Moving a car into or out of Arizona happens for all kinds of reasons, from job relocations to snowbird season to online vehicle purchases. Picking the right shipping company makes the difference between a smooth pickup and a stressful wait. Here’s a breakdown of five companies worth considering, along with what actually matters when comparing them.
Quick Snapshot: Arizona Auto Transport
- Average cost: $0.60 to $1.00 per mile depending on distance
- Typical transit time: 1 to 7 days within the western U.S.
- Most common method: Open carrier transport
- Busiest routes: Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale to California and Texas
This article is based on publicly available company information, customer-facing pricing data, and service details published by each company at the time of writing. No vehicles were shipped as part of this research.
What Should You Look for in an Arizona Vehicle Shipping Company?
A good shipping company gives you an upfront quote, clear pickup and delivery windows, and a transport method that matches your vehicle’s value. Arizona’s desert climate and long interstate distances mean carriers need solid route networks across I-10, I-40, and I-17. Communication matters too. You want a company that updates you when a truck is delayed, not one that goes silent after booking.
Licensing and insurance are non-negotiable. Every legitimate carrier should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carry cargo insurance that covers the full value of your vehicle. Checking a company’s FMCSA number before booking takes five minutes and can save you from a scam.
Which Companies Made the Top 5 List?
The five companies below stood out for pricing transparency, service area coverage, and customer support quality.
1. Montway Auto Transport
Montway is one of the largest names in the industry and covers Arizona extensively, including rural routes outside Phoenix and Tucson. It offers both open and enclosed transport and is known for a large carrier network, which usually means faster pickup times.
2. Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa built its reputation on tech-driven tracking and a concierge-style booking process. Customers get a dedicated transport coordinator, which helps when shipping across multiple states to or from Arizona.
3. American Auto Shipping
This company has operated for years with a focus on door-to-door delivery. It works well for buyers shipping vehicles purchased from out-of-state dealers into Arizona.
4. Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship is a broker that matches shippers with vetted carriers. It’s a solid option for budget-conscious customers who still want insured, licensed transport.
5. AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight offers discount programs for military members, students, and repeat customers. It also provides optional additional insurance coverage for extra peace of mind.
How These Companies Compare
| Company | Transport Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Montway | Open/Enclosed | Large carrier network |
| Sherpa | Open/Enclosed | Tech-driven tracking |
| American Auto Shipping | Open | Door-to-door delivery |
| Easy Auto Ship | Open | Budget shipping |
| AmeriFreight | Open/Enclosed | Discount programs |
How Do These Companies Compare on Pricing and Services?
Pricing depends heavily on distance, vehicle type, and season rather than the company itself, since most use similar carrier networks. Short routes within Arizona or to neighboring states like Nevada and California typically run cheaper per mile than long cross-country moves. Enclosed transport, which protects the vehicle from weather and road debris, generally costs 30 to 40 percent more than open transport.
Companies like Montway and Sherpa tend to sit at a slightly higher price point because of added services such as real-time tracking and dedicated coordinators. Easy Auto Ship and AmeriFreight often come in lower, appealing to customers shipping standard sedans or SUVs without special handling needs.
What Transport Options Are Available in Arizona?
Arizona shippers can choose between open carrier, enclosed carrier, and door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal delivery. Open carriers are the most common and cost-effective option, moving multiple vehicles on a single trailer, similar to how new cars arrive at dealerships.
Enclosed carriers protect vehicles from weather and dust, which matters for classic cars, exotics, or vehicles with aftermarket parts. Door-to-door delivery means the truck comes as close as possible to your home or business, while terminal-to-terminal requires dropping off and picking up the vehicle at a designated lot, which can lower costs but adds extra steps.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport: Lower cost, faster scheduling, exposed to weather
- Enclosed Transport: Higher cost, weather protection, better for luxury or classic cars
How Long Does Vehicle Shipping Take in Arizona?
Most Arizona shipments complete within one to seven days, depending on the destination. Routes to nearby states like California, Nevada, and Utah often take one to three days, while cross-country routes to the East Coast can take five to ten days.
Weather, carrier availability, and seasonal demand all affect timing. Winter months tend to see higher demand in Arizona as snowbirds ship vehicles south, which can extend pickup windows during peak periods.
Bottom Line
Montway, Sherpa, American Auto Shipping, Easy Auto Ship, and AmeriFreight each bring something different to the table, whether that’s network size, tech features, or discount pricing. The right choice comes down to your budget, vehicle type, and how much hands-on communication you want during the move. Getting quotes from at least two or three of these companies before booking is still the best way to land a fair price and a reliable pickup window.
