Los Angeles to Houston Auto Transport
We'll get your vehicle from Los Angeles to Houston - 1,545 miles through the I-10 corridor in just 4-6 days. This is one of the busiest shipping routes in the country, and we've been running it daily since 2015.
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Why This Route Works So Well
Look, we've been shipping cars from LA to Houston for nearly a decade. This isn't just another route for us - it's our bread and butter. The I-10 corridor handles more auto transport traffic than almost any other highway in America. Why? Because it connects two massive metro areas with zero mountain passes, minimal weather issues, and truck stops every 50 miles.
Our drivers can make this run in 3 days if they push it, but we quote 4-6 days because real life happens. Border Patrol checkpoints in New Mexico and Texas can add a few hours. Construction around Phoenix is always a wild card. And Houston traffic? Don't get me started. But here's the thing - this route has so much carrier capacity that if one truck breaks down, we can get another one within hours.
The numbers don't lie. We've shipped everything from beat-up college cars to $200,000 Lamborghinis on this route. Last month alone, we moved 47 vehicles from LA to Houston with an average transit time of 4.3 days. Compare that to northern routes through Denver or Chicago, and you'll see why we love this corridor. Open carrier transport dominates this route because the weather's predictable and the roads are solid.
What to Expect: LA to Houston Shipping Timeline
Day 1: Pickup in Los Angeles. Most of our carriers load between 8 AM and 3 PM, depending on traffic. They'll call you 2-3 hours ahead of arrival because LA traffic is... well, you know. The driver handles the inspection, you sign the paperwork, and your car starts its journey east on I-10.
Days 2-3: Your vehicle rolls through the desert. Phoenix to Tucson, then across New Mexico through Las Cruces and Deming. This stretch moves fast because it's straight highway with minimal stops. Drivers typically push through Arizona in one day, then tackle New Mexico the next. No weather delays unless there's a freak desert storm, which is rare.
Days 4-5: Texas time. San Antonio, then the final push to Houston. This is where timing gets interesting because Houston's such a massive delivery area. Door-to-door delivery means the driver has to handle Houston traffic to reach your specific location. Some drivers prefer early morning deliveries to beat the rush, others come in late afternoon. We'll coordinate the exact timing once your car hits San Antonio.
Houston Delivery Areas We Cover
Houston's huge, and we deliver everywhere. Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena - you name it. But here's what most brokers won't tell you: some areas are easier than others. The Galleria area? Easy access, wide streets, no problem. Way out in Cypress or Spring? Might take the driver an extra hour to handle those residential streets.
We've mapped out every major Houston suburb over the years. Our drivers know which neighborhoods have truck restrictions, which ones have narrow streets, and which ones are just plain difficult to access with a car hauler. The Energy Corridor is actually one of our easiest delivery zones because it was built for commercial traffic. Memorial Villages? Beautiful area, but those tree-lined streets weren't designed for 70-foot trucks.
The port areas around Galena Park and Jacinto City are interesting because we do a lot of Miami to Houston shipping for imported vehicles that come through the Port of Miami. These areas have great truck access, but the timing has to be perfect because of all the commercial traffic. Bottom line: wherever you are in Greater Houston, we'll get your car there. Just know that some locations might require meeting the driver at a nearby major street instead of your exact driveway.
Seasonal Patterns on the LA-Houston Route
This route stays busy year-round, but there are definitely patterns. Summer is relocation season - corporate moves, military transfers, college kids heading to Rice or University of Houston. We see a 30% spike in bookings between May and August. Winter brings the reverse flow as some folks head back to California for the holidays.
Here's something interesting: oil prices affect this route more than you'd think. When oil's booming, Houston's economy explodes, and we get tons of people moving there for work. When it's down, the flow reverses. We shipped 40% more vehicles TO Houston in 2018-2019 when oil was strong. During the 2020 downturn, we saw more people leaving Houston for LA.
Weather rarely impacts this corridor, which is why open carrier transport works so well here. Desert storms are quick and localized. The biggest weather risk is actually in Houston itself - hurricanes and flooding can shut down the whole city for days. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, we had to reroute deliveries to Dallas and San Antonio until Houston reopened. But that's once-in-a-decade stuff. Most of the year, this route runs like clockwork.
Cost Factors for LA to Houston Auto Transport
Distance drives the base price - 1,545 miles at roughly $0.60-$0.80 per mile for open transport. But here's where it gets interesting: this route has so much competition that prices stay relatively stable. Unlike routes to smaller cities where one carrier breakdown can spike prices 30%, LA-Houston has backup options.
Vehicle size matters more than most people realize. A Honda Civic takes up less space and weighs less than a Chevy Tahoe. Carriers can fit more small cars on a truck, so they charge less per vehicle. That F-150 you're shipping? It's taking up premium real estate on that trailer. Luxury vehicles automatically go enclosed auto transport, which costs more but includes higher insurance coverage.
Timing affects pricing too. Need it there in 3 days instead of 6? That's expedited service, and you'll pay 40-60% more. Want to save money? Book 2-3 weeks ahead and be flexible on pickup dates. We can often get you on a truck heading out anyway and pass along the savings. Last-minute bookings during peak season (summer) can cost 20-25% more because carriers know you need the service NOW.
How It Works
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and timeline. We'll give you an honest price range based on current market rates, no hidden fees or surprises.
Book Your Shipment
Once you're ready, we assign your order to our dispatch team. They start calling our network of 500+ carriers to find the perfect truck for your timeline.
Pickup in Los Angeles
Your assigned carrier contacts you directly to schedule pickup. They'll arrive with a 70-foot truck, inspect your vehicle, and load it safely for the journey.
Delivery in Houston
4-6 days later, your carrier arrives in Houston and calls to schedule delivery. Final inspection, sign the paperwork, and your car's home.
Pricing by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle | Open Carrier | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Compact | $895-$1,195 | $1,495-$1,895 | 4-6 days |
| SUV / Crossover | $945-$1,295 | $1,595-$1,995 | 4-6 days |
| Pickup Truck | $995-$1,345 | $1,645-$2,045 | 4-6 days |
| Luxury / Exotic | N/A | $1,795-$2,495 | 4-6 days |
| Motorcycle | $595-$795 | $895-$1,195 | 4-6 days |
| Inoperable Vehicle | $250+ surcharge | $1,895+ | Add 1-2 days |
The best pickup times in LA are before 10 AM or after 2 PM to avoid peak traffic. Our experienced carriers know to avoid the 405 during rush hours and use alternate routes through downtown. This can save 2-3 hours on pickup day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.