10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Houston, TX - USA Today (2024)

Moving is a stressful time, and transporting a car is an extra headache that many homeowners would rather avoid. If you need help getting your valuable investment from one home to another, one of the best car shipping companies in your area can help.

Car shipping can save you from putting hundreds of miles and needless wear and tear on your car.

To help move your car safely to your new home, we've compiled a list of the top-rated car shipping companies in Houston.

Find the best local auto transport companies for you in Houston

Look for car shipping companies in Houston with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How much does car shipping cost in Houston?

The average car shipping cost in the Lone Star State is $2,528, according to data collected from 88 participants in Texas in our nationwide survey of 1,000 respondents in January 2024. You may pay more in Houston due to the cost of living in the area. Nationally, the average cost to ship a vehicle is $2,304. You can look for affordable car shipping, but the price of car shipping will ultimately be influenced by distance, location and shipping type. Here's a breakdown of how car shipping works when it comes to price.

• Distance of your move: Higher fuel costs and longer hours mean that the farther your move, the more you'll pay for shipping.
• Where your car is being picked up and dropped off: You may opt to have your car picked up and dropped off at a shipping center to reduce costs. Having your car picked up and dropped off at a residential address is typically more convenient, but it comes with a higher price tag.
• Type of shipping: You can opt for either open or enclosed car shipping. Enclosed transport is more expensive but provides better safeguarding against environmental factors along the journey.
• Current fuel prices: Fuel prices change constantly, so car shipping companies adjust the shipping cost for your car to match the current rate. If possible, time your shipment when fuel prices are low.
• The size and weight of your vehicle: Larger cars cost more to ship, as they occupy more space and weight capacity. For example, the cost to ship a motorcycle is usually less than the cost to ship a truck. However, you may opt to pay more for careful handling if you have a small luxury vehicle. Our nationwide survey found that consumers paid an average of $4,040 to ship a luxury or antique vehicle.
• Time of year: The summer months are peak moving season, and car shipping is often more expensive during this period as well.

To economize on car shipping, arrange your car's move during the off-season when transport demand and fuel prices are lower. Booking far enough in advance can also save you money.

What is the difference between a carrier and a broker?

Carriers move your vehicle either in an open or closed car transport. They have their own transport trucks and dispatch a car carrier to load your vehicle. The main drawback with carriers is they only use their own fleet, making you dependent on their truck schedules, which can lead to problems if there's a traffic delay or a truck breaks down. Carriers also might not offer door-to-door service. Instead, many carriers use terminals. Vehicle shipping brokers are providers that arrange transportation but do not own the transport carriers. Instead, they locate local vehicle shipping companies and help you through the shipping process, including finding a carrier and arranging door-to-door service. Unlike carriers, brokers aren't obligated to hold their own auto shipping insurance. Some car shipping services provide basic liability or gap coverage as an add-on.

Do car shipping companies need to be licensed in Texas?

Auto shipping companies are required to register with the U.S. government and receive a USDOT number from the Department of Transportation. Your shipping company will also likely need a permit, depending on where you're shipping your car. Any reputable auto shipping company will readily provide you with its USDOT number. In addition, check the company's status with the FMCSA to ensure it's in good standing and protect yourself from unpleasant surprises. Always research and check a company's proof of insurance before hiring.

Will your auto shipping company provide insurance?

Carriers have basic liability insurance, which safeguards your car if it is damaged during shipping, particularly if there is a fire, theft or accident. Cargo insurance protects the vehicles on the truck. But most of the time, neither policy covers events such as hurricanes or other natural disasters. Insurance coverage differs from company to company, so ask your carrier for more details. Brokers don't have to carry their own insurance, but they may offer add-on liability insurance through third-party companies. Some auto shipping brokers have brokerage insurance that takes effect if the carrier's insurance is insufficient, but you'll need to ask your broker for the details.

How do you choose the best car shipping company in Houston?

Consider these factors to find the best car shipping company for you.

Calculate distance and determine your schedule

If you're moving across state lines, make sure you select a carrier that is properly licensed for interstate car transport. For any move, use a map to determine how many miles it is from your current home to your new one. Car shipping companies will use the total distance to calculate shipping costs.

Decide if you’re looking for a carrier or a broker

There are advantages and disadvantages to both carriers and brokers. A broker operates as the middleman between you and a carrier. This may allow you to tailor your move more easily. However, brokers typically don't provide added insurance. On the other hand, carriers will transport your vehicle using their own fleet, protected by their own insurance. This is particularly important if you're shipping your car across the country.

Choose between open and closed-car shipping

Open car shipping entails securing your vehicle to a trailer but leaving it otherwise open to the elements. This option can save you hundreds of dollars but exposes your car to weather and debris during the move. Closed shipping is more expensive but offers better protection for your car. Open shipping is a more popular option, but some companies offer both. Motorcycle transport companies typically advise closed shipping for your bike.

Assess the company’s insurance coverage

Verify that your carrier has liability and cargo insurance. Check the coverage amounts and confirm that they align with the value of your car, so you don't end up underinsured.

Our methodology for selecting auto-shipping companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score. We compare national providers against our full car shipping company methodology. We evaluate companies based on their market standing and registration status, services offered, cost and customer satisfaction.