Cost to ship a car from Houston to Tulsa
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 494 miles from Houston to Tulsa ranges from $662 to $909. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Tulsa, OK in 1–4 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 Tulsa to Houston car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Houston to Tulsa car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Houston to Tulsa, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Houston to Tulsa, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Houston, 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 Tulsa, 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 Houston. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Tulsa will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the HOU to the Oil Capital of the World — approximately 494 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 Houston and Tulsa can impact car shipping prices.
Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
Primarily in the spring and early summer months, the city is subjected to severe thunderstorms containing large hail, damaging winds, and, occasionally, tornadoes. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Houston to Tulsa 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 494-mile distance between Houston and Tulsa 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 Houston to Tulsa typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Houston to Tulsa car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Houston to Tulsa:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing Houston and Tulsa vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit
- Tulsa: The pay-by-plate system requires a license plate number to pay for parking. Using the ParkMobile app, just enter the tag number, the zone number of the area you parked in, length of time, pay and you’re on your way. On-street metered parking in Tulsa is limited to two hours and is enforced Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Car insurance requirements
- Houston: 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.
- Tulsa: Ensure compliance with Oklahoma state law by obtaining car insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 for bodily injury/death and property damage, as mandated by legal requirements.
Vehicle inspections
- Houston: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Tulsa: As a new Oklahoma resident, title your vehicle within 30 days of moving by presenting current out-of-state title, proof of passed VIN inspection, completed Form 701-6, proof of valid OK insurance, lien release (if applicable), and paying fees at your local tag agency.
Driver’s license
- Houston: 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.
- Tulsa: A valid driver's license from a US territory can be transferred to Oklahoma without taking written or driving tests. However, if the license has expired, the applicant will need to take both tests. To transfer their license, the applicant must present primary and secondary forms of identification, proof of full legal name and birthdate, and proof of legal presence in the US to a Driver License Examiner.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Houston to Tulsa?
The cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Tulsa, OK 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 Houston to Tulsa will range from $662 to $909.
How long will it take to ship my car from Houston to Tulsa?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 494 miles from Houston to Tulsa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Houston to Tulsa?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Houston to Tulsa. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
