Shipping a Car from Houston, TX to Memphis, TN
A 576-mile trip northeastbound, through Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee: that is Houston to Memphis. That is around 12 hours of driving at car-hauler speeds; our transit estimate is 1–2 days after dispatch. Volume is middling, so most customers find a carrier without much waiting.
Timing and Seasonality
High Plains winter storms and spring thunderstorms are the main weather risks, so late spring and early fall are calmest. Hurricane season (June to November) can pause or reroute trucks along the coast. For a 576-mile trip, request quotes about two weeks before pickup. Across Texas expect severe spring storms, Gulf hurricanes and desert heat in the west; across Tennessee, winter ice on the Cumberland Plateau.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee. Expect winter ice on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. Expect severe spring storms, Gulf hurricanes and desert heat in the west in Texas. In Arkansas, I-40 and I-30 cross at Little Rock.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Houston. Houston has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. Giant Gulf Coast metro and port with deep carrier supply, but exposed to hurricane-season delays. The main approaches to Houston are I-10, I-45 and I-69.
Delivery in Memphis. Mississippi River logistics giant at the I-40/I-55 crossing. The nearest major airport, Memphis International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Memphis sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability.
What Houston to Memphis Costs
Current estimates put open transport for a standard sedan at $430–$635, which is about $0.92 per mile over 576 miles. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($480–$710); enclosed sedan transport is $625–$920, roughly 45% more than open. Ending in Little Rock instead (140 mi from Memphis) is estimated at $350–$510. A comparable-length trip, Miami, FL to Charleston, SC (577 mi), is priced at $435–$635.
| Transport Type | Vehicle | Price Range | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $430–$635 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $480–$710 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $480–$710 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $625–$920 | High-value or low cars |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; your quote depends on pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Be flexible on the date. A three-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading northeast.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.
- Have a storm plan. For coastal legs from June to November, agree on a backup date up front.