Car shipping from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX

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 1,700-mile journey from San Francisco to Dallas helps ensure a smooth shipping experience. Here's what you need to do:

Clean your vehicle inside and out. This allows you to document any existing scratches, dents, or damage with photos before shipping. A clean car also makes the carrier's inspection easier.

Remove personal belongings and accessories. Take out toll passes (like FasTrak), garage door openers, GPS devices, and any fragile items. Remove or secure exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers that could be damaged during transport. Most carriers don't allow personal items in the vehicle, and they're typically not covered by insurance.

Check fluid levels and tire pressure. Your car should be in good running condition with about a quarter tank of gas—enough to drive on and off the carrier, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.

Disable alarms and provide a key. Car alarms can drain your battery during transit, so make sure they're turned off. You'll need to give the carrier a working key for loading and unloading.

Document everything. Take timestamped photos of your vehicle from all angles, noting the odometer reading. This creates a clear record of your car's condition before shipping.

If you're shipping a luxury or classic vehicle, consider enclosed transport for added protection against road debris and weather. Also, review your vehicle shipping insurance options to understand what coverage is included and whether you need additional protection for your cross-country move.

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

This coverage protects your vehicle against damage that may occur during loading, transport, and unloading. The carrier's insurance acts as primary coverage for the duration of your shipment. You'll receive a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate before your vehicle is picked up, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.

While damage during transport is rare, it's important to document your vehicle's condition with photos before shipping. This helps establish a clear record if you need to file a claim. For more detailed information about coverage requirements and the claims process, visit our guide on vehicle shipping insurance.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from San Francisco at least 7-14 days in advance for standard transport. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing competitive rates and finding a carrier whose route already includes your pickup and delivery locations.

Booking ahead allows carriers to efficiently bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading from the Bay Area toward Texas, which helps keep costs down. If you need your vehicle transported on a tighter timeline, we offer Expedited Car Shipping Services that can arrange pickup within 24-48 hours, though this typically comes at a premium price.

Keep in mind that seasonal demand and weather conditions can affect availability. During peak moving seasons (summer months and early fall), carriers book up faster, so scheduling 2-3 weeks out is ideal. Winter weather can also impact schedules, so plan accordingly if shipping during those months.

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 San Francisco to Dallas, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed carriers. Understanding the differences helps you make the right choice for your situation.

Open Auto Transport is the most common and economical option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer alongside other cars, exposed to weather and road conditions during the 1,700-mile journey. This method typically costs 40-60% less than enclosed transport and offers faster pickup times since open carriers are more readily available. It's perfectly safe for everyday vehicles—millions of cars are shipped this way annually, including new vehicles from manufacturers.

Enclosed Auto Transport provides maximum protection inside a covered trailer, shielding your vehicle from weather, road debris, and dust. This premium service typically costs 50-70% more than open transport but is worth considering for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with custom paint, modifications, or high monetary or sentimental value. You can learn more about this option through our enclosed transport services.

For most standard vehicles making the San Francisco to Dallas trip, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. However, if you're moving a high-end vehicle or simply want that extra peace of mind, enclosed transport is your best bet. Consider your vehicle's value, condition, and your budget when making this decision.

Yes, we absolutely offer door-to-door car shipping from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX. This is our standard service and the most convenient option for most customers.

Here's how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup address in San Francisco and delivery address in Dallas. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your location to load your vehicle and deliver it right to your doorstep in Texas. No need to drive to a terminal or arrange additional transportation.

In some cases, large trucks may face restrictions on narrow residential streets, low-hanging trees, or tight cul-de-sacs. If your location isn't accessible for an 80-foot car carrier, don't worry—the driver will work with you to find a convenient nearby meeting spot like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. This is rare, but we always prioritize safe and legal access.

Door-to-door service is included in your quote at no extra charge, making your San Francisco to Dallas auto transport as hassle-free as possible.

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!