Shipping a Car from Phoenix, AZ to Montgomery, AL
Ship from Phoenix and the car covers about 1,777 miles heading east to Montgomery, across seven states, from Arizona to Alabama. Allow 3–5 days after pickup, in line with roughly 36 hours of highway time. Volume is middling, so most customers find a carrier without much waiting.
What Phoenix to Montgomery Costs
A sedan on an open trailer is priced at roughly $890–$1,245 on this lane, or $0.60 for each of the 1,777 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($1,290–$1,805), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $995–$1,395. For scale, San Antonio, TX to San Jose, CA is a similar 1,714-mile move at $855–$1,200. Delivery to Birmingham, 100 miles from Montgomery, would be $865–$1,210.
| Service | Car Type | Typical Price | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $890–$1,245 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $995–$1,395 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Open | Minivan | $995–$1,395 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,290–$1,805 | High-value or low cars |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
Montgomery has a large military community, so summer permanent-change-of-station season (about May to August) tightens carrier space. High Plains winter storms and spring thunderstorms are the main weather risks, so late spring and early fall are calmest. From June to November, tropical weather can force carriers to reroute near the coast, so leave a few spare days. Desert heat rarely stops trucks, but midday loading can be hard, so early-morning pickups are common. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 1,777 miles. Across Arizona expect desert heat above 110°F in summer and snow near Flagstaff on I-40; across Alabama, humid summers and Gulf storm risk near the coast.
The Route and Corridor
Along the way the route touches Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. In Texas, I-35, I-10, I-45, I-20 and I-40 cross a state where El Paso to Houston is about 750 miles. Mississippi: I-55, I-20 and I-59 carry through freight. In New Mexico, I-25, I-40 and I-10 climb above 5,000 feet in places. Metros near that straight-line path include Dallas (TX) and Jackson (MS), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. Pickup is on Mountain time and delivery on Central time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Phoenix. Trucks working Phoenix lean on I-10 and I-17. Sun Belt hub on I-10/I-17 and the nation's top snowbird destination in winter. Drivers often use the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport area as a staging reference.
Delivery in Montgomery. The main approaches to Montgomery are I-65 and I-85. Alabama's capital on I-65/I-85, home to Maxwell Air Force Base. Montgomery Regional Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Phoenix and again in Montgomery, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Mention military orders. Service members should say so when quoting; some carriers hold space for orders-driven moves.
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $890–$1,245 fits most cars; enclosed at $1,290–$1,805 suits luxury, classic or low cars.