Car Shipping in Arkansas: 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.
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STATE OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Arkansas

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has been the scrappy, customer‑focused alternative that broke the big‑broker monopoly on car shipping. Our decade‑plus track record and glowing reviews prove we deliver honest, affordable auto transport across Arkansas and beyond. In this guide we break down costs, top destinations, and practical tips so you can ship your vehicle with confidence. Whether moving east, west, or staying in‑state, our transparent process keeps you informed every mile.

Average Cost FROM Arkansas

$750 – $1,125
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Arkansas

$850 – $1,225
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Arkansas

1
California
158 shipments
$975 – $1,300
2
Florida
76 shipments
$775 – $1,000
3
Texas
66 shipments
$575 – $750
4
North Carolina
49 shipments
$800 – $950
5
Washington
42 shipments
$1,200 – $1,525
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination States from Arkansas

The most common destination states for car shipping from Arkansas, 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 California $975 – $1,300 Little Rock to Beverly Hills
2 Florida $775 – $1,000 Little Rock to Ocala
3 Texas $575 – $750 Bentonville to Houston
4 North Carolina $800 – $950 Little Rock to Raleigh
5 Washington $1,200 – $1,525 Bentonville to Bellevue
6 Arizona $925 – $1,150 Fort Smith to Scottsdale
7 New York $900 – $1,125 Alexander to Bronx County
8 Georgia $625 – $775 Little Rock to Sandy Springs
9 Oregon $1,300 – $1,625 Bentonville to Portland
10 Nevada $925 – $1,125 Little Rock to Reno
AR CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Great experience working with Sakaem, I hired them to transport my son’s vehicle from Chicago to Air Force base in Mississippi, vehicle was delivered as expected, driver was flexible with drop off location since he was not able to access into military base. So he arranged with my son to deliver at an outside location. Would work again with Sakaem Logistic in future.
alvaro lopez
Jul 2025
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
Google logo
What stood out the most was the excellent communication from the SAKAEM team. They kept us informed every step of the way, answered all our questions quickly, and made sure we felt supported. The service was smooth, and the drivers were punctual and respectful. Couldn’t have asked for better coordination!
Youngrichbrand
May 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Arkansas

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 Arkansas

Distance

Distance drives cost because carriers charge per mile. Longer trips require more fuel, driver time, and wear on equipment, so rates rise proportionally. Shipping within Arkansas is cheaper than cross‑country hauls, making distance a primary pricing factor.

Season

Season matters because demand spikes in summer and holiday periods, prompting carriers to raise rates. Off‑season months see lower demand, allowing cheaper rates and quicker booking. Understanding seasonal trends helps shippers plan for cost savings.

Route

Route choice impacts price since major highways allow faster, fuel‑efficient travel and easier loading zones. Smaller roads or remote coastal routes increase travel time and logistical complexity, raising the carrier’s expense and thus the quoted cost.

Vehicle Type

Vehicle type influences cost since larger, heavier SUVs or trucks require stronger tie‑downs and may need special equipment, increasing fuel consumption. Standard cars fit easily on open trailers, keeping rates lower than for bulkier vehicles.

Traffic Considerations

Traffic considerations affect pricing because congested periods, like the week before Thanksgiving, slow progress and add idle time for drivers. Shipping during lighter traffic windows reduces travel delays, keeping fuel costs and overall rates down.

Carrier Availability

Carrier availability drives cost; peak seasons can leave carriers fully booked, forcing shippers to accept higher rates or wait weeks for space. Off‑peak periods often have more carriers ready, resulting in lower prices and faster service.

Population Density

Population density matters as urban areas in Arkansas, like Little Rock, have more carrier options and shorter distances to terminals, often lowering rates. Rural locations may require longer deadhead miles, increasing fuel use and overall cost.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping during Arkansas’s off-season—outside the snowbird rush and summer peaks—can cut rates dramatically; even a few weeks’ shift to slower months often yields noticeable savings.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Choosing pickup or delivery points near major highways reduces the carrier’s dead-head miles, so you pay less. Simple access via wide roads and parking lots saves money.

3

Hub city advantages

Select a hub city in Arkansas that sits at the intersection of I-40, I-30, or I-55; multiple highway links give carriers options and drive down rates.

4

Weather considerations

Check Arkansas’s seasonal weather; heavy rain or winter storms may increase fees or cause delays. Planning around mild periods helps keep costs predictable and shipments on time.

5

Booking in advance

Booking weeks ahead locks in lower rates before demand spikes. Early scheduling also gives carriers time to plan routes, which can further reduce the price you pay.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are the most common and cheapest option for standard vehicles. Use them unless your car is high-value or needs protection, then consider an enclosed trailer.

7

Flexible dates

If you allow a five-day window for pickup and delivery, carriers can consolidate loads and choose the most efficient routes, often lowering your total shipping cost.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Arkansas

Professional auto transport service for Arkansas moves

Arkansas car shipping and auto transport drivers must follow a few state‑specific steps before they hit the road. To register a vehicle, the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles requires a signed title, proof of insurance, a completed Application for Title and Registration, and a VIN inspection if the car comes from another state. An emissions test is mandatory only in the Pulaski, Saline, and Washington County regions, so shippers should verify whether their vehicle needs a test before moving it out of those areas [ArDOT]. Window tint is limited to 35 percent light transmission on the front side windows; any darker tint must be removed or the vehicle will fail inspection [DMV].

When relocating to Arkansas, consider the climate. The northern Ozarks can see ice and snow, so winter or all‑season tires improve safety, while most of the state’s mild winters do not require special equipment. Drivers should also keep the state’s minimum liability limits in mind: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Adding uninsured motorist coverage is advisable because a sizable portion of drivers ride without insurance. For those shipping a car out of Arkansas, obtain a temporary registration plate if the vehicle will be out of state for more than 30 days, and keep the emissions certificate handy if the destination is a testing region. These steps help ensure a smooth auto transport experience across state lines.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Arkansas 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 Arkansas, follow these simple steps to keep it safe and avoid extra fees:

  • Clear the interior. Take out all personal items, toll tags, and anything that could break or be stolen. Even small objects can shift and damage the vehicle.
  • Check fluids and battery. Make sure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full, the oil and coolant are at proper levels, and the battery is charged. This helps the carrier move the car without leaks or dead batteries.
  • Secure loose parts. Remove roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, or any aftermarket accessories that aren’t permanently attached. If you can’t remove them, tighten them securely and note them in the shipping paperwork.
  • Document the condition. Take clear photos of the exterior and interior from several angles. These pictures protect you if any damage occurs during transit.
  • Provide the keys. Gather all keys, remote fobs, and any special access codes the carrier will need to load and unload the vehicle.

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

Yes. When you ship a vehicle with Sakaem Logistics in Arkansas, the carrier must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify the carrier’s policy before the load leaves and keep it active for the entire trip. If any damage occurs, the carrier’s cargo insurance covers the repair cost up to the policy limit, and you can file a claim directly with the carrier. Our all-inclusive quote already includes this protection, so you don’t need to purchase extra coverage unless you want higher limits.

Book early. We suggest scheduling your pickup at least 14 days ahead of time. This window lets carriers group your vehicle with others in Arkansas, which keeps rates low and gives you flexibility. If you have a fixed date, aim for 3‑4 weeks notice. Last‑minute requests are possible, but availability may be limited and prices can rise.

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 car carrier with a removable roof. It’s the most common, cheapest, and fast option. Vehicles are exposed to weather, road debris, and occasional dust, but the carriers are designed to secure cars safely. Ideal for everyday vehicles, new cars, or any car where minor scratches are acceptable.

Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer that shields the vehicle from weather, road salt, insects, and debris. Costs are typically 40‑60% higher than open. Best for classic cars, luxury models, custom paint, or any high‑value vehicle that needs extra protection.

In Arkansas the choice also depends on route and season. Open trucks are plentiful on major highways like I‑40 and US‑71, so scheduling is easier. Enclosed trucks are fewer, so you may need to book earlier, especially in winter when weather protection is valuable.

Both services include door‑to‑door pickup and delivery, insurance coverage, and tracking. The main trade‑off is cost versus protection.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics provides door‑to‑door auto transport in Arkansas. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. If the locations are reachable, our carrier will load your vehicle at your door and drop it off at the destination door.

If a road restriction, size limit, or safety issue prevents a direct door stop, we will coordinate a nearby safe spot—such as a well‑lit parking lot or a gas station—so you never have to drive the car yourself.

We serve all major Arkansas cities—including Little Rock, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, and Jonesboro—as well as rural areas. Our carriers are familiar with state regulations and seasonal weather patterns, so you can expect a smooth, on‑time delivery.

Since 2012, our scrappy team has focused on giving you value and breaking the broker monopoly. Our high‑rating reviews reflect our commitment to honesty, transparency, and reliable service.

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 Arkansas

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

Arkansas, known as the Natural State, offers a mix of mountains, rivers, and historic towns that make car shipping an adventure worth remembering.

  • Geography: The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains provide scenic routes, while the Arkansas River connects the state to the Mississippi, easing inland transport.
  • Landmarks: Little Rock’s River Market and Hot Springs National Park attract tourists, creating steady demand for vehicle movement.
  • History: Arkansas was the 25th state to join the Union in 1836 and played a key role in the Civil Rights movement.
  • Vehicle Law: All vehicles must display a valid Arkansas license plate within 30 days of residency, and temporary permits are available for out‑of‑state shipments.
  • Climate: Hot, humid summers and mild winters mean fewer weather‑related delays compared to northern states.
  • Economy: Agriculture, aerospace, and the growing tech sector drive a steady flow of trucks and car carriers.
  • Population: Over 3 million people live here, with a diverse mix of urban and rural communities that love outdoor recreation.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping in Arkansas may sound complicated, but it works like a well‑planned road trip. Whether you need auto transport across state lines or just to a neighboring city, understanding the basic steps helps you feel confident and avoids surprises.

First, know the difference between a broker and a carrier. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, acts as a matchmaker. They do not drive the truck; instead, they locate a licensed carrier who actually moves the vehicle. Carriers own or lease the trailers and hold the insurance needed for the haul.

Step one: Call a reputable broker for a quote. The broker will ask for your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle size, and any special handling needs. This conversation gives you a clear picture of the timeline and any documentation required.

Step two: The broker finds a carrier that meets your criteria. Choosing a broker with strong relationships means you get carriers who have solid safety records, good reviews, and proper insurance coverage. This vetting protects your car during the journey.

Step three: The carrier arrives to pick up your car. Before the driver pulls up, clear out all personal items, remove any loose accessories, and make sure the vehicle can roll on its own wheels. A quarter tank of gas is enough for the carrier to move the car onto the trailer and start the trip.

Step four: The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination and unloads it safely. Once the car is in your hands, you settle payment with the broker or carrier, depending on the agreement you signed at the start.

A few final tips for Arkansas drivers: if you own a high‑end or classic car, request an enclosed trailer for added protection. Double‑check that the car rolls freely and that the fuel level is at least a quarter tank. Following these simple steps makes auto transport smooth, transparent, and stress‑free.