Shipping a pickup truck from Texas

[rbakker]

Thanks for all the information! We won't be doing it soon, but we will be doing it. Looks like $800 is the difference between shipping from Texas and shipping from California. I'll have to figure out which is a better deal and/or if we'll enjoy the road trip!

Thanks again.

[JerryCarr]

Depending on where you start, it is possible to reasonably route yourself from Texas to Oakland via Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains N.P., the Grand Canyon, and Yosemite. This is most practical if you start in South, East, or Central Texas. Having done this, I highly recommend it, but it takes a couple of weeks to do it justice. A friend of mine took it a step farther and threw in a side trip to Death Valley.

Cheers,
Jerry

[mdd7000]

Dropping the truck off in Oakland allows you to get really cheap one-way airfare. Drop the truck off 3 weeks before you move, fly back home, finish packing... Truck will be here when you arrive.

[pam jones]

rbaker tell 'ya whacha do. Hit the road as soon as you can and plan on over nighting in El Paso or Arizona, depending on how far you have to get because as we know it takes a full 24 hours to cross the great state of Texas and that's at 70mph and few stops at Whataburger. Of course you will have to book your spot w/ Matson or whoever ahead of time, you can't just show up and ask them to load her up! I allowed an extra day and got a room in LA and needless to say, had no trouble sleeping! Carry plenty of Redbull (or whatever floats your boat and keeps you wired) and let people know where you are and where you are stopping just in case something weird happens. Don't even try to go through those canyons at night unless you know that highway like the back of your hand! Oh, and service your truck w/ new tires, belts and hoses (brakes too, depending) if you can, it is worth the money. If you'ld like to reimburse me for my advice, I'd love an ice cold Shiner bock. Be careful and good luck!!!

[pam jones]

BTW, I forgot to mention that my truck got here in a week (2004) but my husbands took a month, go figure. Flying back home after dropping off your truck for two weeks is great if you happen to be rolling in the dough. My vote, plan on a rental car for a week or so and extend if need be. Also, call the agent in charge (their name and number should be on your contract) for any updates. Matson treated me right and the cost was just under a grand.

[missydog1]

Interesting routes. I've never driven across Texas, but plenty of times between California and Interstate 25 (central New Mexico). In the winter, we always took Interstate 10/8, after one trip where we had an accident on icy highway on I40 between Gallup and the Petrified Forest. I suppose it's not the most scenic, but I would just take either 10 or 40 to Interstate 5 and cut over to Oakland. If I had extra time I'd take 40 into LA and drive 101 north and do the coastal drive. It's prettier. But FIVE is fast.

[Susan]

Aloha from Houston. I have the same dreaded thought about driving vehicles to LA or San Diego. The drive from Houston to El Paso is "no bueno".

I suppose the cost of dropping vehicles at the Port of Houston would be an astronomical.

Pam, I'll trade you two six packs of Shiner for one 6'er of Hinano or Primo. Before 2001 I could have hand carried the Shiner to you.

[pam jones]

Susan it's a deal. Say when and where. Too bad it can't be this weekend, I'm making chicken fried steak for some friends who can't wait to have some. Isn't that hilarious!