($1,363) Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Mesa, AZ

Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,973 miles from Detroit, Michigan, to Mesa, Arizona, typically costs between $1,363 and $2,050. 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Mesa to Detroit car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Detroit to Mesa car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Detroit to Mesa:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Detroit

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Detroit, MI:

  1. Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
  4. Awesome Auto Transporters LLC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
  5. Direct Connect Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars

Detroit Auto Shipping Group

100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Jack Cooper Transport

2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0
Get a Quote (313) 982-1130

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Great Lakes Logistics Llc

9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0

Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.

Get a Quote (734) 992-8918

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Awesome Auto Transporters LLC

6444 London St, Detroit, MI 48221 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0

Customers are exceptionally satisfied with the company overall, frequent praise aligns toward professionalism, reliability, and convenient pricing, characteristic of this mall but truly competent enterprise.

Get a Quote (888) 950-7447

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Direct Connect Auto Transport

607 Shelby St Suite 700, Detroit, MI 48226 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

The company delivers an efficient and reliable car shipping service. Customers appreciated the experience with no significant negative reports.

Get a Quote (800) 980-2222

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2244227

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 MI to AZ

Getting your car from Detroit 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 Detroit 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

There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,973-mile drive from Detroit to Mesa 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

Having a driver transport your car from Michigan to Arizona is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Detroit to Mesa. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Mesa—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Detroit to Mesa car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Detroit to Mesa, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Detroit to Mesa, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Detroit are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Mesa? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Detroit 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 Mesa 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 1,973 miles from Detroit to Mesa will cost more than a shorter move within Michigan.

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 patterns in Detroit and Mesa often affect the cost of auto transport.

Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.

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.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Detroit to Mesa in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,973-mile journey from Detroit to Mesa makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Detroit to Mesa is three to eleven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing Detroit and Mesa vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Detroit: Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
  • 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

  • Detroit: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
  • 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

  • Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
  • 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

  • Detroit: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
  • 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 Detroit to Mesa?

The cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit to Mesa will range from $1,363 to $2,050.

How long will it take to ship my car from Detroit to Mesa?

It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,973 miles from Detroit to Mesa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Detroit to Mesa?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Detroit 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 Detroit to Mesa?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Detroit 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 1,973-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.

Helpful Detroit resources