With over 5.5 million registered vehicles in Houston, the availability of car shippers is decent. Therefore, finding reliable car transport companies in Houston is easy if you know where and how to look. Being a pro car shipping service provider for over a decade, we can surely give you some pointers in the right direction. Here’s what to look for:
The Houston’s Increasing Car Owners And Their Growing Demand For Logistics
Houston has a strong automotive market with over 500 dealerships, 350+ of them spread across its 5 major dealership districts, including Southwest, having 120 dealers; North, having 70 dealers; Highway 6, having 70 dealers; Shepherd Road, encompassing 60 dealerships; and Telephone Road with 50 dealers. Moreover, Houston has over 5.5 million registered vehicles, and the annual vehicle sales keep increasing steadily, with 356,504 vehicles sold in 2024. This shows that Houston already has a strong automotive logistics infrastructure set up to move millions of vehicles every year.
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Besides a strong auto dealer network and growing vehicle sales, Houston’s SUV share in all vehicles is increasing fast, with 78.5% of people owning SUVs or trucks. This demonstrates an even higher need for relying on car transporters to move vehicles, as trucks and SUVs are heavy vehicles that require professional auto transport over long distances instead of the DIY route.
6 Practical Insights to Finding Affordable Car Transport Companies Houston
It’s not that hard to find the top auto shippers in Houston, Texas, if you know where and how to look. Here’s what to do:
1. Get Multiple Quotes from Various Providers
Looking to move your vehicle to or from Space City? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re relocating from car transport Los Angeles, CA to Houston or planning car transport Philadelphia PA to Houston, finding reliable car transport companies Houston doesn’t have to be a headache.
Finding Legitimate Companies
Start your search by building a solid list of potential transporters and look for the following things to establish legitimacy:
| Verification Step | What to Look For | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT Number | Active status, clean record during FMCSA search | Missing or inactive number |
| Business History | 10+ years operating | Less than 1 year in business |
| BBB Rating | A rating at least BBB rating | Multiple unresolved complaints |
Service Quality Evaluation
You’ll want to get specific when asking for car shipping quotes. Houston’s unique layout means you need to be crystal clear about your needs. Tell them exactly where you’re located - inside or outside the Loop, which makes a big difference in pricing and logistics.
Pro tip: Watch how they respond to questions about local challenges. A good car shipping company will know about those tricky flooded areas during storms and how to navigate around them. They should also understand that picking up from River Oaks isn’t the same as collecting a car from Clear Lake.
Value-Added Services
The Houston heat can be brutal on specific vehicles like vintage or luxury cars. Look for companies offering enclosed transport - it’s worth the extra bucks during those scorching summer months. Some companies even provide tracking services, so you’re not left wondering where your car is when it’s stuck in I-45 traffic.
Perks They Offer
The hot and windy Houston area means your vehicle may arrive dirty if it’s being shipped on an open carrier. So if a company offers a free car wash if the vehicle arrives deity, then that’s a big plus. Easy Auto Ship offers this, by the way.
Furthermore, if the carrier arrives late for delivery, like by 2-3 days, ensure the company also pays you for car rental during that time. Again, Easy Auto Ship does that.
How Was Their Customer Support?
When you contacted them to get quotes, how was their support?
- Were they professional?
- Were they friendly and helpful?
- Were they quick?
- Were they thorough?
- Were they pushy?
- Did they communicate prices and services clearly and transparently?
These things make a huge difference because you don’t need them just for the quote; you’ll rely on their support throughout the process for updates. And if the vehicle arrives with any issues, you’ll need the support again for the claims process.
2. Consider Seasonal Timing
Seasonal shipping can make or break your wallet. Everyone wants to move during summer, which drives prices up faster than a Houston housing boom. Book between October and March instead - you’ll typically save 10-20% on your transport costs.
Remember hurricane season, though. If you’re shipping between June and November, have a backup plan. Most quality transporters will keep you updated about weather-related delays and have contingency routes mapped out.
Smart planning means understanding that summer rates in Houston can spike by up to 20% compared to winter months. Think about it - tons of families wait for school to end before moving. Kids are out of school, and parents have more flexibility with their schedules. This creates a huge surge in demand for transport services.
It’s also prime time for corporate relocations. Many companies schedule employee transfers during summer when it’s least disruptive to families with school-age children. This adds another layer of demand to an already busy season.
The energy industry in Houston plays a role too. Many oil and gas companies handle their major personnel moves during summer, putting extra pressure on car transport services.
Here’s another factor people often overlook - transport drivers deal with more weather delays in summer. Those afternoon thunderstorms and occasional tropical systems can throw off schedules, making each available truck even more valuable.
Pro tip: If you absolutely must ship during summer, try booking for mid-month rather than month-end. Most people plan their moves around the first or last days of the month, so you might catch a break on pricing during those in-between weeks.
3. Research Terminal-to-Terminal Options
If you’re looking to save some serious cash on shipping - whether it’s San Jose car transport to Houston or car transport Orlando FL to Houston - terminal-to-terminal service might be your best bet.
Houston’s got several prime spots where transporters drop off vehicles. The biggest terminals sit near the Port of Houston and Bush Airport. These hubs handle everything from local moves to car transport from St Louis, MO, to Houston routes.
Here’s the deal with terminal-to-terminal shipping: You’ll need to handle the drop-off and pickup yourself. But don’t let that scare you off. Most terminals offer flexible hours and secure storage. Some even have staff who’ll help you check in your vehicle.
Pro tip: Ask about overnight security and covered parking options. Houston’s weather can change quickly, so knowing your ride is protected matters.
4. Check for Discounts
Who doesn’t love saving money? Transport companies often slash prices for specific groups. Military folks especially catch a break in Houston, given how close we are to bases like Ellington Field.
Military discounts usually start at 10% off, but some companies go higher. Active duty members moving to new stations often score the best deals. Students heading to Rice or the University of Houston can typically grab a 5-10% discount.
Seniors aren’t left out, either. Many companies offer 5-10% off for customers over 55. Multi-car shipping deals are where the real savings kick in—expect anywhere from 10-20% off your total bill.
Smart move: Bundle your discounts when possible. Military student moving multiple cars? Ask if you can stack those savings. Some companies will work with you, especially during slower seasons.
Some companies partner with local Houston dealerships. If you’re buying from a dealer, ask if they have preferred transport partners. This connection could save you a chunk of change.
5. Consider Open Transport
Here’s the real deal about open car transport: It’s the go-to choice for most car transport companies. Our customer reviews consistently show it’s reliable and budget-friendly.
While checking transport options, you’ll find open carriers handle about 80% of all vehicle shipments. Recent industry reviews and research also indicate most customers save significant money by choosing open transport.
Weather protection might seem concerning, but transport insurance has you covered. If you read any car shipper’s reviews online, you’ll see that weather damage issues are actually pretty rare. Most transport providers include basic coverage, but you can beef up protection with GAP for peace of mind.
The transport industry standard for open carrier insurance starts at $100,000. Smart transport customers always verify both carrier and cargo insurance before booking.
When looking through platforms like Consumer Affairs or Forbes that post car transport reviews, you’ll notice they often recommend open transport for standard vehicles. That’s true, but we also suggest getting enclosed carriers for luxury or classic cars.
6. Create a Price Comparison Framework
Let’s break down how to compare transport costs like a pro. Car transport Texas rates can vary wildly, but having a solid framework helps you spot the best deals.
| Service Type | Base Rate (per mile) | Peak Season Markup |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport (In-State) | $0.75-$1.00 | 15-25% |
| Enclosed Transport | $1.30-$1.50 | 20-30% |
Smart transport customers always track more than just the base rate. Reviews of many shipping companies show that hidden fees can sneak up on you. Transport reviews often mention unexpected charges after deliveries. Here’s an example of a competitor’s customer review:
Check transport reviews carefully for mentions of extra services or costs.
Once you’ve received all the quotes, service information, and delivery timelines, create a simple spreadsheet for comparing car transport companies. List out everything that matters: base rates, extra services, and seasonal changes. We recommend noting customer service responsiveness, too. Here’s a sample framework:
| Comparison Factors | Company A | Company B | Company C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Transport Rate/Mile | $0.85 | $0.95 | $0.78 |
| Enclosed Transport Rate/Mile | $1.35 | $1.40 | $1.45 |
| Insurance Coverage | $100K included | $150K included | $75K included |
| Expedited Shipping | +$100 | +$150 | +$200 |
| Storage Rate/Day | $20 | N/A | $25 |
| Discount | -10% | -15% | -5% |
| 24/7 Support | Yes | No | Yes |
| Response Time | 2 hrs | 4 hrs | 1 hr |
This streamlined format makes it easier to compare transport services side by side, and you’ll be able to spot differences in transport rates and services quickly.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Vehicles To/from Houston, TX to Other Areas?
Let’s break down real shipping costs from Houston to popular destinations. These prices reflect current market rates and typical transport costs.
| Route | Distance (miles) | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston to Dallas, TX | 239 | $179-$239 | $310-$358 |
| Houston to Los Angeles, CA | 1,547 | $1,160-$1,547 | $2,011-$2,320 |
| Houston to Miami, FL | 1,187 | $890-$1,187 | $1,543-$1,780 |
| Houston to Chicago, IL | 1,082 | $811-$1,082 | $1,406-$1,623 |
| Houston to New York, NY | 1,628 | $1,221-$1,628 | $2,116-$2,442 |
| Houston to Phoenix, AZ | 1,178 | $883-$1,178 | $1,531-$1,767 |
| Houston to Denver, CO | 1,002 | $751-$1,002 | $1,302-$1,503 |
| Houston to Atlanta, GA | 793 | $594-$793 | $1,030-$1,189 |
| Houston to San Antonio, TX | 197 | $147-$197 | $256-$295 |
| Houston to Las Vegas, NV | 1,366 | $1,024-$1,366 | $1,775-$2,049 |
Keep in mind these prices reflect base rates during regular seasons. During peak times (summer months and December), you might see 15-25% increases for open transport and 20-30% for enclosed options.
Short-distance moves within Texas typically offer the best value per mile. The longer the distance, the lower the per-mile rate tends to become.
Pro tip: Winter months (January-March) often see price drops of 10-15% below these base rates. Planning your transport during off-peak seasons can lead to significant savings.
Remember that these prices assume standard vehicle sizes. Larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks might incur an additional 10-20% fee. Luxury or oversized vehicles usually require enclosed transport.
Additional costs might apply for specific pickup or delivery locations within city limits. Inner-loop service in major cities can add $50-100 to the total cost.
Hire One of The Best Car Transport Companies in Houston - Easy Auto Ship:
The story behind the ‘Easy’ in our company’s name is that we genuinely aim to make it ‘Easy’ for you to ship your vehicle to and from anywhere in the US. We’re actively operating in Houston and have made several shipments to and from the Space City. So call us at (888) 687-3243 or use live chat to talk to one of our agents. You can also use our free car shipping quote calculator to get a general estimate in minutes.
