Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Arizona to California is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:

Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box, trunk, and console. Carriers aren’t responsible for personal property.

Clean your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the inspection.

Document existing damage: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup. Note any scratches, dents, or other issues.

Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and brake fluid. Make sure your battery is charged.

Remove or secure loose parts: Take off custom accessories, spoilers, or anything that might fall off. Secure or remove toll passes, GPS units, and phone chargers.

Have keys ready: Provide one set of working keys to the driver. Keep a spare for yourself.

For complete preparation details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth shipping experience from Arizona to California.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Arizona to California. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your car ships, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.

What this means for you: If damage occurs during your Arizona to California shipment, the carrier’s insurance covers repairs or replacement costs. You’ll receive insurance documentation before pickup, so you have all the details upfront.

Our insurance requirements exceed industry standards, giving you peace of mind for your cross-state move from Arizona to California.

We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Arizona to California at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.

Here’s why advance booking helps:

• Better pricing: Carriers can group your car with other shipments heading to California
• More pickup options: You’ll have flexible dates to choose from
• Avoid rush fees: Last-minute bookings often cost more

For peak moving seasons (summer and fall), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. Arizona to California is a popular route, so early planning ensures your car ships when you need it.

Need to ship right away? We offer expedited services, though they come at a higher cost. Contact us to discuss your timeline and options.

No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.

We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.

Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.

Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.

Open auto transport uses open trailers that expose your car to weather and road debris. It’s the most popular choice because it costs less and works well for most vehicles.

Enclosed auto transport puts your car inside a covered trailer for full protection. This costs 30-50% more than open transport but keeps your vehicle safe from weather, dust, and road debris.

Choose open transport if: You have a standard car and want to save money. Most cars shipped from Arizona to California use open trailers without problems.

Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, or custom car with special paint. The extra cost is worth it for high-value vehicles.

Both options are safe and reliable. Your choice depends on your budget and how much protection your car needs. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details.

Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door service for car shipping from Arizona to California. This means we pick up your vehicle at your home or office and deliver it directly to your new address.

When you book with us, simply provide your pickup address in Arizona and delivery address in California. Our carrier will come to these exact locations whenever possible. This saves you time and hassle – no need to drive to a terminal or meet at a distant location.

In some cases, large trucks cannot access certain streets due to low bridges, narrow roads, or local restrictions. If this happens, our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby spot like a shopping center or gas station. We always prioritize the safety of your vehicle and follow all local traffic laws.

Door-to-door service is included in most of our Arizona to California shipping quotes at no extra cost. It’s one of the many ways we make your cross-state move as smooth as possible.

Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.

While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.

Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!