($761) Cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $761 to $1,150 to ship your car 742 miles from Oakland, California, to Phoenix, Arizona. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Phoenix to Oakland car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Oakland to Phoenix car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Oakland to Phoenix:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Oakland
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Oakland, CA:
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Viper Transportation: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Direct Express Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Pasha Hawaii ship your car: 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 CA to AZ
Getting your car from Oakland to Phoenix can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Oakland to Phoenix, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their 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 742-mile drive from Oakland to Phoenix 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 California to Arizona. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Oakland. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Phoenix.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Phoenix is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Oakland to Phoenix car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Oakland to Phoenix, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Oakland to Phoenix, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Oakland 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
Your shipping costs out of Oakland 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 Phoenix than a compact car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 742 miles from Oakland to Phoenix will cost more than a shorter move within California.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Oakland and Phoenix can impact car shipping prices.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
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 Oakland to Phoenix during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 742-mile drive between Oakland and Phoenix, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Oakland to Phoenix is one to six days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Oakland and Phoenix vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
- 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
- Oakland: 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
- Oakland: 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
- Oakland: 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 Oakland to Phoenix?
The cost to ship a car from Oakland, 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 Oakland to Phoenix will range from $761 to $1,150.
How long will it take to ship my car from Oakland to Phoenix?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 742 miles from Oakland to Phoenix. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Oakland to Phoenix?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Oakland 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 Oakland to Phoenix?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Oakland 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 742-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.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA 94601 US
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