10 Best Car Shipping Companies in San Antonio, TX - USA Today (2024)

Moving can be a stressful time, and transporting a car is an extra headache that many homeowners prefer not to deal with. If you need help getting your valuable investment from place to place, one of the best car shipping companies in your area can assist.

Car shipping helps you avoid putting hundreds of miles on your vehicle or hauling your car through the dense traffic in San Antonio.

To minimize your moving stress and transport your car safely to your destination, we've prepared this list of the best car shipping companies in San Antonio.

Find the best local auto transport companies for you in San Antonio

Look for car shipping companies in San Antonio with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How much does car shipping cost in San Antonio?

In January 2024, we polled 1,000 respondents across the country about the amount they'd paid to ship a car. The average cost in the Lone Star State is $2,528, according to data we collected from 88 participants in Texas in that survey. The average American homeowner spends $2,304 to ship a vehicle. You may be charged slightly more than the average in San Antonio, due to local economic factors. You can look for inexpensive car shipping, but the price of car shipping will ultimately be determined by location, distance and shipping type. Here's an explanation of how car shipping works when it comes to price.

• Current fuel prices: Fuel prices are often variable, making it hard to time your move. If you can ship your car when fuel prices are lower, you may save some money.
• Type of shipping: You can choose between open and enclosed auto transport. Enclosed transport costs more but offers more protection from weather and debris along the journey.
• Distance of your move: The greater the distance, the more expensive shipping will be, thanks to the additional fuel costs and time.
• The size and weight of your vehicle: Bigger vehicles cost more to ship, as they take up more space and weight capacity. For example, the cost of shipping a motorcycle is usually less than the cost to ship a truck. However, you may choose to pay extra for careful handling if you have a small luxury vehicle. Our nationwide survey found that consumers paid an average of $4,040 to ship a luxury or antique vehicle.
• Where your car is being picked up and dropped off: You may opt to bring your car to and from a shipping center to reduce costs. Having your car picked up and dropped off at a residential address is typically more convenient, but it comes with a higher price tag.
• Time of year: Like fuel costs, shipping costs fluctuate based on the time of year. Summer is when most people move, which means car shipping is typically more expensive at that time.

To reduce costs for car shipping, arrange your car's move during the off-season when transport demand and fuel costs are lower. Making early reservations can also save you money.

What is the difference between a carrier and a broker?

Car shipping carriers own their fleet of vehicles. Since carriers have their own vehicles, they typically offer comprehensive insurance coverage compared to a broker. The downside of using a carrier is that your transport must fit into the company's schedule, and you may have no choice but to deliver your car to a terminal. Scheduling issues, breakdowns, delays and other logistical factors could influence when you can ship your car and may influence whether it's shipped in open or enclosed transport. Brokers are different from carriers in that they don't own their car transport vehicles and instead function as intermediaries between homeowners and shippers. Working with a broker can make it easier to customize your shipment to your needs, including arranging door pickup and drop-off. However, unlike carriers, brokers are not required to hold their own auto shipping insurance. Many provide liability or gap coverage for an extra cost.

Do car shipping companies need to be licensed in Texas?

Auto shipping companies must register at the federal level. They must obtain a USDOT number from the United States Department of Transportation, as well as and valid permits to transport vehicles from point A to point B. Any trustworthy auto shipping company should readily provide you with its USDOT number. Additionally, check the company's status with the FMCSA to ensure it's in good standing and protect yourself from unpleasant surprises. Always research and request to see a company's proof of insurance before hiring.

Will your auto shipping company provide insurance?

Carriers provide basic liability insurance, which protects your car if it is damaged during shipping, particularly if there is an accident, fire or theft. Cargo insurance covers the vehicles on the truck. But most of the time, neither policy covers events such as tornadoes or other natural weather events. Insurance coverage can vary from company to company, so check with your specific carrier. Brokers aren't required to carry their own insurance, but they might provide add-on liability insurance through third parties. Some auto shipping brokers provide brokerage insurance that takes effect if the carrier's insurance doesn't have enough coverage, but it's best to check with your broker for the details.

How do you choose the best car shipping company in San Antonio?

Follow the steps below to make sure you pick the right car shipping company for you.

Calculate distance and determine your schedule

Calculate how many miles it will take to travel from your current home to your new location. Your auto transport company uses the total distance to determine shipping costs. If you are moving out of state, select a carrier that is appropriately licensed for interstate car transport.

Decide if you’re looking for a carrier or a broker

There are advantages and disadvantages to both carriers and brokers. A broker acts as the middleman between you and a carrier. This may allow you to tailor your move more easily. However, brokers typically don't have added insurance. On the other hand, carriers will transport your vehicle using their own trucks, covered by their own insurance. This is especially important if you're shipping your car long-distance.

Choose between open and closed-car shipping

Open car shipping involves securing your vehicle to a trailer but leaving it otherwise open to the elements. This option can save you hundreds of dollars but subjects your car to weather and debris during the move. Closed shipping is more expensive but provides better protection for your car. Open shipping is a more popular option, but some companies offer both. Motorcycle transport companies typically advise closed shipping for your bike.

Assess the company’s insurance coverage

Don't end up underinsured. Make sure your carrier has liability and cargo insurance, and check that the coverage amounts correspond to the value of your car.

Our methodology for selecting auto-shipping companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score. We compare national providers against our full car shipping company methodology. We evaluate companies based on their market standing and registration status, services offered, cost and customer satisfaction.