Car Shipping in Arizona: 2026 Costs & Routes

Last updated: February 2026

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
The SAKAEM Price Match

We guarantee to match any price you find. We are experts at finding the best price for your shipment and getting the best value for your money.

STATE OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Arizona

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has fought the big‑broker monopoly to give drivers real value on car shipping. Whether you need auto transport into Arizona’s desert heat or out to the coasts, we break down costs, routes and tips so you can move your vehicle with confidence. Our honest, transparent process and rave reviews make us the trusted choice for Arizona car shipping.

Average Cost FROM Arizona

$925 – $1,250
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Arizona

$925 – $1,200
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Arizona

1
Florida
738 shipments
$975 – $1,250
2
Texas
555 shipments
$775 – $1,000
3
Washington
516 shipments
$925 – $1,200
4
Illinois
464 shipments
$925 – $1,175
5
North Carolina
439 shipments
$1,000 – $1,300
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination States from Arizona

The most common destination states for car shipping from Arizona, showing average costs and popular city pairs. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination States Updated: February 2026
Rank Destination State Avg Cost Range Popular Route
1 Florida $975 – $1,250 Tempe to Jacksonville
2 Texas $775 – $1,000 Phoenix to Houston
3 Washington $925 – $1,200 Phoenix to Seattle
4 Illinois $925 – $1,175 Phoenix to Chicago
5 North Carolina $1,000 – $1,300 Phoenix to Charlotte
6 California $600 – $775 Phoenix to San Jose
7 New York $1,125 – $1,475 Phoenix to East Yaphank
8 Michigan $1,025 – $1,300 Phoenix to Grand Rapids
9 Pennsylvania $1,025 – $1,325 Phoenix to Philadelphia
10 Virginia $1,025 – $1,300 Mesa to Virginia Beach
AZ CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Before calling Sakaem I was booked to use another transport company because their price was the best I could find. The day before they were going to pick up my car, they called me and said they had a reliable driver but he wanted an extra $300. I told them to forget it and called Sakaem. At the last minute they gave me a good price and said it was guaranteed. They service was great and my car arrived in NJ when they said it would be there. I will use them again in January!
Paul Shapiro
Jul 2025
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They are very professional. Quick to respond. My car is in great shape and delivered in 3 days. They get great drivers. 10/10 recommend for when you are moving and are stressed and when looking at other companies. They may be a bit late, but they won’t leave your car stranded or broken like other companies I was looking into. Also I barely write reviews but this is for people who are already having a hard time moving and have to think about getting their car moved like I did.
tanja vidic
Aug 2024
Google logo
I recently shipped my vehicle with Sakaem Logistics, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. The team was professional, communicative, and handled my car with great care. Delivery was timely, and my vehicle arrived in perfect condition. I highly recommend Sakaem Logistics for anyone looking for a reliable and hassle-free shipping service!
Natali Boseva
Aug 2024
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Arizona

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you’re paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don’t pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs in Arizona

Distance

Distance drives the base rate because fuel, driver time, and wear increase with miles. Longer hauls require more resources, so prices rise proportionally. Knowing the exact mileage helps you compare quotes and understand why a cross‑country shipment costs more than a nearby move.

Season

Season influences pricing because demand fluctuates. Summer and holiday periods see higher volumes, prompting carriers to raise rates. Conversely, slower months often offer discounts. Understanding seasonal trends helps you plan shipments when rates are most favorable.

Route

Route matters since highways allow faster, more direct travel with lower fuel consumption and fewer tolls. Shipping via major interstates is cheaper than navigating small, winding roads or remote coastal paths, which add time, fuel, and handling expenses.

Vehicle Type

Vehicle type affects load planning and fuel use. SUVs and trucks are heavier and bulkier, making them harder to load and increasing fuel costs. Standard cars fit easily on open trailers, so they typically cost less to transport than larger vehicles.

Traffic Considerations

Traffic spikes, especially during peak travel weeks like the week before Thanksgiving, can delay deliveries and raise fuel costs. Choosing a window with lighter road congestion can reduce travel time, lower carrier expenses, and ultimately keep your shipping price down.

Carrier Availability

Carrier availability shifts with the calendar. During peak seasons, carriers may be booked weeks in advance, forcing higher rates or limited options. In off‑peak times, carriers are more readily available, often leading to faster service and lower prices.

Population Density

Population density impacts pickup and delivery costs. Urban areas in Arizona have easier access, more carrier competition, and lower per‑mile fees, while rural locations may require longer deadhead trips, raising the overall price of the shipment.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping your car during Arizona’s off‑season—outside the busy snowbird months—often costs less. Even a few weeks’ shift can avoid peak demand surcharges and secure lower rates for you on your shipment.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Choosing a pickup or delivery spot near a major highway can cut costs. Carriers spend less time navigating narrow streets, so you benefit from lower fuel and labor charges.

3

Hub city advantages

Select a hub city in Arizona that sits at the crossroads of interstates like I‑10, I‑17, and US‑60. More route options mean competitive pricing and faster transit.

4

Weather considerations

Arizona’s extreme heat in summer and occasional monsoon storms can affect carrier availability and fuel costs. Plan around severe weather to avoid delays and unexpected price hikes.

5

Booking in advance

Booking your Arizona car shipment weeks ahead secures better pricing and gives carriers time to plan optimal routes. Last‑minute requests often incur premium fees.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are the most affordable option for standard vehicles. They protect against basic road debris while keeping costs down; reserve enclosed trailers only for high‑value or classic cars.

7

Flexible dates

If you can work within a five‑day pickup and delivery window, many carriers will lower their rates. Flexibility lets them consolidate loads, reducing fuel and mileage expenses.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your Arizona car shipping needs. We will match any competitor’s quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Arizona

Professional auto transport service for Arizona moves

When you ship a car to Arizona, the first step is to register it with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). You must provide the title, proof of insurance, and a completed Application for Title and Registration within 15 days of arrival, then pay the registration fee and any applicable county tax [AZMVD].

Arizona requires biennial emissions testing in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas; vehicles must pass an ADOT‑approved smog check before registration can be finalized [ADOT]. Window tint is limited to 33% light transmission on the front side windows, and any tint darker than that can result in a citation from the Arizona Department of Public Safety [AZDPS]. The state also enforces a minimum vehicle height of 4 inches from the ground to the lowest part of the frame for safety on highways [AZDPS].

If you are moving to Arizona, consider protecting your car from intense sun by using sun shades and checking coolant levels regularly. In northern Arizona, winter snow can be common, so a set of winter tires is advisable, while in the desert heat you may want to rotate tires more often to prevent wear. When shipping a vehicle out of Arizona, remove any personal items and ensure the battery is fully charged.

Arizona drivers must carry at least $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability coverage. Many insurers offer discounts for safe drivers and for vehicles equipped with anti‑theft devices, so shop around before finalizing your auto transport insurance [AZDPS].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Arizona Vehicle Transport FAQs

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We’re a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Before your car leaves Arizona, follow these quick steps to keep it safe and avoid extra fees:

  • Clean the vehicle. Remove trash, personal items, and any loose accessories (roof racks, bike racks, spoilers).
  • Turn off toll tags and remove any toll transponders. Carriers cannot transport active devices.
  • Gather all keys. Provide the driver with the main key and any remote‑start or valet keys.
  • Check fluids and battery. Ensure oil, coolant, and windshield‑washer fluid are at proper levels and the battery is at least 50% charged.
  • Document the condition. Take photos of the interior and exterior, noting scratches or dents.
  • Secure or remove fragile items. Take out GPS units, antennas, and any items that could break.
  • Inspect tires. Inflate to the recommended pressure and note any low‑tire warnings.

For a complete checklist, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.

Yes. When you ship a vehicle with Sakaem Logistics in Arizona, the carrier must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that the policy is active and in good standing for the entire trip. This coverage protects against loss, damage, or theft while the car is in transit. If you have any concerns, you can ask us to provide a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before loading.

Plan ahead. We recommend booking your pickup at least 14 days in advance, and preferably 3–4 weeks if you can. Early booking lets carriers group your vehicle with others traveling the same route, which lowers cost and secures space during Arizona’s peak seasons (summer vacation and holiday periods). If you wait until the last minute, you may face limited carrier options and higher rates.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our Auto Transport Process Article for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.

Open transport uses a standard flatbed with three lanes that are exposed to the open air. It is the most common method, usually 30‑50% cheaper than enclosed service, and works well for everyday vehicles, trucks, and SUVs. The main trade‑off is exposure to sun, wind, rain, dust and road debris.

Enclosed transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This adds a protective barrier against Arizona’s intense sun, desert dust, and any stray rocks or debris. Because the trailer is sealed, the price is typically about 50% higher. Enclosed service is best for classic cars, exotic models, vehicles with custom paint, or any high‑value auto that can’t risk cosmetic damage.

Both options ship on the same schedule and use the same door‑to‑door logistics; the choice comes down to budget versus level of protection you need.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport throughout Arizona. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will travel to those locations, load your vehicle, and deliver it to the address you provide. If a road restriction, size limitation, or safety concern prevents a direct drop‑off, we will arrange a nearby safe spot such as a well‑lit parking lot or gas station. Our goal is to keep the process simple, transparent, and affordable—just as we have done since 2012.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don’t run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics’ FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun Facts About Arizona

Discover interesting insights about the state you’re shipping to or from

Arizona is a land of sun‑splashed deserts, towering pines and bustling cities, making it a fascinating stop for anyone shipping a car across the Southwest.

  • Desert & Forest Contrast: The state holds the Sonoran Desert’s iconic saguaro cacti and the cool, pine‑filled high country of the Colorado Plateau.
  • Iconic Landmarks: The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders, draws millions, while Sedona’s red rocks provide a scenic backdrop for road trips.
  • Population Growth: Over 7 million people call Arizona home, with Phoenix now the fifth‑largest U.S. city, fueling a steady demand for vehicle transport.
  • Vehicle Laws: Arizona requires a safety inspection for out‑of‑state vehicles before registration, and the state offers a “no‑pay‑for‑damage” policy on new car shipments.
  • Climate Variety: Summer temps can top 110°F in the desert, yet northern towns enjoy snow‑capped mountains, giving drivers a range of conditions to prepare for.
  • Economy & Industry: Aerospace, tech and renewable‑energy firms thrive, meaning many auto shipments support business relocations and employee moves.
  • Historical Roots: Arizona became the 48th state in 1912, preserving Native American heritage sites like the Hopi mesas that still influence local culture.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping, also called auto transport, is a common way for Arizona drivers to move a vehicle across state lines or within the state. Whether you are relocating, selling a car, or sending a vehicle to a new home, the process is straightforward once you understand the key steps and who does what.

The industry works with two main players: brokers and carriers. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, acts as a match‑maker, finding a carrier that fits your schedule and vehicle type. Carriers are the drivers and trucks that physically move the car. Choosing a reputable broker ensures the carrier they select has solid reviews, proper licensing, and insurance.

Here’s the typical flow from start to finish. First, you call a broker to request a quote and share pickup and delivery details. The broker then secures a carrier and confirms the pickup date. On the agreed day, the carrier arrives, loads your car, and transports it to the destination. Finally, you settle payment with the broker or carrier at pickup or delivery, according to the agreed terms.

To keep the journey smooth, follow a few simple tips. If you own a high‑end or classic vehicle, ask for an enclosed trailer for extra protection. Remove all personal items and ensure the interior is empty. The car must be able to roll on its own wheels, and a quarter‑tank of fuel is enough for loading and unloading.

That’s the whole car shipping cycle in Arizona—transparent, reliable, and designed for peace of mind. Thousands of Arizona drivers trust this process each year, and with a reputable broker guiding you, you can expect a hassle‑free auto transport from door to door.