Car Shipping in Arizona: 2025 Costs & Routes

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.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Arizona is simple and helps avoid delays or damage. Follow these quick steps before the carrier arrives:

• Clean inside and out. A quick wash makes it easier to spot any existing scratches or dents, and it prevents sand and dust from the desert from being dragged onto the carrier.
• Remove all personal items. Take out phones, GPS units, toll tags, loose tools, and anything that could shift or be stolen during transport.
• Secure loose accessories. Detach roof racks, bike carriers, spoilers, antennae, and any aftermarket parts that aren’t permanently mounted.
• Check fluid levels. Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full, and top off oil, coolant, and windshield‑washer fluid. This reduces weight and prevents leaks.
• Disable alarms and anti‑theft devices. Provide the carrier with a working key (or two) so they can unlock the vehicle if needed.
• Document the condition. Take clear photos of all angles and note any pre‑existing damage. This protects both you and the carrier.
• Inspect tires and battery. Inflate tires to the recommended pressure and make sure the battery is charged. A dead battery can cause loading issues.
• Gather paperwork. Keep registration, proof of insurance, and the bill of lading handy for the driver.

By completing these steps, you help Sakaem Logistics move your car safely and efficiently, whether you’re shipping out of Phoenix, Tucson, or any other Arizona location.

Yes. When you ship a vehicle to or from Arizona with Sakaem Logistics, the carrier handling your load must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, as required by federal regulations. Before your car leaves the terminal, we verify that the carrier’s insurance policy is active, in good standing, and covers the full duration of the transport.

We also provide you with a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate upon request, so you can see the exact coverage details. If you have any special insurance needs, let us know early so we can match you with a carrier that meets those requirements.

Plan ahead. We suggest booking your pickup at least 14 days in advance. This gives carriers time to fit your vehicle into a route and to combine it with other shipments, which keeps costs low.

If you are shipping during peak times – summer months, holidays, or the end of the month – add a few extra days (up to 21‑30 days) to avoid delays.

Booking early also locks in the current rate, so you won’t see price spikes later.

In short: the sooner you post your shipment, the better the price and the smoother the process.

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 vs. Enclosed Auto Transport in Arizona

Open transport uses a standard trailer with three or four lanes. Your car rides side‑by‑side with other vehicles and is exposed to the elements, road debris, and dust. It is the most common method and typically costs 30‑50% less than an enclosed carrier.

Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. The truck shields the car from wind, rain, sun, and stray stones. Because the trailer holds fewer cars, the price is usually 40‑60% higher than open transport.

When to choose each option

• Open: Ideal for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs that are not highly valuable or custom‑finished. It works well for most Arizona shipments, especially when budget matters.
• Enclosed: Best for classic cars, collector vehicles, luxury models, or any car with a fresh paint job, custom work, or aftermarket parts that could be damaged by debris or harsh weather.

Other considerations

• Weather protection: Arizona’s summer heat can be intense. An enclosed trailer keeps interior temperatures lower and prevents sun‑bleaching.
• Timing: Both services usually arrive on the same schedule, but an enclosed carrier may have fewer available slots, so book early.
• Insurance: All reputable carriers provide basic liability coverage. If you need extra protection, you can purchase additional insurance regardless of the transport type.

In short, choose open transport for cost‑effective, standard shipments. Choose enclosed transport when your vehicle’s value, finish, or condition warrants extra protection.

Yes. Sakaem Logistics offers door‑to‑door auto transport for any vehicle in Arizona. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses you want. Our carrier will travel to those locations, load your car, and drive it to the drop‑off address you provided.

If a road, gate, or safety rule makes a direct stop impossible, the driver will contact you right away and suggest a nearby safe spot—such as a gas station, a parking lot, or a dealer lot—so the shipment stays on schedule.

We have been moving cars since 2012, fighting the monopoly of big brokers and keeping rates fair. Our high‑rating reviews show that customers trust us to handle their cars with care and transparency.

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!