Car shipping from San Diego, California to Dallas, 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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SAN DIEGO TO DALLAS

Auto Transport from San Diego to Dallas

Planning to move your vehicle from San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX? You’re not alone. This popular auto transport route spans over 1,200 miles across the Southwest. Our comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about car shipping between these major cities, including real costs, transit times, and insider tips to save money and avoid headaches.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
1,358 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
1-5 days
AVG COST
$1025 – $1275
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between San Diego, CA and Dallas, 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
San Diego, CA Garland, TX 1000 Open Car
Carlsbad, CA Flower Mound, TX 725 Open Car
San Diego, CA Plano, TX 950 Open Car
Rcho Santa Fe, CA Dallas, TX 975 Open SUV
La Jolla, CA Dallas, TX 925 Open SUV
San Marcos, CA Keller, TX 925 Open Car
La Mesa, CA North Richland Hills, TX 1025 Open Pickup
San Diego, CA Plano, TX 950 Open Car
Chula Vista, CA Burleson, TX 900 Open SUV
San Diego, CA Dallas, TX 825 Open Car
SAN DIEGO, CA TO DALLAS, TX CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
I had to move my daughter’s car last minute from CA to MI. I thought this would be hard, but Matt made it so easy and stress free! Thank you so much for getting this done so quickly! My car was picked up the next day and delivered safely to my daughter. I HIGHLY recommend this company if ever transporting your car!
Theresa Owens
Jul 2022
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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
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I shipped my car from California to Michigan and Sakaem came back with the best quote and answered all of my questions. I wish they could tell you an exact day they could pick up, but overall the service was great and I got my car in less than a week with no issues. Happy customer!
Magen Kuzma
May 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from San Diego to Dallas

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 San Diego, California to Dallas, Texas Shipping Prices

Distance

The San Diego to Dallas route covers about 1,200 miles, making it a long-haul shipment. This distance puts your car shipping cost in the higher range compared to shorter routes. However, the per-mile cost actually decreases on longer routes, so you get better value than multiple short trips.

Season

Summer and fall are peak moving seasons, especially August and September, when costs rise 10-20%. Winter months (January-March) offer the best rates. Spring sees moderate pricing. Book early during peak times or save money by shipping in off-peak months.

Route

You’re in luck with this route. The San Diego to Dallas corridor runs along major highways like I-10 and I-20, which are heavily traveled by car carriers. This means lower costs and faster service compared to remote routes. These highways have good truck stops and are carrier-friendly.

Vehicle Type

Standard sedans and compact cars cost the least to ship. SUVs, trucks, and vans cost 20-30% more due to extra weight and space requirements. Oversized vehicles may need special trailers, increasing costs further. Modified or lowered cars may also require enclosed transport.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and spring break when highways are congested. Summer months see heavy traffic in both cities. Plan around these busy times to prevent delays and potential surcharges from carriers.

Carrier Availability

This popular route 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 cost more and limit your carrier options significantly.

Population Density

Both San Diego and Dallas are major metropolitan areas with good access for car carriers. Urban pickup/delivery may cost slightly more than suburban locations. Consider meeting your carrier at an accessible location with truck parking to potentially save on fees.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Avoid peak shipping seasons like snowbird migration periods to save money on your San Diego to Dallas car transport. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can result in significantly lower shipping costs.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Consider meeting your carrier near major highways instead of residential pickup locations. Truck-friendly spots with easy access and parking save carriers time and fuel, which translates to lower shipping costs for you.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup and delivery locations near major highway intersections in San Diego and Dallas areas. These hub locations attract more carriers, creating competition that drives down prices compared to remote rural destinations.

4

Weather considerations

Plan around extreme weather seasons that can increase shipping costs and delays. Winter ice storms and summer heat waves may cause carriers to adjust routes or schedules, affecting pricing and timing.

5

Booking in advance

Book your San Diego to Dallas car shipping at least two weeks ahead of your desired dates. Early booking secures better rates and gives you more carrier options than last-minute arrangements.

6

Open carrier transport

Select open trailer transport instead of enclosed shipping to reduce costs significantly. Unless you’re shipping a luxury or classic vehicle requiring extra protection, open trailers offer reliable service at budget-friendly prices.

7

Flexible dates

Offer carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery dates when possible. This flexibility allows carriers to optimize their routes and schedules, passing cost savings directly to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from San Diego to Dallas

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing Texas residency [Texas DMV]. Texas requires a vehicle inspection before registration, unlike California’s emissions-only testing [Texas DPS]. Your California registration and title, along with proof of insurance, will be needed for the transfer process.

Texas has more lenient vehicle modification laws compared to California. Window tinting can be darker in Texas – up to 25% on front side windows versus California’s 70% requirement [Texas DPS]. Emission testing isn’t required statewide in Texas, though some counties may have specific requirements [EPA]. Vehicle height restrictions are also more relaxed in Texas for lifted trucks and SUVs.

Auto transport from San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX means preparing for different weather conditions. Dallas experiences freezing temperatures and occasional ice storms, so consider all-season tires if your vehicle has summer-only tires [NOAA]. Texas car insurance rates are generally lower than California, but you’ll need to meet Texas minimum liability requirements: $30,000 per person for bodily injury [Texas Department of Insurance]. Shop for new coverage before your move to ensure continuous protection during the transition.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

San Diego, California to Dallas, 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.

Getting your car ready for the San Diego to Dallas route is simple but important. Start by removing all personal items from inside your vehicle – carriers aren’t responsible for items left behind, and extra weight can affect shipping costs.

Clean your car inside and out before pickup. This helps you spot any existing damage during the inspection. Take photos of your vehicle from all angles as proof of its condition.

Make sure your gas tank is between 1/4 and 1/2 full – enough for loading and unloading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. Remove or secure loose parts like spoilers, antennas, or bike racks that could get damaged on the highway.

Check your battery and tires to ensure they’re in good shape. Your car needs to start and drive onto the carrier. Don’t forget to remove toll tags like FasTrak since you won’t need them during transport.

Finally, have a spare key ready for the driver. For complete preparation details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to maintain:

  • $1,000,000 in liability insurance – covers damages to other vehicles or property
  • $100,000 in cargo insurance – protects your specific vehicle during transport

Before your San Diego to Dallas shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid for the entire journey. This means you’re covered from pickup in San Diego all the way to delivery in Dallas.

Pro tip: While our carriers provide comprehensive coverage, you may want to check with your personal auto insurance about any additional protection during transport. Most policies cover vehicles being shipped, but it’s worth confirming.

Have questions about insurance coverage? Our team is here to help explain exactly how your vehicle is protected during the San Diego to Dallas route.

For car shipping from San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX, we recommend booking your pickup service at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with others heading to Texas.

Booking early offers several benefits:

  • Better pricing: Carriers can optimize their loads, often resulting in lower costs
  • More scheduling options: You’ll have flexibility to choose pickup dates that work best
  • Reduced stress: No last-minute scrambling to find available transport

If you’re moving during peak seasons (summer months or winter holidays), consider booking 4-6 weeks ahead. The San Diego to Dallas route is popular, so early booking ensures your spot with reliable carriers.

Need to ship with shorter notice? We can often accommodate rush orders, though expect higher costs and limited scheduling options. Contact us as soon as possible – even last-minute shipments are sometimes possible!

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 transport is the most common and cost-effective option for shipping your car from San Diego to Dallas. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other cars, exposed to weather and road conditions. This method costs significantly less and is perfectly safe for most vehicles.

Enclosed transport provides premium protection by housing your car inside a covered trailer. This option costs 40-60% more than open transport but offers complete protection from weather, road debris, and dust during the 1,200-mile journey to Dallas.

Choose enclosed transport if you own:

  • Classic or vintage cars
  • Luxury vehicles over $75,000
  • Custom or restored vehicles
  • Cars with special paint jobs

Choose open transport if you want to save money and have a standard daily driver. Most cars shipped from San Diego to Dallas use open trailers without any issues.

Both options typically take 4-7 days for delivery between these cities. The choice comes down to your budget and how much protection your specific vehicle needs.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX. This means we pick up your car from your home or office in San Diego and deliver it directly to your new address in Dallas.

Here’s how it works: When you book with us, simply provide your pickup address in San Diego and delivery address in Dallas. Our assigned carrier will come to these exact locations whenever possible. If your street has restrictions like low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or HOA rules that prevent large trucks, don’t worry. We’ll work with you to find a safe, nearby spot like a shopping center or gas station – usually within a few blocks of your home.

Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. Most customers on the San Diego to Dallas route can use this service without any issues, making your move much easier.

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 San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX is a straightforward process once you understand the basics. The auto transport industry operates with two main types of companies: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics act as intermediaries who connect customers with licensed carriers, while carriers are the companies that actually transport your vehicle on their trucks.

The car shipping process begins when you call a reputable broker to get a quote for your San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX route. After you agree to the terms, the broker will search their network to find a qualified carrier for your shipment. This is where working with an established broker becomes crucial – they ensure the carrier has proper insurance, good reviews, and a solid track record for safe auto transport.

Once a carrier is assigned, they will contact you to schedule pickup at your San Diego location. The carrier will then load your vehicle onto their transport truck and begin the journey to Dallas, TX. Upon arrival, the carrier will deliver your car to the agreed location and conduct a final inspection with you.

Before your car shipping date, prepare your vehicle properly. Remove all personal items from inside the car, as carriers are not responsible for belongings left behind. Ensure your vehicle can roll freely, as non-running cars require special equipment. Keep your gas tank at about a quarter full – enough to drive onto the truck but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. For luxury or classic vehicles, consider enclosed trailer service for maximum protection during your San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX auto transport.