Galveston is a city in as well as the county seat of Galveston County, in the U.S. state of Texas. Located within the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metropolitan Statistical Area, also known as the Greater Houston area, Galveston is home to over 47,700 residents and is the second-largest city in Galveston County, despite being the county seat.
Named after a Spanish count, Galveston was first settled in the early 19th century by the French, though its acquisition and subsequent control by Spain pushed out much of the original French influence on the town. Galveston is located on an island off the eastern coast of Texas, making it a prime shipping location.
One of the largest U.S. ports by the turn of the 20th century, Galveston was almost entirely destroyed by the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, which to-date is the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, claiming anywhere from 6,000-8,000 lives. Today, however, Galveston is completely rebuilt, and is a shopping and industrial hub in southeastern Texas. Though the Port of Galveston, once the largest port in the United States, is not as large as it once was, it is still one of the primary ports in Texas, and is a major oil distribution center.
Basic Facts About Galveston
- Current population: 47,700
- Current mayor: James D. Yarbrough
- Total area: 208.3 sq mi
- Official website: http://www.cityofgalveston.org/
- Located in: Galveston County
- Founded in: 1815
- Zip codes: 77550-77555
- Area codes: 409
Auto Transport Tips to and from Galveston
If you didn’t know, a good portion of Galveston County encompasses one of east Texas’ barrier islands; there are a few off the coast, but Galveston Island, as it’s known, is perhaps the most populated.
The city of Galveston is located on the island proper, removed from the coast of Texas. While this makes it a prime area for overseas shipping, due to easy access to the Port of Galveston, overland auto transport is a bit trickier, since carriers have to go over a bridge and onto an actual island in order to pick up or deliver loads in Galveston.
This usually causes prices to be higher in and out of Galveston, at least when compared to other routes of a similar distance, and can cause pickup or delivery delays.
A good way to get around this, if you’re shipping on a budget or if you’re pressed for time, is to move your pickup or delivery location out of Galveston and into nearby Houston.
As the largest city in the state, Houston is the most popular shipping area in Texas for both customers and carriers, making it one of the cheapest areas in the entire state. Though Galveston does sit along I-45, the interstate pretty much ends in Galveston unless the carrier wants to travel east on back roads and get onto I-10 which is over 70 miles away.
That’s a trip for a carrier, and they could better spend their time picking up loads in Houston.
Your absolute best bet will be to discuss your shipment in detail with an auto transport representative. Their job is shipping vehicles, and helping customers ship theirs; as such, part of their knowledge base is understanding how pricing in the industry works and what the best routes are for both customers and carriers.
Our representatives can give you all the most pertinent information about shipping your vehicle into and out of Texas and can help you if you’re shipping on a budget or if you’re pressed for time. To get a free quote to ship your vehicle, simply fill out our free form or give us a call at 800-930-7417 today.
Helpful Links About Galveston
- City of Galveston Official Website
- Galveston, TX on Wikipedia
- Visitor and Conventions Info for Galveston
- Galveston Chamber of Commerce
- When to go with an Enclosed Transport - October 2, 2023
- Understanding California’s EV Mandate - August 1, 2023
- Top Reasons Auto Shippers Are Delayed - January 9, 2023