Shipping a Car from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX
Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX is a 1,473-mile eastbound lane that runs through California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Transit after dispatch is about 2–4 days (29 hours of driving, plus stops). This is a high-volume lane for us, so quotes tend to arrive quickly.
Timing and Seasonality
High Plains winter storms and spring thunderstorms are the main weather risks, so late spring and early fall are calmest. Desert heat rarely stops trucks, but midday loading can be hard, so early-morning pickups are common. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 1,473 miles. Across California expect mild coastal weather but snow on the Sierra passes in winter; across Texas, severe spring storms, Gulf hurricanes and desert heat in the west.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Los Angeles. The West Coast's largest auto-import and relocation market, with I-5, I-10 and I-405 and very deep carrier supply. Los Angeles International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. Los Angeles has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time.
Delivery in Dallas. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. Trucks serving Dallas lean on I-30, I-35E and I-45. One of the country's biggest vehicle-transport hubs, with I-30, I-35E and I-45 and heavy carrier supply.
What Los Angeles to Dallas Costs
Over 1,473 miles, a standard sedan on open transport runs $885–$1,250 ($0.72 per mile). Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($1,285–$1,810), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $990–$1,400. For scale, Houston, TX to San Diego, CA is a similar 1,548-mile move at $775–$1,085. The reverse lane, Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA, comes in at $885–$1,255. Ending in Fort Worth instead (30 mi from Dallas) is estimated at $860–$1,220.
| Transport Type | Car Type | Typical Price | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $885–$1,250 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $990–$1,400 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $990–$1,400 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,285–$1,810 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Figures assume a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. In Texas, I-35, I-10, I-45, I-20 and I-40 cross a state where El Paso to Houston is about 750 miles. Expect desert heat above 110°F in summer and snow near Flagstaff on I-40 in Arizona. In California, I-5 and Highway 99 run the length of the Central Valley, and I-15 and I-10 cross the desert. Metros near that straight-line path include Scottsdale (AZ), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. Pickup is on Pacific time and delivery on Central time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $885–$1,250 fits most cars; enclosed at $1,285–$1,810 suits luxury, classic or low cars.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up several hours before the truck reaches Dallas.
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Los Angeles and again in Dallas, and note anything on the bill of lading.