Car shipping from Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Properly preparing your vehicle for the Dallas to Los Angeles journey ensures a smooth transport experience and protects your car during the approximately 1,400-mile trip. Here's what you need to do:

Clean and Document: Wash your vehicle thoroughly inside and out. This makes it easier to spot and document any existing damage with photos before shipping. Take clear pictures from all angles, including close-ups of any scratches or dents.

Remove Personal Items: Carriers are not insured for personal belongings, so remove all items from the interior, trunk, and glove compartment. This includes toll passes, GPS devices, garage door openers, and any fragile or valuable items.

Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your gas tank is only about a quarter full to reduce weight. Check that your battery is fully charged and all fluids are at proper levels. Fix any leaks before transport.

Disable Alarms and Secure Loose Parts: Turn off your car alarm to prevent it from activating during transit. Remove or secure any custom accessories, antennas, spoilers, or bike racks that could be damaged or cause damage.

Provide a Key: Have a working key ready for the driver at pickup. Make sure your car is in good working order—brakes, tires, and steering should all function properly.

For complete step-by-step instructions and additional tips, check out our comprehensive How To Ship A Car guide. If you need your vehicle to arrive quickly, consider our Expedited Car Shipping Services for faster delivery between Dallas and Los Angeles.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Dallas to Los Angeles. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all carriers in our network to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we assign your shipment, we verify that the carrier's insurance policy is valid and in good standing.

This coverage protects your vehicle against damage caused by accidents, collisions, or other incidents during transit. The carrier's insurance is primary, meaning it covers your vehicle throughout the entire journey from pickup in Dallas to delivery in Los Angeles.

When your driver arrives for pickup, they'll provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate and Bill of Lading. Keep these car shipping documents handy until your vehicle is safely delivered. We recommend taking photos of your vehicle before loading to document its condition.

While damage during transport is rare, having proper insurance coverage gives you peace of mind for this cross-country journey. If you have questions about insurance or the shipping process, our team is here to help every step of the way.

For the best results, we recommend scheduling your Dallas to Los Angeles car shipment at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers adequate time to plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading in the same direction, which helps keep costs down.

That said, the sooner you book, the better. Posting your shipment early increases your chances of finding a quality carrier at a competitive rate, especially during peak moving seasons (summer months and end-of-month periods) when demand is higher on popular routes like Dallas to LA.

If you're on a tight timeline, we do offer expedited car shipping services that can arrange pickup within 24-48 hours, though this typically comes at a premium price. For most customers with flexible schedules, advance planning is the most cost-effective approach.

Pro tip: Have your car shipping documents ready when you book to avoid any delays in the pickup process.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our car shipping guide for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition.

When shipping your vehicle from Dallas to Los Angeles, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed auto transport. Here's what sets them apart:

Open Auto Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier (the same type you see hauling cars on highways). While your car is exposed to weather and road elements during the 1,400-mile journey, this method is safe, reliable, and used for about 90% of all vehicle shipments. It's the practical choice for everyday vehicles in good condition.

Enclosed Auto Transport ships your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and dust. This premium service typically costs 50-60% more than open transport but provides maximum protection. It's the smart choice for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with custom paint or modifications where even minor road debris could cause costly damage.

For most standard vehicles making the Dallas to LA route, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. However, if you're shipping a high-value or collectible vehicle, the extra investment in enclosed car shipping provides peace of mind worth the premium. Consider your vehicle's value, condition, and your budget when making your decision.

Yes! We offer comprehensive door to door car shipping from Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA. When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup address in Dallas and delivery address in Los Angeles, and our assigned carrier will handle the rest.

Our door-to-door service means the carrier will come directly to your home, office, or another location of your choice to pick up your vehicle, then deliver it right to your destination in Los Angeles. This eliminates the need for you to drop off or pick up your car at a terminal, saving you time and hassle on this cross-country route.

Important note: In some cases, large car carriers may not be able to access certain residential streets due to low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or tight turns. If your address presents any transportation restrictions or safety concerns, the driver will contact you to arrange a convenient nearby meeting spot—typically a large parking lot, shopping center, or gas station within a few blocks of your location.

The vast majority of shipments on the Dallas to Los Angeles route are completed with full door-to-door service without any issues. Our team will work with you throughout the process to ensure a smooth pickup and delivery experience.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

See our car shipping guide to learn more about car shipping!