($813) Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Tempe, AZ
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,003 miles from Austin, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona, generally falls between $813 and $1,327. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe to Austin 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 Austin to Tempe car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Austin to Tempe:
- 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 Austin
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Austin, TX:
- San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- National Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Transport Austin: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Flix Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Linus Auto Transport: 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 TX to AZ
When you’re moving from Austin to Tempe, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Austin to Tempe, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,003 miles from Austin to Tempe might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Texas to Arizona, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Austin to Tempe safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Tempe. 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 Austin to Tempe car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Austin to Tempe, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Austin to Tempe, 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 Tempe, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Austin is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Tempe will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 1,003 miles from Austin to Tempe will cost more than a shorter move within Texas.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in Austin and Tempe play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Austin has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
Tempe has very hot summers and little rainfall.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Austin to Tempe in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,003-mile journey from Austin to Tempe 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 Austin to Tempe typically takes between two and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Austin and Tempe vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Austin: If you are temporarily loading or unloading non-construction materials or if you need to place a temporary storage device in the right of way, you will need a parking permit.
- Tempe: The oversize/overweight vehicle policy allows legal travel on City right-of-way for oversize/overweight (OS/OW) vehicle loads. Special permit requests must be received by the City at least two working days prior to the need for issuance of the permit. Application fee for excess size - $18.98
Car insurance requirements
- Austin: 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.
- Tempe: 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
- Austin: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Tempe: 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
- Austin: 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.
- Tempe: 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 Austin to Tempe?
The cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Tempe, 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 Austin to Tempe will range from $813 to $1,327.
How long will it take to ship my car from Austin to Tempe?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,003 miles from Austin to Tempe. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Austin to Tempe?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Austin to Tempe. 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 Austin to Tempe?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Austin to Tempe 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 1,003-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.
5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US
8610 N New Braunfels Ave Suite S-607, San Antonio, TX 78217 US
1704 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701 US