Texas to Louisiana Auto Transport Route
Texas to Louisiana auto transport is one of the shortest and most frequently traveled lanes on the network — Houston to New Orleans is roughly 350 miles via I-10, and Dallas to Shreveport is about 190 miles via I-20. Transit time runs 1–2 days for nearly every Texas origin.
Louisiana draws steady volume from Texas thanks to institutional demand from Louisiana State University and Southern University, alongside strong energy-sector and port-industry relocation traffic between Houston and the New Orleans/Baton Rouge corridor. Read why online transport cost calculators aren't accurate before relying on an instant estimate.
Texas to Louisiana Auto Transport Rates
This is one of the shortest, most affordable lanes on the Texas network. Rates still shift with fuel prices, seasonal demand, and vehicle size, but the overall range runs well below longer hauls.
What affects the cost of TX to LA auto transport:
- Vehicle type and size — larger vehicles cost more to ship; aftermarket additions can add fees
- Open vs. enclosed transport — open carriers are more affordable and more widely available on this route
- Door-to-door vs. terminal service — terminal-to-terminal auto transport typically costs less than door-to-door delivery
- Time of year — hurricane season (June through November) can affect Gulf Coast routing and pricing
- Fuel costs — diesel prices affect what carriers charge, even on a shorter regional haul
| Vehicle Type | Open Auto Transport (Est.) | Enclosed Auto Transport (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $375 – $550 | $650 – $925 |
| SUV / Crossover | $425 – $600 | $700 – $1,000 |
| Pickup Truck | $425 – $600 | $700 – $1,000 |
| Minivan | $425 – $600 | $700 – $1,000 |
| Luxury / Classic Car | $475 – $675 | $750 – $1,075 |
| Non-Running Vehicle | Add $150 – $300 | Add $150 – $300 |
* Estimated ranges based on recent TX to LA shipments. Your actual rate depends on your vehicle, locations, and booking date. Use the form on this page to get up to 10 real quotes so you can compare actual prices.
Save Money: Go with Open Auto Transport
For most standard sedans, SUVs, and pickups making the Texas to Louisiana run, open transport is the practical choice. Enclosed makes sense for exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles where extra protection justifies the premium — see our guide on shipping classic, exotic, and high-value vehicles. Read our Texas auto transport money-saving tips for more ways to reduce cost.
How Long Does Texas to Louisiana Auto Transport Take?
Nearly every Texas origin delivers to Louisiana in 1–2 days given the short distance. This is one of the fastest, most predictable lanes on the network.
| Origin (Texas) | Destination (Louisiana) | Estimated Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | New Orleans | 1 – 2 days |
| Houston | Baton Rouge | 1 day |
| Dallas / Fort Worth | Shreveport | 1 day |
| Dallas / Fort Worth | New Orleans | 1 – 2 days |
| Austin | New Orleans | 1 – 2 days |
| San Antonio | New Orleans | 2 days |
| El Paso | New Orleans | 2 – 3 days |
** Estimates based on typical carrier schedules on I-10 and I-20. Actual windows vary based on pickup date, routing, and hurricane season disruptions. Door-to-door delivery may add up to one day on each end vs. terminal service.
Texas to Louisiana Auto Transport Service Area
Texas Auto Transport ships cars from all major Texas cities to every Louisiana destination. Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service is available statewide on both ends.
Texas Pickup Locations
- Houston Houston is the closest major Texas metro to Louisiana, with carriers running I-10 east into New Orleans and Baton Rouge on nearly every run.
- Dallas / Fort Worth The Metroplex ships to Louisiana via I-20 into Shreveport, then south, or east into New Orleans, with regular weekly dispatch.
- San Antonio San Antonio ships to Louisiana via I-10, with steady general relocation demand throughout the year.
- Austin Austin generates steady volume from University of Texas relocations, with carriers routing east on I-10 into Louisiana.
- El Paso El Paso is the longest haul to Louisiana of the major Texas metros; still a manageable trip on I-10.
- All Texas Locations We also arrange pickups from Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Laredo, Amarillo, and every other Texas city or ZIP code. Call 1-800-590-6492 to confirm door-to-door availability at your address.
Louisiana Delivery Locations
- New Orleans Louisiana's largest city and its port and tourism hub is the highest-volume destination on this lane, with carriers dispatching on nearly every I-10 run. Deliveries cover greater New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner.
- Baton Rouge Louisiana's capital and home to Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge sees a predictable seasonal spike each August as students relocate from Texas, plus a direct city-to-city route from Houston.
- Shreveport Northwest Louisiana's largest city sits directly on I-20 from Dallas, making it one of the fastest deliveries on this lane.
- Lafayette & Lake Charles Southwest Louisiana cities along I-10, both drawing steady energy-sector relocation demand from Texas.
- All Louisiana Locations We also deliver to every other Louisiana city or ZIP code. Call 1-800-590-6492 to confirm door-to-door availability at your destination.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Texas to Louisiana
Both options use licensed, insured carriers and deliver door to door. For a full breakdown, read the pros and cons of open vs. enclosed auto transport.
Open Auto Transport
Most Popular- Lower cost — the affordable option for most vehicles
- More carriers available on the TX to LA lane
- Faster dispatch from booking to pickup
- Works well for sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans
- Vehicle rides on an open multi-car carrier
- Cargo insurance required on all licensed carriers
Estimated cost: $375 – $550
Enclosed Auto Transport
Premium Protection- Full protection from weather, debris, and road grime
- Best for luxury, exotic, and classic vehicles
- Recommended for low-clearance and custom-built cars
- Wheel-net or soft-tie systems prevent contact damage
- Higher cargo coverage — commonly $500,000 per load
- White-glove handling by experienced operators
Estimated cost: $650 – $925
Not sure which is right for your car? Call 1-800-590-6492 and we'll point you in the right direction. Also worth reading: the top 10 questions to ask any auto transport company before you commit.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping to Louisiana
A little prep before pickup protects you if there's ever a dispute about the vehicle's condition. This checklist covers the basics — for the full process, see our guide to understanding the auto transport process:
- Remove all personal belongings from the interior and trunk
- Leave only a quarter tank of fuel — enough to load and unload
- Take date-stamped photos of the full exterior and interior
- Remove or disable toll transponders (TxTag, GeauxPass, etc.)
- Retract or remove roof racks, spoilers, antennas, and bike mounts
- Make sure the battery is charged and tires are properly inflated
- Tell the carrier about any existing leaks or mechanical issues
- Deactivate the car alarm before the carrier arrives
- Write down the mileage on the Bill of Lading at pickup
- Fold in side mirrors if the vehicle is wider than standard
Insurance: Every FMCSA-licensed carrier is required to carry cargo insurance on your vehicle. Read our guide to understanding auto transport insurance before you book, and know what to do if something goes wrong with our guide to filing a damage claim.
When to Ship Your Car from Texas to Louisiana
Carriers run the Texas to Louisiana corridor every week of the year, but hurricane season (June through November) can disrupt Gulf Coast routing and New Orleans-area delivery scheduling with little notice.
Hurricane Season (Jun – Nov)
Tropical storms and hurricanes can force carriers to reroute or delay deliveries with short notice, particularly for New Orleans and coastal Louisiana destinations. Build a small buffer into your timeline if you're booking during active storm season.
Summer (Jun – Sep)
Summer overlaps with the start of hurricane season and sees steady relocation and corporate move volume. Even at peak, this short lane rarely sees the scheduling strain that longer routes do.
Winter (Dec – Feb)
Winter is a cost-favorable, low-disruption time to ship on this lane, with mild weather on both ends and no hurricane risk.
College Move-In (August)
Louisiana State University and Southern University both draw students from Texas whose families choose to ship a car rather than fly and buy. Late July and early August are the busiest booking weeks, and overlap with the start of hurricane season — book a little early.
How to Choose a Texas to Louisiana Auto Transport Company
Getting multiple quotes is step one — knowing what to look for in those quotes matters just as much. Here are the six things that matter most:
FMCSA Registration
Every carrier or broker must hold a valid MC number. Verify any company at FMCSA SAFER — here's how to verify an MC number and DOT authority.
Proof of Insurance
Ask for a current certificate of insurance. Open carriers typically carry $100,000 to $250,000 per load; enclosed commonly $500,000 or more. Learn what auto transport insurance covers.
All-In Pricing
Your quote should be a final number with no fees added after booking. Know the difference between brokers and carriers, and read why the lowest quote is often a red flag.
Contracts & Deposits
Know what to read in an auto transport contract and how deposit practices work before you put money down.
Real Reviews
Check Google and the BBB. Our guide on reading auto transport reviews explains what to actually look for.
Route Experience
A carrier who dispatches on the Texas to Louisiana lane every week knows how to adjust routing around hurricane season and which New Orleans-area delivery zones need extra scheduling coordination. Ask specifically how frequently they run this route.
Texas to Louisiana Auto Transport — FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Texas to Louisiana?
Most standard sedans ship from Texas to Louisiana on open transport for $375–$550, while enclosed transport runs $650–$925. This is one of the most affordable lanes on the network given the short distance. Read why getting multiple auto transport quotes matters.
How long does Texas to Louisiana auto transport take?
Nearly every Texas origin delivers to Louisiana in 1–2 days given the short distance — this is one of the fastest lanes on the network.
Does hurricane season affect my shipment?
It can — active storms may force carriers to reroute or delay deliveries, particularly for New Orleans and coastal Louisiana destinations, between June and November. Carriers generally get advance warning and plan around it.
Is my car insured during shipping from Texas to Louisiana?
Every FMCSA-licensed carrier is required by federal law to carry cargo insurance covering your vehicle while it is in their custody. Ask for a certificate of insurance before booking and verify the carrier's operating authority at FMCSA SAFER.
Should I choose open or enclosed auto transport from Texas to Louisiana?
Open transport is the right call for the vast majority of vehicles on this route. Enclosed is worth the premium for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles. Compare both options in our open vs. enclosed auto transport guide.
Do I have to be there at pickup and delivery?
No — a trusted proxy with your authorization can sign for the vehicle at both pickup and delivery. Whoever accepts the car at delivery should inspect it carefully and note any discrepancies on the bill of lading before signing.
How far in advance should I book Texas to Louisiana auto transport?
Given the short distance, a few days to a week of lead time is usually enough outside of hurricane season and August college move-in.
Ready to Ship Your Car from Texas to Louisiana?
One form gets you up to 10 free quotes from licensed, insured carriers. Compare costs and transit times and book the best deal for your schedule.