Car shipping from Los Angeles, California to Houston, Texas

Last updated: September 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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LOS ANGELES TO HOUSTON

Auto Transport from Los Angeles to Houston

Planning to move your vehicle from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX? Car shipping across this popular 1,500-mile route doesn’t have to break the bank or cause headaches. Our comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about auto transport costs, timelines, and insider tips for this cross-country journey. Get ready to discover how Sakaem Logistics makes car shipping simple and affordable.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
1,547 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
2-6 days
AVG COST
$1075 – $1325
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Los Angeles, CA and Houston, TX. These represent real customer shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Live Pricing from Completed Routes Updated: September 2025
Origin Destination Total Cost Trailer Vehicle
Glendora, CA Houston, TX 1025 Open Car
North Hollywood, CA Houston, TX 875 Open Car
Los Angeles, CA Sugar Land, TX 1025 Open Car
Irvine, CA Atascocita, TX 975 Open Car
Central La, CA Katy, TX 1200 Open Car
Irvine, CA Houston, TX 925 Open Car
Los Angeles, CA Houston, TX 900 Open Car
Irwindale, CA Houston, TX 975 Open Car
Irvine, CA Houston, TX 975 Open Car
Monterey Park, CA Richmond, TX 850 Open SUV
LOS ANGELES, CA TO HOUSTON, TX CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

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
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
Google logo
Omg!!!! I had the most amazing experience!! From start to finish they were amazing great communication answered every and any questions I had! Price was perfect and no hassle. Vehicle arrived early. From PA to LA hassle free no worries Driver was very helpful and called and kept me informed. Thank you so very much for the freedom to not be stressed in the process!!
serena johns
Apr 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Los Angeles to 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 Los Angeles, California to Houston, Texas Shipping Prices

Distance

The 1,550-mile journey from Los Angeles to Houston is a major cross-country haul. This long distance means higher fuel costs, driver wages, and truck wear. Expect to pay more than shorter regional moves, but the good news is that this popular route keeps costs competitive compared to less common long-distance shipments.

Season

Summer and early fall are peak moving seasons, driving up prices by 20-30%. Winter months (December-February) typically offer the best rates. Spring brings moderate pricing. If you can be flexible with timing, shipping during off-peak months can save you hundreds of dollars.

Route

You’re in luck with this route. The LA to Houston corridor runs primarily on major highways like I-10, making it one of the most efficient shipping lanes in the country. This high-traffic route means lower costs and faster delivery times compared to shipments to smaller towns that require detours off main highways.

Vehicle Type

Standard cars and sedans are cheapest to ship. SUVs, trucks, and larger vehicles cost 10-20% more due to extra weight and space requirements. Oversized vehicles may need special trailers, further increasing costs. Modified or low-clearance vehicles may also require special handling.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and summer vacation months when highways are congested. These busy times slow down carriers and increase costs. Plan around these peak travel windows for better pricing and faster delivery.

Carrier Availability

This popular route usually has good carrier availability year-round. During peak season, book 2-3 weeks ahead. Off-season bookings can often be arranged within a week. Last-minute bookings always cost more, so plan ahead when possible.

Population Density

Both LA and Houston are major metropolitan areas with good highway access, keeping costs reasonable. However, delivery to downtown areas may cost extra due to traffic and parking challenges. Consider suburban pickup and delivery points to save money and make the process easier for carriers.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Avoid peak shipping seasons like snowbird migration periods to save money. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can significantly reduce costs when demand is lower.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Consider pickup and delivery locations near major highways instead of residential neighborhoods. Carriers prefer accessible spots with wide roads and parking, often passing savings to customers.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup spots in LA and delivery locations in Houston near major highway intersections. More highway access means more carrier options and competitive pricing for your shipment.

4

Weather considerations

Avoid shipping during extreme weather periods when possible. Winter ice, snow, or extreme summer heat can delay transport and increase costs due to safety precautions.

5

Booking in advance

Book your car shipment weeks ahead rather than last-minute. Early booking gives carriers time to plan efficient routes and offer better rates than rush orders.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost less than enclosed ones for standard vehicles. Only choose enclosed transport for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection from weather and road debris.

7

Flexible dates

Offer carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery dates. This flexibility helps carriers optimize their routes and schedules, resulting in lower shipping costs for you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Los Angeles to Houston

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX, you’ll need to register your vehicle in Texas within 30 days of establishing residency [TxDMV]. Texas requires a safety inspection and emissions test in certain counties, including Harris County where Houston is located [TxDMV]. Unlike California’s strict emissions standards, Texas has more relaxed requirements, but Houston falls under enhanced emissions testing areas.

Vehicle modifications legal in California may not comply with Texas regulations. Texas allows darker window tinting than California – up to 25% on front side windows versus California’s 70% requirement [TxDMV]. However, lifted vehicles must meet Texas frame height restrictions. Auto transport companies should inform you about these differences when moving your car.

Insurance considerations differ significantly between states. Texas requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, while California mandates $15,000 [TDI]. Texas also requires personal injury protection in some cases. Weather modifications aren’t typically necessary when moving from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX, as both cities have mild winters. However, Houston’s humidity and frequent rain may require different tire considerations than Los Angeles’ dry climate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Los Angeles, California to Houston, Texas 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.

Preparing your car for the Los Angeles to Houston route is key to a smooth shipping experience. Here’s what you need to do:

Clean and inspect your vehicle: Wash your car and take photos of any existing damage. This helps with insurance claims if needed.

Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and fragile items. Carriers aren’t liable for personal property.

Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and that the battery works. Your vehicle needs to start and drive onto the carrier.

Secure loose parts: Remove or tighten any exterior accessories like spoilers, bike racks, or antennas that could get damaged during the 1,500-mile journey.

Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to prevent battery drain and avoid issues during transport.

Have keys ready: Provide one set of working keys to the driver. Keep a spare for yourself.

For a complete preparation checklist, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps protects your investment during transport from the West Coast to Texas.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Los Angeles to Houston. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to maintain minimum coverage of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your LA to Houston shipment begins, we verify that:

  • The carrier’s insurance policy is active and valid
  • Coverage remains in good standing for your entire trip
  • All documentation meets industry standards

What this means for you: If damage occurs during the 1,500-mile journey from Los Angeles to Houston, you’re protected. Our insurance verification process ensures you won’t face the headaches that come with uninsured carriers – something the big brokers often overlook.

We also recommend taking photos of your vehicle before pickup in LA and after delivery in Houston. This creates a clear record and makes any potential claims process smoother.

We recommend booking your car shipment from Los Angeles to Houston at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan efficient routes and group your vehicle with other shipments heading to Texas.

Here’s why early booking helps:

  • Better pricing: Carriers can offer lower rates when they have time to fill their trucks
  • More pickup options: You’ll have flexible scheduling instead of last-minute availability
  • Peak season planning: Summer months and holidays get busy, so book even earlier during these times

If you need faster service, we can arrange expedited shipping with 3-5 days notice, but expect higher costs. The key is giving carriers time to create cost-effective routes that benefit both you and other customers shipping along the LA to Houston corridor.

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.

Open Auto Transport uses open trailers that expose your car to weather and road debris. It costs less and works well for most everyday vehicles. This is the most common way to ship cars from Los Angeles to Houston.

Enclosed Auto Transport puts your car inside a covered trailer for full protection. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but keeps your vehicle safe from rain, dust, and flying rocks during the 1,400-mile trip.

Choose Open Transport if:

  • You have a standard daily driver
  • You want to save money
  • Your car is worth less than $30,000

Choose Enclosed Transport if:

  • You own a classic, luxury, or exotic car
  • Your vehicle has custom paint or modifications
  • Weather protection is worth the extra cost

Most people shipping from LA to Houston pick open transport. It’s reliable and much cheaper. At Sakaem Logistics, we help you choose the right option for your car and budget.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX. This means we’ll pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in LA and deliver it directly to your preferred location in Houston.

When you book with us, simply provide your pickup address in Los Angeles and delivery address in Houston. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule convenient times for both pickup and delivery.

Important to know: If your street has restrictions like low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or weight limits for large trucks, our driver will work with you to find a safe nearby location. This could be a shopping center, gas station, or main road that’s easy for you to reach.

This door-to-door service saves you time and hassle compared to dropping off or picking up your vehicle at a terminal. You get maximum convenience for your LA to Houston car shipment.

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!

Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX involves two key players: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics act as intermediaries who connect you with licensed carriers. Carriers are the companies that physically transport your vehicle on trucks. Understanding this distinction helps you navigate the auto transport process more effectively.

The car shipping process begins when you call a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics for a quote. Once you accept the quote, the broker searches their network to find a qualified carrier for your Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX route. This step is crucial because experienced brokers work only with carriers who have proper insurance, good reviews, and proven track records. After securing a carrier, they will contact you to schedule pickup at your Los Angeles location.

Before the carrier arrives, prepare your vehicle properly. Remove all personal items from inside the car, as carriers cannot transport personal belongings. Ensure your car has about a quarter tank of gas – enough for loading and unloading but not too much to add unnecessary weight. Your vehicle must be able to roll, steer, and brake for safe loading onto the transport truck.

For high-end vehicles, consider enclosed trailer transport for maximum protection during your Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX journey. Open carriers work well for standard vehicles and are more common. Payment typically occurs at pickup or delivery, depending on your agreement with the broker or carrier. The entire auto transport process usually takes 2-6 days for this route, covering approximately 1,547 miles.