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San Antonio, 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in San Antonio, TX

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has fought the big‑broker monopoly to give drivers real value on car shipping and auto transport. Our scrappy, decade‑long experience and glowing reviews make us the trusted choice for anyone moving a vehicle to or from San Antonio, TX. In this guide we break down costs, top destinations, and honest tips so you can ship with confidence.

Average Cost FROM San Antonio

$750 – $1,050
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO San Antonio

$900 – $1,150
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from San Antonio, TX

1
California
180 shipments
$800 – $950
2
Washington
98 shipments
$1,100 – $1,300
3
Florida
93 shipments
$700 – $825
4
Virginia
75 shipments
$750 – $975
5
Maryland
57 shipments
$875 – $975
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from San Antonio, TX

The most common destination cities for car shipping from San Antonio, 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 Washington, DC $750 – $950 San Antonio, TX to Washington, DC
2 Seattle, WA $1,075 – $1,225 San Antonio, TX to Seattle, WA
3 New York, NY $900 – $1,050 San Antonio, TX to New York, NY
4 Los Angeles, CA $725 – $900 San Antonio, TX to Los Angeles, CA
5 Chicago, IL $725 – $875 San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
6 San Diego, CA $775 – $950 San Antonio, TX to San Diego, CA
7 San Francisco, CA $800 – $925 San Antonio, TX to San Francisco, CA
8 Miami, FL $700 – $800 San Antonio, TX to Miami, FL
9 Portland, OR $1,025 – $1,150 San Antonio, TX to Portland, OR
10 Baltimore, MD $875 – $1,000 San Antonio, TX to Baltimore, MD
San Antonio, TX CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

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
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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
Sakaem Logistics transported my son’s Acura from Los Angeles, CA to Waco, Texas in 5 days. Tim, who drove the transport was professional and courteous and kept communications prior to pickup and close to delivery time. Everything went smoothly with no issues. Price was competitive with other firms. I will use Sakaem again and highly recommend them for your transport needs.
Joon Lee
Aug 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in San Antonio

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 San Antonio

Distance

Because San Antonio sits near the geographic center of Texas, the mileage to most coastal ports and major cities is moderate, so longer trips add proportionally more fuel, driver time, and wear, raising the price. Shorter hauls within Texas or neighboring states tend to be cheaper because they require fewer miles and less tolls.

Season

Shipping demand peaks in late spring and summer when people relocate, which can lift rates, while winter sees fewer moves and lower prices. The hot, dry climate in San Antonio rarely causes weather delays, but occasional severe thunderstorms in spring can add a small surcharge for extra insurance or rerouting.

Route

Most shipments use Interstate 35 north‑south and Interstate 10 east‑west, with I‑37 linking to Corpus Christi’s port, so carriers can plan efficient, high‑capacity routes that keep costs down. Any detours around construction or toll roads on these highways can add fees, especially for oversized loads that need special permits.

Vehicle Type

Larger or heavier vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and classic cars require more space and stronger tie‑down points, increasing the per‑vehicle charge. Low‑profile or electric vehicles may need special equipment, and high‑value cars often justify the higher cost of enclosed transport for added protection.

Traffic Considerations

San Antonio’s rush‑hour congestion on I‑35 and I‑10, plus downtown construction, can extend travel time and fuel use, which carriers factor into their quotes. Pickup and delivery in densely built‑up neighborhoods may also require extra handling time, modestly raising the price.

Carrier Availability

Texas has a robust network of open‑deck carriers, and San Antonio’s size attracts several regional operators, creating healthy competition that helps keep rates competitive. However, during peak moving periods or in remote West Texas locations, carrier availability can tighten, causing slight price increases.

Population Density

San Antonio’s moderate population density and sprawling suburbs mean carriers often travel extra miles between pickup and drop‑off points, which can add mileage fees. The city’s central location, however, allows carriers to bundle multiple shipments efficiently, helping to offset some of those additional costs.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship during the winter months of January and February, after the holiday rush and before the spring‑to‑summer moving surge. Rates drop because carriers have fewer time‑sensitive loads and the mild Texas winter means fewer weather delays.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can consolidate your car with other nearby shipments along I‑35 or I‑10, cutting empty‑run miles and lowering your price. Flexible windows also let you take advantage of last‑minute discounts when a truck has space.

3

Hub city advantages

San Antonio sits at the crossroads of I‑35, I‑10 and I‑37 and is a rail hub, so carriers often route trucks through the city en route to Dallas, Austin or Houston. This high traffic volume creates competition among carriers, which translates into better rates and more schedule options for you.

4

Weather considerations

San Antonio’s winters are mild, but occasional ice storms in February can slow trucks, while July’s extreme heat can cause tire wear and longer loading times. Plan shipments outside of peak heat waves and keep an eye on forecasted thunderstorms to avoid unexpected delays.

5

Booking in advance

Reserve your spot 4‑6 weeks ahead, especially before the peak moving season of May‑July, to lock in lower rates and guarantee space on a carrier’s schedule. Early booking also gives you time to compare quotes and choose the best value.

6

Open carrier transport

Open‑deck trailers are about 15‑20% cheaper than enclosed ones, and San Antonio’s dry climate and low humidity keep most vehicles safe from rust or moisture damage. For standard sedans or trucks, open transport is a cost‑effective choice without sacrificing safety.

7

Flexible dates

Offering a flexible delivery window lets carriers plan optimal routes that pass through San Antonio on their way to other Texas markets. By aligning your shipment with their existing itinerary, you help them avoid deadhead miles and you benefit from the lower cost passed on to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from San Antonio

Professional auto transport service for San Antonio moves

Texas vehicle registration starts with a title transfer, proof of insurance, and a VIN inspection at a county tax office. New owners must complete the Application for Texas Title and Registration (Form 130‑U) and pay the state fee. Most counties allow online filing, but a physical inspection is still required for out‑of‑state vehicles. Emissions testing is mandatory only in 13 counties, not in San Antonio, so a clean‑air test is usually not needed for car shipping to the area [DMV] [TxDOT].

In San Antonio, drivers should be aware of downtown parking permits, curb‑side loading zones, and the 7 a.m.–9 a.m. and 3 p.m.–6 p.m. rush‑hour traffic patterns that affect auto transport timing [City Website]. The city enforces a 5‑percent window tint limit on the front windshield and a 35‑percent limit on side windows, so check the tint before shipping your car [TxDOT]. Because the climate is hot and dry, many residents add sun‑shades, UV‑protective window film, and regularly check tire pressure. Winter tires are rarely needed, but a set of all‑season tires can improve safety during occasional cold snaps. Texas drivers must carry at least $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 liability coverage, and some carriers require an SR‑22 certificate for high‑risk drivers [Insurance Dept]. These state‑wide insurance rules, combined with local parking and tint laws, help ensure a smooth car shipping experience in San Antonio, Texas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

San Antonio 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 San Antonio, be sure to remove any TxTag or other toll transponders, take out any loose interior or exterior accessories, and have a set of keys ready for the carrier; also make sure the car is clean and free of personal items that could shift in the heat.

Yes, when you ship a vehicle to or from San Antonio, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with are required to carry at least $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is active for the whole trip across Texas. This coverage applies whether your car is loaded in the Alamo Plaza area or picked up from any of San Antonio’s major terminals.

In San Antonio, the sooner you book, the better—aim for at least two weeks’ notice. Early scheduling lets carriers bundle your car with other local loads, which often speeds up pickup and can lower costs. If you can post your shipment right away, you’ll have the most options and flexibility.

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 San Antonio, open transport is the most common and cost‑effective way to move a vehicle, but it leaves the car exposed to the hot Texas sun, road dust, and occasional debris along I‑35 and I‑10. Enclosed transport costs roughly 50% more, shielding classic, vintage, or custom‑painted cars from the harsh climate and road hazards typical of the Alamo City area. Choose enclosed if your vehicle’s value or finish justifies the extra expense; otherwise open is a reliable, budget‑friendly option.

Yes, we provide door-to-door auto transport throughout San Antonio, TX. When you book, we’ll ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses—whether it’s a home, office, or a nearby business location such as a gas station or parking lot if needed. Our carriers work within the city and surrounding Hill Country to safely collect and drop off your vehicle at the spots you choose.

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 San Antonio

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

San Antonio, TX blends historic charm with modern hustle, making it a top spot for car owners who love adventure.

  • River Walk & Geography: The city’s 15‑mile River Walk winds along the San Antonio River, offering scenic routes that connect downtown attractions and provide easy access for vehicle transport services.
  • Iconic Landmark: The Alamo, founded in 1718, draws millions of visitors each year, reminding travelers of Texas’ rich frontier history.
  • Vehicle Law: Texas requires a temporary registration sticker for out‑of‑state vehicles staying over 30 days, a handy tip for anyone shipping a car to San Antonio.
  • Climate: Warm, semi‑arid weather dominates, with average highs of 85°F in summer and mild winters—ideal for loading and unloading vehicles year‑round.
  • Economy: A hub for military, healthcare, and tourism, San Antonio’s economy supports a steady demand for auto logistics and freight services.
  • Population: Over 1.5 million residents make it the second‑largest city in Texas, creating a diverse driver base and vibrant car culture.
  • Transportation Network: San Antonio International Airport, I‑35, I‑10, and a growing rail freight system streamline vehicle shipping across the Southwest.
  • Unique Charm: The city celebrates “Fiesta” each April, a 10‑day celebration that fills the streets with music, food, and colorful parades—perfect for a road‑trip photo op.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you’re new to car shipping in San Antonio, TX, this quick 101 guide will show you exactly how auto transport works from start to finish. Understanding each step helps you feel confident and keeps your vehicle safe on the road.

First, know the difference between a broker and a carrier. A broker, like Sakaem Logistics, acts as a match‑maker. They gather quotes, vet carriers, and handle paperwork. The carrier is the company that actually drives the truck and moves your car.

Step 1: Call a reputable broker for a free quote. The broker asks for the pick‑up address, destination, vehicle details, and preferred timeline. This information lets them find the best carrier for your shipment.

Step 2: The broker selects a carrier with solid reviews, proper insurance, and the right equipment. Choosing a trustworthy broker ensures the carrier you receive is reliable and fully covered.

Step 3: The carrier arrives to pick up your car. Before the driver arrives, clear all personal items, make sure the car rolls freely, and leave about a quarter tank of gas. For high‑end or classic cars, request an enclosed trailer for extra protection.

Step 4: The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination in San Antonio, TX, or beyond. When the car is delivered, you’ll complete payment to the broker or carrier, depending on the agreement—usually at pickup or delivery.

Final tips: keep the vehicle’s paperwork handy, confirm the driver’s ID, and inspect the car for any damage before signing the receipt. Following these simple steps makes car shipping smooth, transparent, and stress‑free.