($894) Cost to ship a car from Tucson, AZ to Plano, TX
Quick answer: Shipping a car 973 miles from Tucson, Arizona, to Plano, Texas, typically costs between $894 and $1,387. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Plano to Tucson car shipping guide.
The best Tucson to Plano car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Tucson to Plano:
- 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 Tucson
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Tucson, AZ:
- Autogo Auto Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Tucson Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Phoenix Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport Team: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Scottsdale Auto Transport Inc.: 3.5 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 AZ to TX
If you’re relocating from Tucson to Plano, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Tucson to Plano, 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 lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 973-mile drive from Tucson to Plano into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Arizona to Texas. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Tucson. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Plano.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Plano. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Tucson to Plano car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Tucson to Plano can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Tucson to Plano, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Plano, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Tucson will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Plano than a compact car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 973 miles from Tucson to Plano will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Arizona.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Tucson and Plano can impact car shipping prices.
Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Plano are most likely.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tucson to Plano during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 973-mile distance between Tucson and Plano and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Tucson to Plano is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Tucson and Plano vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tucson: Your move in the City of Tucson may require a temporary construction permit. The price for a one day permit is currently $1.25.
- Plano: Although Plano, Texas doesn't require a parking permit, it's always a good idea to double check with the city or county and also take into account that any subdivision or housing development that you may be moving to may have their own rules about parking.
Car insurance requirements
- Tucson: 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
- Plano: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Tucson: 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.
- Plano: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
Driver’s license
- Tucson: 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.
- Plano: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Tucson to Plano?
The cost to ship a car from Tucson, AZ to Plano, TX 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 Tucson to Plano will range from $894 to $1,387.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tucson to Plano?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 973 miles from Tucson to Plano. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tucson to Plano?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tucson to Plano. 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 Tucson to Plano?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Tucson to Plano 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 973-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.
1661 N Swan Rd # 140, Tucson, AZ 85712 US
2 E Congress St Suite 900 #106, Tucson, AZ 85701 US
1204 E Baseline Rd UNIT 106, Tempe, AZ 85283 US
11107 W Buckeye Rd, Avondale, AZ 85323 US
2765 N Scottsdale Rd UNIT 325, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 US