($536) Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 371 miles from Los Angeles, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, will run you about $536 to $741. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Phoenix to Los Angeles car shipping guide.
The best Los Angeles to Phoenix car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Los Angeles to Phoenix:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Los Angeles
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Los Angeles, CA:
- Nationwide Transport Services: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- A To Z Auto Shipping: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide United Auto Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.56 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from CA to AZ
If you’re planning a move from Los Angeles to Phoenix, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Los Angeles to Phoenix, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 371-mile trip from Los Angeles to Phoenix could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from California to Arizona. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Los Angeles to Phoenix carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Phoenix, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Los Angeles to Phoenix car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Los Angeles to Phoenix, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Los Angeles to Phoenix, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Los Angeles tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Phoenix, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Los Angeles has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Phoenix will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 371 miles from Los Angeles to Phoenix will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within California.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Los Angeles and Phoenix can impact car shipping prices.
The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Los Angeles to Phoenix during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 371 miles between Los Angeles and Phoenix, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Los Angeles to Phoenix is one to four days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Los Angeles and Phoenix vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.
- Phoenix: Phoenix doesn't require a parking permit for your move but many cities have their own rules in specific areas. Check with the City of Phoenix if you'll need something and also be aware of any HOA or building rules that you should know before your move day.
Car insurance requirements
- Los Angeles: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Phoenix: The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
Vehicle inspections
- Los Angeles: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Phoenix: Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.
Driver’s license
- Los Angeles: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Phoenix: If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Los Angeles to Phoenix?
The cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Los Angeles to Phoenix will range from $536 to $741.
How long will it take to ship my car from Los Angeles to Phoenix?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 371 miles from Los Angeles to Phoenix. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Los Angeles to Phoenix?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Los Angeles to Phoenix. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Los Angeles to Phoenix?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Los Angeles to Phoenix than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 371-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
30101 Agoura Court, Suite 109, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 US
2202 S Figueroa St #506, Los Angeles, CA 90007 US
102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618 US