The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.
Audited & Verified: Aug 22, 2025, 8:58pm
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorTo identify the most reliable car shipping companies in Arizona, we took a deep dive into 44 providers across the country. Our evaluation considered everything from available shipping types and support quality to deposit policies and cancellation terms. To ensure the pricing insights were realistic, we requested dozens of quotes for various routes and shipping styles. And to layer in real-world experience, our team also surveyed 1,600 verified customers about what went well and where some companies fell short.
Our team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use proprietary data and expert advice to inform all of our content, including the pros and cons of the top car-shipping companies and tips for choosing the best company for you. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Get Your Free Car Moving Estimate
Receive a custom quote that's designed to meet your needs and budget.
Featured Partners
1
Nexus Auto Transport
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
2
Navi Auto Transport
BBB Score
Not Accredited
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
3
Montway Auto Transport
BBB Score
A+
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
When comparing the best car shipping companies in Arizona, it’s best to start by weighing factors such as pricing, which locations each transporter serves and if a deposit is required, as well as extra fine print like cancellation policies and perks.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE* | PRICE MATCHING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.7    | Best Reliability | $800 - $1,100 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Customer Communication | $840 - $1,225 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Discounts | $677 - $1,151 | Yes | On AmeriFreight's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best for Customization | $839 - $1,259 | No | On Montway Auto Transport's Website | |
| 4.4 | Best Pricing | $579 - $829 | Yes | From Participating Partners |
Best Reliability
Best Reliability
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Direct Connect Auto Transport took our top spot in Arizona for a few reasons, including its reliability and efforts toward trust with customers. This provider was among the best companies for on-time delivery in our customer survey (91%) and offers a promise that it will deliver your car undamaged or it will pay for any repairs. Luckily, 85% of customers in our survey were also happy with the condition of their vehicles when they arrived. The service’s average customer reviews are fairly good, and its website assures customers of accurate quotes and timely pick-ups.
We secured multiple quotes to understand this company’s pricing. For a 2021 Hyundai Sonata traveling from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105), the phone estimate came in at $800 for an open shipment and $1,100 for enclosed shipping. Interestingly, online quotes ran slightly higher, with open transport priced at $870 when we used the instant quote tool.
Services:
In our survey of car shipping customers, Direct Connect users were mostly satisfied with their experience. An impressive 91% of Direct Connect customers reported they received their vehicle on time.
Customers kept constructive criticism pretty minimal—17% said they had no recommendations for improvement. The main way people thought Direct Connect could improve was with pricing, with 34% saying they wished this were better.
Best Customer Communication
Best Customer Communication
NX Automotive Transport
NX earned points by primarily focusing on communication with customers. This showed, for instance, by the company offering binding quotes, helping to eliminate surprises for Arizona customers.
We also appreciate the focus on quality with its carriers. NX has a large network of more than 20,000 carriers nationwide, which is a great feature, but even more so is the fact that carriers are expected to treat customers kindly and courteously. Customers can communicate with the company over text and get updates this way, too, which is a big plus.
And it seems to have paid off: 88% of those we surveyed who used NX for car shipping said they would ship their car again, slightly above average.
We got several quotes to transport a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105) via NX Auto Transport. Overall, costs were more affordable when submitting online rather than on the phone. For example, open shipping was $840 via online quote compared to $895 via phone. Enclosed shipping for this route was estimated to be $1,225 per our phone quote.
Services:
NX Auto Transport customers offered a blend of praise and critique in our nationwide survey. While 84% said the booking process felt smooth, concerns around cost were more frequent than we saw with other providers. Fifty-five percent of NX users ended up with final bills that were above their initial quotes.
NX landed the weakest mark in our pricing transparency category, averaging just 7.7 out of 10. For a provider that offers upfront pricing, that result stood out. Still, it’s worth noting that NX had a solid referral reputation. Many customers said they chose the company based on word-of-mouth from someone they trusted.
Best Discounts
Best Discounts
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight distinguishes itself among top-tier car shipping companies thanks to its customer-first benefits and budget-friendly pricing. Adding to its appeal, AmeriFreight makes available discounts for seniors, military personnel, first responders, returning customers and others.
While AmeriFreight’s quotes aren’t fixed, most customers shared in our survey that they ended up paying their quoted amount or less—54% of respondents said this, compared with the national average of 46%. The service also offers an initial free cancellation period before a carrier is confirmed.
Learn More: AmeriFreight Review
The Forbes Home team requested estimates from AmeriFreight to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Different from many companies, the costs we received were identical when we reached out to AmeriFreight over the phone and through the website: $677 for an open carrier or $1,151 for enclosed.
Services:
In our survey, AmeriFreight received mostly favorable feedback from customers. A notable 93% reported being happy with their vehicle’s condition upon delivery. When asked if they’d ship a car again, 91% said yes, which beats most competitors. One trade-off? The typical cost came in at $1,418, which was more than the survey-wide mean.
Best for Customization
Best for Customization
Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport not only offers a variety of add-ons and unique options like classic car shipping or motorcycle shipping, but the company continues to offer strong value across the board, especially for first-time shippers. You can score savings for things like paying in cash.
According to our survey, 88% of respondents were satisfied with how the company handled pre-shipping updates, and 84% were satisfied with communication while their car was in transit. That level of consistency makes a difference. And with instant pricing tools and clear how-to guides throughout the site, Montway makes the entire process feel straightforward from day one.
Learn More: Montway Auto Transport review
To get a clear picture of pricing, our team gathered sample quotes from Montway for shipping a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Phone estimates came in somewhat lower than online quotes. Enclosed transport was $1,100 when calling versus $1,259 online. For open shipping on that trip, the quote over the phone was $839.
Services:
When we surveyed 1,600 car shipping customers, those who used Montway had fairly good responses. When asked about communication from Montway, 88% said they were pleased with this aspect during pre-shipping and similarly, 84% were pleased with communication post shipping. When the car was delivered, 90% of Montway customers said they were happy with its condition.
As far as cons, costs were a bit more expensive than average at $1,427 compared to $1,390.
Best Pricing
Best Pricing
A-1 Auto Transport
A-1 Auto Transport took a spot in our Arizona ranking because of its low pricing and value for what you pay. In fact, in our survey, A-1 customers reported paying $1,359, which was cheaper than the overall average of $1,390. Similarly, 50% of A-1 customers said they paid their quoted price or lower. The company also does not have a deposit requirement before carrier assignment, which always helps with affordability.
And it’s not just competitive pricing that we like—A-1 also offers a variety of services such as transporting recreational equipment and military vehicles, as well as international and expedited shipping.
As part of our pricing review, we requested quotes from A-1 Auto Transport to move a 2021 Hyundai Sonata between Brooklyn, New York (11202) and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Worth pointing out, phone rates were more competitive than online. For open transport, we were quoted $579 by phone and $625 online. Enclosed shipping was estimated at $829.
Services:
When we reached out to 1,600 car shipping customers, those who have worked with A-1 seemed fairly satisfied with its service, particularly when it came to cost. For instance, 45% of customers said they paid exactly what the company had quoted, which was tied for the highest percentage for that metric of any company. A-1 customers also scored it above average for transparency of pricing and fees. As for other metrics, the company performed around average, with 88% of customers saying the company delivered their car on time, for example, which was consistent with the average for all companies.
Shipping a car can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, by keeping a few factors in mind, such as your budget, company reviews and specific services you’ll need from an Arizona car shipping company, you can make an informed decision.
One of the leading factors that can make a difference to both your overall experience and budget is the type of carrier you choose: open or enclosed. There are pros and cons to both, so the right selection will depend on individual needs.
Open transports are the most used ways to relocate vehicles. When comparing options, the main thing you’ll notice about choosing open carriers is that they are far more affordable than enclosed carriers. It’s also generally easier to schedule service as there are more open transporters in use. The trade-off is that your vehicle is exposed to the elements during transport.
Despite higher costs, enclosed carriers are often preferred by customers who want more protection for their vehicle, particularly for classic or luxury vehicles. Fewer vehicles are loaded onto an enclosed carrier and they remain shielded while en route. Some companies offer greater insurance protection for enclosed carriers.
Checking customer reviews for car shipping companies can highlight relevant information and potentially raise a few concerns. To get the most out of reviews, be sure to read them critically (meaning you should consider the one- and five-star reviews, but also pay attention to the middle ground).
For the most illuminating reviews, search for the latest comments from people in Arizona. Also, be aware of trends within reviews: Are there repeated comments about customer service? Poor communication?
Finally, consider how the provider responds to comments. A commitment to quickly addressing customer reviews is a good sign.
Before confirming with any provider, make sure to carefully review the fine print to avoid being caught off guard later on.
One of the first things to check is the company’s deposit rules. Some providers require a non-refundable deposit at booking, while others offer a free cancellation period. It’s also important to understand what happens between pickup and delivery. Some companies provide assurances that protect you in case of delays or other issues. Additional perks, like a free car wash voucher, may not carry major financial weight but can reflect the company’s dedication to customer service.
All car shipping companies in the U.S. are mandated by law to carry liability and cargo insurance. However, the details of coverage can vary widely. Depending on your situation, you may want to purchase extra coverage either through the company or your own insurer for added protection.
When shipping your car, it’s important to understand how communication will work throughout the transit. Ask the company how they keep you in the loop while your vehicle is en route. Will the driver reach out directly, or should you contact customer service with questions? Having a clear communication plan in place makes this project much easier to manage.
Most car shipping services today offer some type of GPS tracking, but the quality and frequency of updates can vary. Some services provide real-time pings, while others only send periodic status summaries. Before you book, find out whether you’ll receive updates via app notification, email or if you’ll need to manually check the tracking system.
Regarding delivery timing, expect an estimated schedule rather than a guaranteed drop-off time. It’s a good idea to ask how the company handles late arrivals and what options you have if your vehicle arrives off schedule.
While your car is being transported, unexpected complications can arise, making it vital to check its condition both when it’s collected and upon arrival. You’re placing a certain degree of trust and responsibility expectations on the carrier, but you also hold a key role: carefully examining your vehicle before transport and capturing its condition with clear photographic images.
Choose companies that conduct thorough inspections before loading and after unloading your vehicle. Many providers will ask you to acknowledge their condition reports at pickup and delivery, often supplemented by visuals. It’s wise to maintain your own records or request receipts for your reference.
Even if you are shipping a vehicle within Arizona, vehicle transport typically involves crossing state lines. For that reason, every carrier must adhere to national regulations. Specifically, all interstate carriers must have a USDOT number and FMCSA Motor Carrier number. You can use this information to check the carrier’s safety record and credentials.
A vehicle shipping company you can count on will understand the specific challenges and unique aspects of transporting vehicles in Arizona and your city. Don’t hesitate to inquire about how the company vets its employees to ensure they have enough experience to handle the many quirks of long-distance and regional shipping.
Because car transporters cover extensive routes, the top providers employ drivers familiar with the demands of driving in Arizona and beyond. As a local expert, you know the conditions best—so if you have issues concerning weather or other obstacles, it’s a good idea to ask about how these challenges are mitigated before scheduling your shipment.
Although there are some exceptions, the majority of the leading car transport companies that we reviewed are brokers rather than carriers. As a broker, the company acts as a middleman between the customer and the carrier. This can allow the carrier to find the best rate or accommodate specific needs.
Carriers are the ones that actually transport your vehicle. In many cases, it’s possible to book directly with them, but you may need to shop around more for the best rates. The benefit of hiring a carrier is that you have more control over who is moving your vehicle.
| TRANSPORT TYPE | AVERAGE COST RANGE | AVERAGE COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | $550 - $1,600 | $0.60 - $1.10 |
| Enclosed Transport | $1,000 - $2,450 | $0.90 - $1.70 |
Based on our findings, the average cost to arrange auto transport is about $1,150 nationwide. That’s in line with the $1,390 average reported by customers in our recent survey. That said, prices can vary widely. We saw quotes ranging from $550 to $2,450 depending on the shipment.
One big factor is the type of service. Enclosed transport tends to be more expensive, averaging between $1,000 and $2,450, while open carriers typically fall in the $550 to $1,600 range.
Because pricing depends on so many variables, including distance, time of year and vehicle type, we recommend requesting a personalized quote. Still, the estimates below should give you a solid starting point.
| ARIZONA TO:* | ESTIMATED MILEAGE** | OPEN TRANSPORT | ENCLOSED TRANSPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, California | 372 miles | $225 - $410 | $335 - $630 |
| Houston, Texas | 1,177 miles | $705 - $1,295 | $740 - $1,395 |
| Denver, Colorado | 821 miles | $495 - $905 | $740 - $1,395 |
| Seattle, Washington | 1,416 miles | $850 - $1,560 | $1,275 - $2,410 |
| Jacksonville, Florida | 2,045 miles | $1,225 - $2,250 | $1,840 - $3,475 |
No two car shipping quotes are the same, but specific factors can affect your final bill, such as if you’re moving from Arizona to just a few hours away or shipping your car across the ocean or if the price of gas is particularly high.
Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers to compare their experiences and get a sense of trends. The vast majority of survey respondents said they would use a car shipping service again—even as individual experiences varied.
Get Your Free Moving Estimate
Receive a custom quote from a Car Moving Company today that's designed to meet your needs and budget.
To determine the best car-shipping company, the Forbes Home editorial team reviewed 44 major companies, taking into account attributes such as in-house consumer sentiment analysis, a survey of 1,600 car shipping customers, pricing, services and features, nationwide availability and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies on our detailed methodology page.
Vehicle shipping companies need to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get a USDOT number as well as a Motor Carrier number. Both numbers can help you vet a car shipping company, as they can show you safety records as well as other important information. Other ways to get a sense of a company’s reputation are through online reviews and referrals from past customers.
The ability to track your car shipment will vary by company. Some transporters will equip you with live GPS tracking, while others will give you contact information in the event of any questions. We recommend that you ask about this early.
The time it takes to ship a car from Arizona depends on how far it’s going, the company’s schedule and even external factors like road conditions. In general, you can expect short hauls to take just a few days. Cross-country shipments often stretch closer to a week or more, while international deliveries, especially by boat, can take several weeks.
While most companies won’t commit to an exact timeline, they should be able to offer a reasonable estimate based on your location and destination. Always ask for one before booking.
You won’t always be required to have your own car insurance when shipping your car, but it may provide you with some extra coverage on top of the car shipping company’s insurance. However, you should always check the insurance policies of any car shipper to make sure you’re adequately protected. Additionally, if you need to drop your car off or pick it up, you’ll need car insurance anyway to legally drive it.
As a writer for Forbes Home since 2021, Emily specializes in writing about home warranties, solar installations, car transportation and moving companies. With a background in journalism and experience as a three-time homeowner, Emily uses deep research and insights to cover a variety of topics.
Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.
