District and the sprawling Hermann Park.
  • History & Culture: Founded in 1836, Houston grew from a modest trading post to the fourth‑largest city in the U.S., celebrated for its multicultural cuisine and Space Center Houston.
  • Vehicle Laws: Texas requires all vehicles to display a valid registration sticker; Houston also enforces a “no‑parking on the left side of a one‑way street” rule that drivers love to joke about.
  • Climate: Expect hot, humid summers (often above 90°F) and mild winters; occasional tropical storms keep residents prepared for rain.
  • Economy: A global energy powerhouse, Houston’s economy also thrives on aerospace, medical research and a bustling port—one of the nation’s busiest.
  • Population: Over 2.3 million people call Houston home, representing more than 145 countries and a vibrant, diverse community.
  • Transportation: The city boasts George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the Port of Houston, and an extensive interstate network (I‑10, I‑45, I‑69) that makes car shipping smooth.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping, also called auto transport, is a straightforward service that moves your vehicle from one location to another without you having to drive it yourself. In Houston, TX, most customers start by contacting a broker such as Sakaem Logistics. A broker is a middle‑man who does not own trucks but matches you with a carrier— the company that actually owns the trailer and drives it. Choosing a reputable broker matters because they vet carriers for safety records, insurance coverage, and customer reviews. This separation lets you focus on planning while the broker handles the logistics of finding a reliable carrier for your shipment.

Here’s how the process works from start to finish: 1) Call a broker to get a free quote and share details like pickup and delivery dates. 2) The broker selects a carrier that meets your needs and confirms the schedule. 3) The carrier arrives to pick up your car; make sure the vehicle rolls, has about a quarter tank of fuel, and is cleared of personal items. 4) If you own a high‑end or classic car, ask for an enclosed trailer for extra protection. 5) The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination in Houston, TX, or elsewhere. 6) Payment is made to the broker or carrier at pickup or delivery, depending on the agreement. Following these steps and preparing the car properly ensures a smooth, worry‑free auto transport experience.