Cost to ship a car from Lafayette to McAllen

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 562 miles from Lafayette to McAllen ranges from $697 to $930. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in McAllen, TX in 1–6 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen to Lafayette car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Lafayette to McAllen car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Lafayette to McAllen, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Lafayette to McAllen, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Lafayette, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to McAllen, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Lafayette. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to McAllen will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Hub City to the City of Palms — approximately 562 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Lafayette and McAllen can impact car shipping prices.

It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.

Consider moving to McAllen city on November, March and February. The city has two distinct seasons; a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Lafayette to McAllen during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 562-mile distance between Lafayette and McAllen and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Lafayette to McAllen typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Lafayette to McAllen car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Lafayette to McAllen:

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Lafayette and McAllen vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
  • McAllen: Make sure to check with the City of McAllen for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to McAllen.

Car insurance requirements

  • Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
  • McAllen: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.

Vehicle inspections

  • Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
  • McAllen: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.

Driver’s license

  • Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
  • McAllen: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Lafayette to McAllen?

The cost to ship a car from Lafayette, LA to McAllen, TX varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Lafayette to McAllen will range from $697 to $930.

How long will it take to ship my car from Lafayette to McAllen?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 562 miles from Lafayette to McAllen. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lafayette to McAllen?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lafayette to McAllen. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Lafayette resources