($1,505) Cost to ship a car from Tampa, FL to Mesa, AZ
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,155 miles from Tampa, Florida, to Mesa, Arizona, generally falls between $1,505 and $2,413. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Mesa to Tampa 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 Tampa to Mesa car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Tampa to Mesa:
- 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 Tampa
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Tampa, FL:
- Car Shipping Carriers Orlando: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Transglobal Auto Logistics: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Simple Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 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 FL to AZ
Getting your car from Tampa to Mesa 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’re moving from Tampa to Mesa, 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
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,155 miles from Tampa to Mesa can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Florida to Arizona. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Tampa to Mesa 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 Mesa, 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 Tampa to Mesa car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Tampa to Mesa can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Tampa to Mesa, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Tampa 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 Mesa, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Tampa 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 Mesa will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 2,155 miles from Tampa to Mesa will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Florida.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Tampa and Mesa can impact car shipping prices.
Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
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.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tampa to Mesa during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 2,155-mile journey from Tampa to Mesa makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Tampa to Mesa typically takes between four and twelve days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Tampa and Mesa vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tampa: Permits are only valid at on-street, unrestricted parking spaces (not to exceed four hours). Not valid at Load/Unload, Freight Zone, No-Park or Handicapped spaces. The vehicle tag number will serve as your permit credential. Permits issued to Federal, State, County and City vehicles may be valid for up to one (1) calendar year at a cost of $156.00 per permit. Permits issued to public utility companies will be valid for a maximum of six (6) months at a cost of $117.00 per permit.
- Mesa: Mesa doesn't require a parking permit for your move however, it's still a good idea to double check with the City of Mesa. Also, be aware of any HOA or building rules that you should know before your move day.
Car insurance requirements
- Tampa: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- Mesa: 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
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- Mesa: 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
- Tampa: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- Mesa: 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 Tampa to Mesa?
The cost to ship a car from Tampa, FL to Mesa, 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 Tampa to Mesa will range from $1,505 to $2,413.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tampa to Mesa?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,155 miles from Tampa to Mesa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tampa to Mesa?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tampa to Mesa. 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 Tampa to Mesa?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Tampa to Mesa 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 2,155-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.
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