Crossing State Lines: How To Ship Car from California to Texas

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We know that crossing the state lines and relocating might be interesting and adventurous. When looking to ship car from California to Texas, you may feel like a daunting task. By choosing the right auto transport company and using strategic planning, you can ensure the safe shipment of yo

Process To Ship Car from California to Texas

When you need to ship car from California to Texas, follow the steps:

  • Choose a professional and reliable auto transport company and get a shipping quote.

  • Confirm the date and time and book the shipment.

  • Prepare your vehicle for the shipment.

  • The driver will pick up your vehicle.

  • Track your vehicle throughout the shipment

  • Get your vehicle delivered to your address securely and complete the final inspection of your vehicle.

Factors Affecting The CA to TX Shipping Cost

When you are about to ship your car from CA to TX, understanding the car shipping cost and its factors will help you make the right decision for your vehicle. You can choose the best auto shipping service for your vehicle by considering your budget.

The factors that affect the shipping cost include the following:

  • Shipping Distance: Distance plays a major role in determining the cost of auto shipping. Further, the greater the distance, the higher the cost of shipping because the total distance from the pickup to the delivery location is calculated to determine the shipping cost.

 

  • Trailer Type and Shipping Option: When you look for shipping options, you will find two options: open and enclosed transport.  An open trailer is a budget-friendly shipping option compared to enclosed transport.

 

  • Fuel Cost: We cannot control this method because the price of the fuel always goes up and down. Fluctuations in the fuel price affect the shipping cost.

 

  • Shipping Time Frame: Auto transport companies experience high shipping demands during peak season. Shipping costs will be higher during the peak season, and the best season to ship the vehicle is the fall or winter season.

 

  • Vehicle Make and Model: Vehicles make a huge difference in the cost of shipping because they come in different sizes. Large and heavy vehicles cost more than all the other vehicles because oversized vehicles occupy much more space.

  • Additional Cost: Additional shipping costs also affect the shipping cost. Inquire about the additional charges and what is included in the cost before you ship your vehicle.

Choose the Right Auto Shipping Method

When shipping your car from California to Texas, it is crucial that you have to choose the right auto shipping method for your vehicle. You have two main auto transport options: open and enclosed transport.

 

Open Transport

Enclosed Transport

Open trailer with open sides and roofs

Fully closed trailer

Best for standard vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, boats etc.

Best for premium vehicles such as classic, luxury cars, sports cars, etc.

Cost-effective trailer

Expensive trailer

Limited security features

Enhanced security with tracking service

Easily available. Advance booking is not required

Need to book in advance because of limited availability of trailer

Open Transport

Open transport is the most common and popular method because of its cost-effectiveness. Your vehicle will be loaded onto an open trailer along with other cars, and this is the best method for transporting multiple vehicles. Open car transport is a safe method, and your car will be exposed to the external elements during shipment.

Enclosed Transport

Enclosed transport offers enhanced protection to your vehicle, and the vehicle will be transported in an enclosed trailer. Enclosed auto transport is ideal for the transportation of luxury, classic cars because these premium cars require extra care. It is more costly than open transport because of its high-security features.

Research On Auto Shipping Companies

When you are transporting your vehicle, the first important factor you need to consider is choosing the right auto shipping company. One company and the right carrier will make your auto shipping experience unforgettable.

  • Research the auto transport company and verify whether they are registered and licensed. Look for the license and the DOT number of the company, and look for the reputation of the company.

  • Look for the experience and the professionalism of the company. Check how long they have been in the business and ensure that they have a professional team to handle the shipment process.

  • Understand the auto shipping services offered by the company, like open and enclosed trailers. Understand the car shipping quote and what is covered in this.

  • Read the customer reviews and pay attention to the feedback of the customers. Visit websites like Google, Trustpilot, Crunchbase, etc., to learn what customers say about the company and its reputation.

  • Check for insurance coverage and its policies, and read the shipping contract carefully before you sign it.

  • Check and verify the payment option they use, and ensure that they offer the payment option you may require. Read the company's guidelines before you hire them. 

Prepare Your Vehicle for The Shipment

The auto shipping process does not end with hiring the company and getting your car delivered to your address. To transport your vehicle safely to your address, you must prepare it before pickup day. Here are the few most important steps you need to follow to prepare your car.

  • Wash and clean your vehicle from inside to out to keep it clean. Cleaning your vehicle also helps you inspect it and check if there is any existing damage.

  • Remove all your belongings and other items inside the car. Auto transport companies do not allow you to ship any kind of stuff inside a vehicle. If anything is lost or damaged, the company will not be responsible for the loss and damage.

  • Check the gas tank and its level, keep the gas tank for about a quarter, and reduce it because it will increase the weight and affect the shipping cost.

  • If you are transporting your electric vehicle, check the battery condition and do not charge the battery more than 50% to 60%

  • Take photographs of your vehicle and cover it properly to protect it from getting damaged. Take photos of your vehicle from different angles and keep these photographs secure; this helps with the final inspection of your vehicle. 

By understanding your auto shipping requirements and by doing enough research, you can ensure smooth transportation for your vehicle. Follow the guide and enjoy the smooth car shipping experience.

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