10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Michigan (2026 Cost Guide)
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Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Michigan, giving them 4.7 out of 5 stars. While there are several factors that will impact cost, the average range is between $751 to $1,316 to ship your car out of Michigan.
Michigan Car Shipping Facts
- 59% of auto transport providers in Michigan use open carriers, the most common and affordable way to move a vehicle.
- 75% of Michigan car shipping companies offer enclosed transport for added protection.
- Just 28% of auto shippers nationwide provide guaranteed delivery. If your move requires a set arrival date, we recommend Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Michigan
Our research team has analyzed 613 auto transport providers nationwide, putting in more than 400 hours of work. That includes 32 companies serving MI. Using this extensive dataset, we create accurate, fact-driven recommendations so you can confidently choose from the best car shipping companies nearby.
Need to ship a car from Detroit or anywhere else in Michigan? Check out our top choices for auto transport in the area:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company's transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn't ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI, 48226
https://autoshippinggroup.com
Detroit Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a highly rated car shipping company with a perfect Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Although the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp, it offers a wide range of services including interstate, international, and classic car shipping, as well as options for transporting motorcycles, trailers, RVs, and ATVs.
They provide a damage-free guarantee, fully insured shipments, and detailed inspection reports, ensuring peace of mind for their customers. While Detroit Auto Shipping Group does not offer electric vehicle or heavy equipment shipping, it does facilitate the transport of inoperable cars, which is convenient for owners of vehicles that don't run.
One potential downside is that they do not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method. However, the company compensates for this by not requiring a deposit for their services, making the payment process straightforward for clients.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI, 49099
http://firstchoiceautotransport.com
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc (DOT: 681284) is an active car shipping business known for its reliability in transporting classic and electric vehicles. It boasts a strong presence in the industry with a Google rating of 4.0 and an impeccable A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although its Yelp rating is a low 1.0.
While the company provides services such as interstate transport, inoperable car transport, and both open and enclosed transport options, it does not offer international shipping, which may be a drawback for customers looking to ship vehicles overseas. First Choice Of Elkhart Inc further supports military personnel by providing a military discount, making it an attractive option for those serving in the armed forces.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Direct Connect Auto Transport
607 Shelby St Suite 700, Detroit, MI, 48226
https://directconnectautotransport.com
Direct Connect Auto Transport (DOT: 2244227) offers a comprehensive range of shipping services, including shipping for inoperable cars, boats, and RVs. They proudly hold a top-notch Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, showcasing their reliability and quality service.
The company provides both open and enclosed transport options to meet varied customer needs. However, they do not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, which might be a drawback for some customers seeking this specific service.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI, 48174
http://greatlakeslogistics.net
Great Lakes Logistics Llc (DOT: 2951078) specializes in a variety of car shipping services, including classic car transportation, motorcycle shipping, and electric vehicle transport, catering to a diverse client base. Customers will find peace of mind with their shipment tracking feature, though the company does not offer a damage-free guarantee or fully insured services, which some may see as a downside.
Great Lakes Logistics has achieved a solid Google rating of 3.8 and boasts an impressive BBB rating of A+. However, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. They stand out with options like expedited delivery and inoperable car transport, though they do not support international shipping or accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
ACI Transport
ACI Transport (DOT: 2971774) is a reputable car shipping company known for its range of specialized services. They offer enclosed transport and inoperable car transport, making them a great choice for customers needing to ship classic cars or cars that don’t run. While the company excels in offering services like international shipping and providing detailed inspection reports, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers.
ACI Transport boasts a Google rating of 3.9 and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction. However, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. Additionally, they offer discounts to military personnel, further enhancing their appeal to this customer segment.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Average cost of transporting a car out of MI
If you're moving a car from Michigan to another state, you'll typically pay between $751 and $1,316. Your actual cost could vary depending on the total distance and whether your car travels on an open carrier or in an enclosed trailer.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $571 and $804
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $835 and $1,148
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,143 and $1,293
Check out these typical price ranges by distance:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan to Texas | $1,185 | $1,884 |
| Michigan to Illinois | $772 | $1,008 |
| Michigan to New York | $962 | $1,457 |
| Michigan to California | $1,566 | $2,693 |
| Michigan to North Carolina | $1,008 | $1,523 |
| Ohio to Michigan | $693 | $900 |
| Arizona to Michigan | $1,545 | $2,441 |
| Florida to Michigan | $1,260 | $1,865 |
| Georgia to Michigan | $1,050 | $1,551 |
| Pennsylvania to Michigan | $951 | $1,306 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Michigan:
- Your move distance: Distance is key. Shipping your car within Michigan or to neighboring states is generally more affordable than longer treks across the country.
- Where you're shipping from and to: Starting and ending points affect your price. Moves between major cities like Detroit tend to be more affordable, but rural or out-of-the-way areas in Michigan can bump up costs.
- Vehicle details: Your car's size and type affect the bottom line. Smaller cars tend to be more affordable to ship. If you own a classic or specialty vehicle in Michigan, expect to pay more for the extra attention and handling.
- Shipping style in the Wolverine State: Want to save cash? Open-air transport is the most budget-friendly, but if you're worried about Michigan's unpredictable weather or need extra protection, enclosed carriers are worth considering, even if they bump up your total cost.
- Gas prices: Don't forget fuel costs. Gas prices in Michigan can change quickly and might bump your car shipping price up, particularly if you're moving long distance.
- Delivery time frame: You'll ultimately pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Savings and discounts: Don't forget to ask about deals! Many Michigan auto shippers offer discounts for students, military, or people who are moving more than one vehicle. For more tips, see our guide to car shipping discounts.
Want the most accurate estimate for your move? Try our car shipping calculator. You can also compare all the popular Michigan car shipping routes here.
How to ship a car from Michigan
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Michigan.
- Estimate your shipping cost — Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Michigan typically costs $751–$1,316, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- Choose open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris — especially relevant given Michigan's weather patterns.
- Verify MC/DOT licensing — Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes — Compare at least three of the 32 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Michigan. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
- Book an off-peak ship date — Off-peak booking (fall through spring, mid-week dates) typically saves on total cost. From Michigan, local shipments arrive in 1–3 days; coast-to-coast routes commonly need 7–14 days.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Michigan?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Michigan, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Michigan?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Michigan will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn't always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in Michigan, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Michigan?
Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
Do Michigan car shippers offer discounts?
In Michigan, there are no car shippers that provide law enforcement discounts. Service members have 7 car shipper options with discounted pricing for active duty and veterans. College-bound shippers can find 1 company offering student discounts. AAA members won't find rebate programs from car shippers in Michigan.
Does Michigan require a vehicle inspection?
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Does weather in Michigan impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Michigan. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Michigan?
In Michigan, car shipping durations are largely governed by the shipment's distance and path. Deliveries that remain within state lines typically occur within one to three days. On the other hand, shipments that cover a greater distance, particularly cross-country routes, often require seven to 14 days.
Elements such as traffic patterns, local weather in Michigan, and the definite starting and destination points can impact these time estimates. It's advisable to talk to your shipping provider for an estimation that closely fits your precise needs.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in Michigan?
Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
