Shipping Your Car to Arizona for the Winter: A Snowbird's Guide
Wintering in Phoenix, Scottsdale or Tucson? How to ship your car to Arizona door-to-door, typical transit and when to book. Get a free quote.
Sunny days, golf and no snow shovels: there's a reason Arizona fills up with snowbirds every winter. Getting there by car means days on the road. Car shipping to Arizona lets you fly in and find your car waiting at your seasonal home.
Arizona snowbird season
Like Florida, Arizona has two big snowbird waves:
- Heading south: about October through January. Northern and Midwest drivers ship to Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson.
- Heading home: about March through May. The same cars go back north.
Carriers follow that demand, so trucks heading into Arizona fill up during the fall. Booking early is the best way to get the dates you want. For the full seasonal picture, read our snowbird car shipping guide.
Common origins (NY, IL, MN, WA)
- New York and the Northeast: New York to Arizona car shipping is a true cross-country trip, so plan ahead
- Illinois and the Chicago area: a frequent origin for Phoenix-bound snowbirds
- Minnesota and the Upper Midwest: popular with snowbirds escaping the coldest months
- Washington and the Pacific Northwest: shorter and well traveled
Rural pickups are fine. Just allow a slightly wider pickup window.
Typical transit
Arizona routes are longer than most Florida lanes, so transit takes a bit more time:
- Pacific Northwest and the Midwest: typically about 4 to 7 days after pickup
- New York and the Northeast: typically about 6 to 9 days after pickup
Winter weather along northern routes can add a day or two, so a little flexibility helps.
Destinations
- Phoenix metro: Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Sun City and Surprise
- Scottsdale: a top choice if you want to ship a car to Scottsdale for winter
- Tucson and Green Valley
- Yuma and Lake Havasu City
Many retirement and gated communities have access rules or narrow streets. If a large carrier can't reach your door, the driver may meet you at a nearby accessible spot. Let us know about gate codes when you book.
Booking tips
- Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead, and earlier before Thanksgiving and the holidays
- Give a pickup window of a few days instead of one exact date
- Plan who will be present at pickup and delivery
- Choose open transport for the best value, or enclosed for a classic, convertible or low-clearance car
Every shipment goes with an FMCSA-verified carrier whose insurance we verify before pickup, and the car's condition is recorded on the Bill of Lading. See how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many snowbirds book the return trip for March through May.
Yes. Any adult you authorize can inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading at delivery.
It's best not to. Personal items aren't covered by carrier insurance and add weight.
Ready to ship your car?
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