Seasonal
Shipping a Car to Arizona for the Winter: A Snowbird Guide from the Midwest
Wintering in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa or Tucson? When to book car shipping to Arizona from the Midwest, transit times, and how to prep the car.
Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson: Arizona is one of the two big winter homes for Midwest snowbirds. If you're heading out this season, having your own car waiting for you makes the whole winter easier. Here's how to plan it.
Velocity Logistics is a licensed motor carrier based in Indianapolis, and we haul nationwide.
When to book
- Heading west (October to December): book two to three weeks before you leave. This is the busy season, and earlier means more pickup dates.
- Heading home (March to May): book in February or early March, before the spring rush.
- Want the car there when you land? Schedule pickup about 10 days before you need the car, or plan a rental for the first few days.
Where we pick up and deliver
Pickup: anywhere in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio, and the rest of the lower 48. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago and its suburbs, Columbus, Cincinnati.
Delivery: door to door across Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Sun City, Surprise, Tucson, Green Valley and Yuma. Gated communities and 55+ communities are fine. Send the gate code, or the driver sets a meeting spot at the entrance.
Who hauls your car
On the Midwest to Arizona route, your car usually rides with a vetted partner carrier through our licensed broker partner. Velocity stays your one point of contact from quote to delivery, and we tell you who is hauling before pickup.
How long it takes
Indianapolis to Phoenix is about 1,700 miles. Once loaded, typical times:
- Indiana or Illinois to Phoenix: about four to six days
- Michigan or Ohio to Phoenix: about five to seven days
- To Tucson: add about a day
More on timing in how long it takes to ship a car.
What it costs
Price depends on the vehicle, open or enclosed transport, and the week. Our Indianapolis to Phoenix page shows live prices. Your written, all-in quote is the number that counts.
Prep the car before you leave
- Wash it so the inspection photos are clear.
- Take your own photos from every side.
- Remove valuables, toll tags and garage openers. Our agreement allows up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or rear cargo area, below the windows, at your own risk.
- Leave about a quarter tank.
- Check the battery, tires and coolant. Desert heat is hard on weak batteries.
- Keep insurance and registration current.
Our pre-shipment checklist covers the inspection step by step.
Shipping two cars?
Many snowbird households ship two cars. Tell us when you book, so both can be scheduled together.
Florida instead?
Heading southeast? See our Indiana to Florida snowbird timeline and the full snowbird car shipping guide.
The bottom line
Book two to three weeks ahead, plan about four to six days on the road from the Midwest, and prep the car before you leave. Request a quote with your pickup and Arizona addresses, and we'll handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book car shipping to Arizona for the winter?
Two to three weeks before you plan to leave. October through December is the busiest time heading west, so earlier gives you more pickup dates. For the trip home, book in February or early March.
How long does it take to ship a car from Indiana to Arizona?
Once your car is loaded, Indiana to Phoenix is usually about four to six days. Michigan and Ohio add a little time. Dispatch confirms a pickup window when you book.
Do your own trucks run to Arizona?
On this route your car usually rides with a vetted partner carrier through our licensed broker partner. Velocity stays your point of contact from quote to delivery, and we tell you who is hauling before pickup.
Where in Arizona do you deliver?
Door to door anywhere in Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Sun City, Surprise, Tucson, Green Valley and Yuma. Gated communities are fine with a gate code or a meeting spot.
Can you ship my car back to the Midwest in the spring?
Yes. Book the return trip in February or early March so it's set before the spring rush.
