Shipping a car from Dallas to Phoenix generally costs $950 to $1,400 for open transport and $1,300 to $1,800 for enclosed transport, covering approximately 1,050 to 1,100 miles via I-20 and I-10. Standard transit time is 3 to 5 days, though summer heat and holiday demand can extend delivery to 6 to 7 days.
This high-traffic Sun Belt route sees consistent year-round demand from corporate relocations, real estate investors, and snowbirds. Peak seasons can increase rates up to 15 to 20%, so we recommend booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Enclosed transport is advised for luxury vehicles during extreme summer heat.
Why Is Dallas to Phoenix a High-Volume Sun Belt Corridor?
Dallas and Phoenix are among the fastest-growing metros in the United States. Between these two cities lies one of the busiest car shipping routes in the Southwest. With Dallas–Fort Worth home to over 7.6 million people and Phoenix nearing 5 million, demand for relocation and vehicle transport stays strong year-round.
Corporate transfers drive substantial volume as tech, finance, and healthcare firms relocate employees between these cities. Real estate investors and seasonal snowbirds also add to the demand, particularly from October through December.
The popularity of this route stems from business-friendly environments, favorable tax structures in both states, and lifestyle appeal. Phoenix offers desert landscapes and outdoor recreation, whereas Dallas provides urban amenities and central U.S. connectivity.
Add competitive pricing and steady availability to this equation, and you get a reliable Dallas to Phoenix car shipping route that carriers know they can rely on.
How Much Does Dallas to Phoenix Car Shipping Cost?
The journey of 1,050 miles from North Texas to the Valley of the Sun involves several variables that influence the final pricing.
Listed below are the standard prices you can expect to pay for door-to-door service in 2025. Still, expect to pay 15 to 20% more during the summer and winter holidays.
|
Vehicle Type |
Open Transport |
Enclosed Transport |
Rush/Guaranteed Service |
|
Sedan/Compact |
$950 – $1,150 |
$1,300 – $1,500 |
$1,200 – $1,400 |
|
SUV/Truck |
$1,050 – $1,250 |
$1,450 – $1,650 |
$1,300 – $1,500 |
|
Luxury/Classic |
$1,150 – $1,400 |
$1,550 – $1,800 |
$1,450 – $1,700 |
Factors Influencing Dallas Phoenix Car Transport Cost
Several things factor into what you will end up paying. The route and distance matter the most. However, the I-20 to I-10 route is direct and efficient, which helps keep costs down.
Your vehicle type plays a role too. Shipping a truck or SUV costs more since they take up more space, and any custom modifications might add extra charges.
The Texas to Arizona auto-transport method you choose will have an influence as well. Open transport is cheaper and works fine for most vehicles, but enclosed trailers are better if you own a luxury or delicate vehicle.
Demand fluctuates throughout the year, so expect higher prices during the summer and around holidays. Lastly, if you are in a rush or need guaranteed pickup dates, that convenience usually adds around 20 to 30% to the standard price.
How Long Does Dallas to Phoenix Car Shipping Take?
The usual route heads west on I-20 from Dallas, passing through Fort Worth and Abilene before merging onto I-10 West near where Texas meets New Mexico. From there, it’s a straight shot through southern New Mexico into Phoenix.
If needed, there is an alternate route through El Paso that doesn’t add much mileage. It’s perfect for when the weather turns bad or roads get closed. Professional carriers have their go-to fuel and rest stops mapped out along these routes to keep everything on track.
Expect Dallas to Phoenix car shipping to take 3 to 5 days under normal conditions. It’s the standard window and gives you some breathing room if your schedule is flexible.
A few things can slow delivery down, including the desert heat, traffic congestion, and occasional checkpoint stops. When temperatures climb past 110°F in summer, carriers often ship overnight or during early morning/late evening hours.
If you are in a hurry, expedited services can cut that down to 2 or 3 days, which is clutch for urgent relocations or quick sales. However, you would have to book a carrier in advance.
Traffic in Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix can get pretty heavy during rush hour, so having some flexibility helps. And while state line inspections usually go quickly for commercial haulers, you might run into a minor delay every now and then.
How Do Seasons Affect Texas to Arizona Auto-Transport?
Dallas to Phoenix car shipping has its ebbs and flows throughout the year, mostly tied to weather and migration patterns.
The summer season in June through August is the most brutal heat-wise. If you are shipping a luxury car or temperature-sensitive vehicle, it is worth considering enclosed transport. This is also when corporate moves pick up since families are working around school schedules. Plus, you might see some delays from monsoon storms rolling through southern New Mexico and Arizona.
The fall season is probably the prime time to ship a car from Dallas to Phoenix. The weather is pleasant, demand remains balanced, and everything flows well. Around October, snowbirds start heading west for winter, so you will notice more westbound shipping requests.
Winter itself gets busy during the December to February holidays. Still, the weather is not too extreme, so deliveries stay reliable. Spring brings the reverse migration as snowbirds return east. It’s a good window with solid availability before summer heat affects cost and scheduling.
What is the Best Transport Option for Desert Routes?
Open Transport
If you are shipping a standard vehicle and want to save money, open transport is your best bet. It’s the most affordable option, schedules fill up quickly, and it handles most cars without issues.
However, your vehicle remains exposed to sun, dust, and temperature changes during transit. For everyday cars, it’s totally fine, but luxury or classic vehicles deserve better protection.
Enclosed Transport
This is the premium option that shields your car from weather, debris, and temperature extremes. Insurance coverage is usually higher, which matters when you are moving something valuable.
It is perfect for luxury cars or classic vehicles. Yes, it costs more and there are fewer carriers who offer it, but when you are shipping something high-end, that peace of mind is worth it.
How Can You Prepare Your Car for Desert Route Shipping?
Clean your vehicle thoroughly to make damage assessment easier. Take dated photos from every angle, capturing any scratches, dents, or areas vulnerable to heat. Clear out personal items because they are not covered by the carrier’s insurance.
Make sure that all mechanical elements are in perfect working condition for safe loading. Keep fuel at 1/4 tank or below and turn off alarms to preserve battery. Verify tire pressure and fluid levels to prevent issues from temperature fluctuations.
Remove heat-sensitive items from your car. Use protective covers on dashboards and leather seats during summer, especially via open transport. Test all electronics beforehand, as extreme heat can sometimes expose electrical issues.
Auto-Shipping Documentation
- Valid ID and vehicle registration for pickup and delivery verification.
- Proof of ownership or lienholder authorization if your vehicle is on loan or lease.
- Insurance information, even with carrier-provided transit coverage.
- Power of attorney if someone other than the owner will handle pickup or delivery.
How to Coordinate Vehicle Pickup in Dallas?
Pickups across Dallas-Fort Worth cover a lot of ground. North Dallas and Plano handle tons of corporate moves, whereas Fort Worth suburbs like Arlington and Grapevine stay busy. East Dallas areas like Lakewood are popular pickup zones, and the DFW Airport vicinity serves high-rise and gated community residents well.
Traffic is a real factor here! I-35E, I-635, and the Dallas North Tollway get congested, so being flexible with your pickup window helps a lot.
If you live in a high-rise or apartment building, carriers often need to arrange an alternative meeting spot. And if you are in one of the newer suburbs, watch out for HOA restrictions that might not allow commercial vehicles into the neighborhood.
What Are the Main Phoenix Car Shipping Destinations?
Around Phoenix, delivery destinations vary quite a bit. Scottsdale sees plenty of high-end vehicle moves, while Tempe and Chandler are hot spots for tech industry relocations.
North Phoenix and Anthem cater to families, and West Valley cities like Glendale and Peoria attract corporate transfers and cost-conscious movers. Because of the desert heat, deliveries happen early morning or late evening to avoid the worst of it.
If you are in a gated community, get your access approval sorted out ahead of time. And if you are in one of the mountainous suburbs like Ahwatukee or Paradise Valley, you need a carrier that can handle steep inclines and narrow roads.
How to Optimize Dallas to Phoenix Car Transport Costs?
Time your shipment during the shoulder seasons when the weather is average and demand isn’t crazy. Open transport is usually your most budget-friendly bet unless you really need that extra protection for your vehicle.
If terminal-to-terminal deliveries work for you, that can eliminate $50 to $100 from your bill. Being flexible with a 3 to 5 day pickup window offers more room for carriers to group shipments together, which means better rates for you.
Compare quotes from a few reputable carriers, and look into bundling services if you are shipping multiple vehicles. Additionally, try to book during off-peak times to cut down on overall shipping costs.
Dallas to Phoenix Car Shipping with Direct Connect
For Texas to Arizona auto transport, Direct Connect Auto Transport is the way to go. Our Southwest shipping expertise and service excellence have you covered.
Our carrier network has incredible experience with shipping through desert routes and metropolitan areas. We have also built strong relationships with the best transporters who run this corridor regularly. Plus, we specialize in corporate relocations in coordination with HR teams and corporate housing services.
You get transparent pricing with all fees upfront with no hidden charges or surprises at delivery. Plus, real-time tracking keeps you updated throughout the process.
Our support team instantly handles all your queries since they know Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix metro logistics well. We also offer flexible scheduling to work around corporate start dates, lease transitions, and unpredictable real estate closings.
How to Book Texas to Arizona Auto-Transport?
Dallas to Phoenix car shipping requires only a few simple steps.
- Request Your Quote
Use our online calculator or call our team. Provide pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle make/model/year, and preferred transport type.
- Review Your Options
Compare open vs enclosed transport, door-to-door vs terminal service, and standard vs guaranteed delivery timing. We will explain the trade-offs for each choice.
- Reserve Your Spot
Place a small deposit to secure your preferred carrier and pickup window. Most bookings require just 10 to 20% in advance.
- Prepare Your Vehicle
Clean your car thoroughly, remove personal items, and document its condition with photos.
- Coordinate Pickup
Review and sign the Bill of Lading as per your vehicle’s conditions, and hand over the keys for auto-transport.
- Track and Receive
Track the shipment throughout, and oversee the final delivery in Phoenix with a thorough inspection.
Ready to Ship Your Car from Dallas to Phoenix?
Dallas to Phoenix car shipping has never been easier. With Direct Connect Auto Transport, you get reliable service, clear pricing, and expert handling from pickup to delivery.
Get started now with a free Dallas to Phoenix car shipping quote.
For more information, learn about our Texas car shipping services or explore Arizona auto transport options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Dallas to Phoenix?
Shipping costs range from $950 to $1,400 for open transport and $1,300 to $1,800 for enclosed transport, depending on vehicle type and season. Peak summer and holiday periods add 15 to 20% to base rates.
How long does Dallas to Phoenix car shipping take?
Standard service delivers within 3 to 5 days under normal conditions. Summer heat or holiday traffic may extend timelines to 6 to 7 days. Expedited service can reduce transit to 2 to 3 days with advance booking.
What is the best time of year for Dallas to Phoenix car shipping?
Fall (September-November) and spring (March-May) offer optimal conditions with moderate weather, good availability, and competitive pricing.
Should I use enclosed transport for this route?
Enclosed transport makes sense for luxury vehicles, classic cars, or summer shipments when extreme heat poses risks to paint and interiors. Most standard vehicles ship safely on open carriers year-round.
Can you deliver to specific Phoenix suburbs?
Yes, we deliver throughout the Phoenix metro area including Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and Anthem.
What happens if my car is delayed?
Reputable carriers maintain communication throughout delays caused by weather, traffic, or mechanical issues. Most weather-related delays add 1 to 2 days to original estimates.
Do you offer corporate relocation services?
Yes, Direct Connect works with HR departments and relocation managers to coordinate employee vehicle shipping, including volume pricing for multiple relocations and flexible scheduling around start dates.
How far in advance should I book?
Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead during moderate seasons and 3 to 4 weeks during summer or holiday periods. Last-minute bookings may incur rush fees and have limited carrier availability.