Arkansas 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 Arkansas is straightforward. Start by removing any toll transponders from your windshield, as Arkansas doesn't have a state toll system, but if you have transponders from other states (like E-ZPass or TxTag), these should be removed to avoid accidental charges during transport.

Next, clear out all personal items and loose accessories. Remove toll passes, GPS devices, phone mounts, custom floor mats, and any fragile items from the interior. Detach exterior accessories like roof racks, bike racks, antennas, or spoilers that could be damaged or cause damage during transit.

Check your vehicle's fluids and tire pressure. Arkansas summers can be hot and humid, so verify your coolant level and tire pressure before shipping. Proper tire pressure is especially important since your vehicle will sit stationary during transport.

Make sure you have a spare key available for the carrier. This allows the driver to move your vehicle safely if needed during loading, unloading, or delivery.

For more detailed guidance on vehicle preparation, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. We've been helping people get fair value on car shipping since 2017, and these steps ensure your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. All carriers in our network are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we assign your shipment, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active for the duration of your transport.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously because we know how important your vehicle is to you.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance in Arkansas. This gives carriers time to bundle your shipment with others heading in the same direction, which helps you get better rates.

Arkansas has some specific seasonal factors to keep in mind:

Winter weather (November to March) can cause delays, especially in northern Arkansas where ice storms and freezing temperatures occasionally disrupt routes. If you're shipping during these months, book even earlier—three to four weeks out—to account for potential weather-related holdups.

Summer heat (June to August) can affect carrier availability as drivers manage long hours in high temperatures. Booking three weeks ahead during summer ensures you have more carrier options.

College move season (May to August) sees increased demand for car shipping throughout Arkansas, particularly for routes to and from Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and Conway where major universities are located. If you're shipping during these months, book earlier rather than later.

Military PCS season (May to September) also increases demand, especially with traffic to and from Fort Leonard Wood in neighboring Missouri. Plan ahead during these months.

Arkansas is a moderate-demand state for carriers—it's not as remote as Mountain West states, but it's not a high-traffic corridor like I-95 either. This means you typically have decent carrier availability, but booking two to three weeks out ensures the best options and pricing.

The bottom line: Post your shipment as soon as you know your move date. The sooner carriers know about your shipment, the sooner they can plan routes and bundle your vehicle with others.

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 uncovered trailer where your car sits exposed to the elements and road debris. It's the more affordable option for most vehicles. Enclosed transport places your car inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dirt, and debris during transit.

When to choose open transport: Most everyday vehicles like sedans, trucks, and SUVs ship fine on open trailers. If your car is in good condition and you're not concerned about minor dust or road grime, open transport gets the job done at a lower cost.

When to choose enclosed transport: Consider enclosed transport if you have a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or custom paint job. The extra protection is worth the added expense for vehicles that can't afford the risk of wayward debris or weather exposure during shipping.

The cost difference: Enclosed transport typically costs 50% to 100% more than open transport, depending on your route and vehicle size. The price reflects the added protection and reduced carrier availability.

At Sakaem Logistics, we help you find the right option for your specific vehicle and budget. Since 2012, we've worked to give people real value in car shipping and break the grip that a few large brokers had on this industry.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Arkansas. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will do their best to pick up and deliver your vehicle exactly where you want it.

That said, we're transparent about the reality of car shipping. Sometimes safety or access issues mean a carrier can't reach your exact location. If that happens, we'll work with you to find a nearby alternative—like a local gas station or parking lot—that works for everyone.

Since 2012, we've been committed to giving people like you fair value on car shipping and breaking up the old broker monopolies. Our highly rated reviews show we deliver on that promise. We'll be upfront with you every step of the way.

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!