Arizona Car Shipping: 2026 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 straightforward. Start by removing any toll transponders—Arizona uses RFID toll tags on some highways, so take these off before shipping to avoid charges during transport.

Arizona's extreme heat requires special attention. Check your tire pressure and coolant levels before shipment. High desert temperatures can cause tire pressure to increase, and you'll want to ensure your cooling system is in good working order. If your vehicle has been sitting in the Arizona sun, make sure the interior is cooled down before pickup.

Remove any fragile items, interior accessories, and exterior add-ons that could shift or be damaged during transit. This includes GPS units, phone mounts, roof racks, and any custom parts. Take off any toll passes or transponders. Have a spare key available for the carrier in case they need to move your vehicle during loading or unloading.

Document your vehicle's current condition with photos before pickup. Note any existing dents, scratches, or damage. Make sure your gas tank is no more than a quarter full—this reduces weight and is safer for transport.

For more detailed information about preparing your vehicle for shipping, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during shipping in Arizona. All carriers we work with are required to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. This means your car is protected throughout the transport process.

Before we book your shipment, we verify that each carrier's insurance policy is valid and active. This protects you and gives you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery.

Keep in mind that carrier insurance covers damage caused by the transport company. If you want additional coverage beyond what the carrier provides, you can discuss optional add-ons when you get your quote.

We recommend scheduling your car pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and availability. However, Arizona has some unique seasonal factors that affect scheduling.

Peak Snowbird Season (November to March): Arizona sees a major influx of snowbirds heading south during winter months. This increases demand for car shipping significantly, so book even earlier—ideally three to four weeks ahead—if you're shipping during this period.

Summer Heat (June to September): Arizona's extreme summer temperatures can impact carrier schedules. Some carriers limit operations during peak heat waves, so plan ahead during these months. We recommend booking at least three weeks in advance.

College Move Season (August and May): Arizona State University and University of Arizona create shipping surges during move-in (late July to early August) and move-out (May) periods. If you're shipping during these windows, book earlier to secure a spot.

Why Book Early? The sooner you post your shipment, the more time carriers have to bundle your vehicle with others heading in the same direction. This helps keep costs down and gets your car moving faster.

Bottom line: Two to three weeks is our standard recommendation for Arizona. During snowbird season and summer months, give yourself an extra week. The earlier you book, the better your options.

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 guide on shipping a car with personal items 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. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport uses an open trailer where your car sits exposed to the elements. Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer.

Cost: Open transport is the more affordable option. Enclosed transport typically costs 50% to 100% more because it requires specialized equipment and carries fewer vehicles per load.

Protection: Open transport exposes your car to weather, road debris, and dust during transit. Enclosed transport shields your vehicle from these elements, making it ideal for high-value cars, classic vehicles, or cars with custom paint jobs.

Which should you choose? If you're shipping a standard vehicle and want the best value, open transport works well. Choose enclosed transport if you have a luxury car, collectible, or vehicle you want extra protection for. In Arizona's desert climate with intense sun and occasional dust storms, some owners prefer enclosed transport for added peace of mind.

At Sakaem Logistics, we help you find the right option for your needs and budget. Since 2012, we've been committed to giving people fair prices and ending the monopoly that a few large brokers once had on this industry.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Arizona. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery locations. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to the addresses you specify whenever possible.

We understand that sometimes logistics get tricky. If there are transportation restrictions or safety concerns at your specified address, our carriers will work with you to find a nearby alternative location—like a gas station or parking lot—that works for everyone.

Since 2012, we've been committed to making car shipping simple and transparent. We cut through the complexity that the big brokers created, so you get honest service and real value for your shipment.

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!