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, such as those used on the Arkansas Toll Road system, as these can be damaged during shipping. Remove all fragile items from your vehicle, including interior accessories, phone mounts, and roof racks.

Since Arkansas experiences hot summers, check your tire pressure and coolant levels before shipping. Heat can affect both, and you want your vehicle in good condition when it arrives. Also remove any exterior accessories like roof racks, bike racks, or antennas that could be damaged in transit.

Make sure you have a spare key available to give to the carrier. Document your vehicle's condition with photos of the exterior and note any existing damage. This protects you and the carrier by creating a clear record of the vehicle's state before transport.

Finally, ensure your vehicle has less than a quarter tank of fuel. This reduces weight during transport and is a standard safety requirement. For more details on preparing your vehicle, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. Every carrier we work with must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is current and valid for the entire duration of your transport.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously because we know your vehicle matters to you. That's why we've been helping people get fair value on car shipping since 2012—cutting through the confusion and making sure you're protected every step of the way.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for best results in Arkansas. Here's why timing matters for your state:

Peak Seasons in Arkansas

Arkansas sees increased shipping demand during summer months (May through August) when families move and snowbirds travel to and from warmer states. If you're shipping during these months, book earlier—aim for three weeks or more. Winter months (November through February) typically have lighter demand, so two weeks may be sufficient.

Winter Weather Considerations

While Arkansas doesn't get the heavy snow of northern states, ice storms do occur during winter months and can cause delays. If you're shipping between December and February, give yourself extra buffer time. Carriers may need to adjust routes or schedules around icy conditions, particularly in northern Arkansas.

Why Early Scheduling Helps

The sooner you schedule, the better. When you post your shipment early, carriers can bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction. This saves you money and gets your car moving faster. Last-minute bookings are possible but often cost more and take longer to arrange.

The Bottom Line

Book at least two weeks ahead, three weeks during peak summer season. The earlier you schedule, the more options you'll have and the better value you'll get. This gives carriers time to find the right route and bundle your shipment efficiently.

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 Transport is the most common and affordable way to ship a car. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other cars, exposed to weather and road conditions. It's a great choice for most everyday vehicles and typically costs less than enclosed options.

Enclosed Transport means your car is loaded into a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from weather, debris, and road hazards. This option costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but it's worth considering if you're shipping a classic car, luxury vehicle, or a car with a custom paint job that needs extra protection.

Which should you choose? Think about your vehicle's value and condition. Open transport works well for daily drivers and newer cars. Enclosed transport is the safer bet for vehicles you want to keep in pristine condition. Both options are reliable ways to get your car to or from Arkansas safely.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Arkansas. When you book with us, tell us where you'd like your vehicle picked up and where you'd like it delivered. Our carriers will do their best to pick up and drop off at those exact locations.

Sometimes, pickup or delivery at a specific address isn't possible due to safety concerns, road restrictions, or access issues. When that happens, we work with you to find a nearby alternative—like a gas station, parking lot, or other convenient spot. We'll discuss any limitations upfront so there are no surprises.

Our goal is to make car shipping simple and straightforward. We've been helping people get fair prices on auto transport since 2012, and we're committed to being transparent about what we can and can't do.

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!