Every year, thousands of Americans pack up and head from the Golden State to the Lone Star State. Whether you’re moving for work, family, lower costs of living, or a change in scenery, getting your vehicle to Texas can be one of the most logistically challenging parts of the transition. Driving the 1,500+ mile journey isn’t always practical—or desirable.
That’s where professional auto transport services come in.
The auto shipping industry is booming, and with so many companies vying for your business, the challenge becomes not just getting your car from Point A to Point B—but doing it safely, affordably, and with minimal stress. After extensive research into pricing structures, customer reviews, service offerings, and reliability, Smart Auto Move has emerged as the clear leader in vehicle shipping from California to Texas.
Why Choosing the Right Auto Transport Company Matters
Shipping a car across state lines involves more than just loading a vehicle onto a truck. It requires:
- Coordination with professional carriers
- Understanding transport regulations
- Proper insurance coverage
- On-time pickup and delivery
- Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
A good car shipping company will walk you through every step, communicate clearly, and offer flexible service options that fit your timeline and budget. A great one will go above and beyond. That’s where Smart Auto Move excels.
#1: Smart Auto Move – The Gold Standard for Car Shipping
Headquarters: Nationwide Service
Website: smartautomove.com
Rating: ★★★★★
Average Transport Time (CA to TX): 3-5 days
Typical Cost Range: $750 – $1,100 (Open transport), $1,200 – $1,600 (Enclosed)
Smart Auto Move tops our list thanks to its exceptional service, transparent pricing, and unmatched customer satisfaction. While the company operates nationwide, it has earned particular praise for its consistent and cost-effective service between California and Texas—a route in especially high demand.
Whether you’re moving a Toyota Corolla from Los Angeles to Austin, a Ford F-150 from San Jose to Dallas, or a Porsche 911 from San Diego to Houston, Smart Auto Move offers tailored solutions for both budget and high-end shipping needs.
Standout Features:
- Door-to-door service: No need to drive to or from a terminal.
- Open and enclosed carriers: Options for everyday cars and high-value vehicles.
- Upfront pricing: No bait-and-switch tactics or surprise fees.
- Licensed, bonded, and insured: Fully compliant with FMCSA regulations.
- Real-time tracking: Know where your vehicle is at all times.
Customer Testimonial:
“I’ve shipped cars before and always dreaded it—until I used Smart Auto Move,” says Travis R., who recently moved from Santa Monica to Dallas. “They were professional, fast, and everything went exactly as promised. My car arrived in perfect condition.”
Smart Auto Move’s transport specialists are also available for one-on-one consultations, helping you understand your options and make informed choices—something many competitors lack.
Other Top Car Shipping Companies (Worth Considering)
Montway Auto Transport
Rating: ★★★★☆
Strengths: Vast carrier network, flexible scheduling, competitive pricing.
Weaknesses: Variable service quality depending on the carrier.
Montway is a big player in the industry and handles thousands of cross-country shipments annually. While generally reliable, their reliance on third-party carriers can sometimes lead to inconsistent customer experiences.
AmeriFreight
Rating: ★★★★☆
Strengths: Discounts for military, students, and first responders; strong customer service.
Weaknesses: Pricing can fluctuate unless you lock in a rate.
AmeriFreight is known for its personalized customer service and emphasis on educating first-time shippers. Their pricing can vary depending on carrier availability, but they offer a range of protection plans for added peace of mind.
Sherpa Auto Transport
Rating: ★★★★☆
Strengths: “Price Lock Promise,” helpful customer reps.
Weaknesses: Smaller network than some competitors, limited expedited shipping.
Sherpa earns praise for eliminating price jumps between the quote and final bill—a rare thing in the transport industry. However, their capacity is more limited compared to larger shippers, which can affect availability.
What You Can Expect to Pay (2025 Averages)
| Route | Vehicle Type | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
| Los Angeles to Dallas | Sedan | $850 | $1,350 |
| San Francisco to Houston | SUV | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| San Diego to Austin | Luxury | $1,100 | $1,600 |
Smart Auto Move remains competitive across all these routes while maintaining higher customer satisfaction than its peers.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a car from California to Texas is no small task—but with the right partner, it can be seamless. Smart Auto Move combines industry expertise, hands-on customer support, and fair pricing in a way that few companies do. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car out of state, or sending a vehicle to family, Smart Auto Move offers the best blend of value and reliability.
In short: For peace of mind on the open road, Smart Auto Move is the smart choice.
