Best Car Shipping Companies in Michigan (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: We picked Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Michigan after weighing price, services, and customer reviews. They scored 4.7 out of 5 stars from our team. Several factors affect pricing, but on average, you can expect to pay between $603 and $1,321 to ship your car from Michigan.
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Key takeaways
- About 80.3% of auto transport companies in Michigan use open carriers—the most affordable and popular way to ship your car.
- Just 23% of car shippers in Michigan actually guarantee delivery dates. If you’re working with a specific deadline, you’ll want to go with 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
We’ve dedicated over 400 hours to gathering and analyzing exclusive data on car shipping, including pricing. By constantly reviewing this info, we make sure you get up-to-date, impartial recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
Planning to ship your car from Detroit or anywhere else in Michigan? Check out our top choices for reliable auto shippers below:
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. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- 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
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
Detroit Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a well-rated car shipping company offering a plethora of specialized services, including transportation for inoperable cars, classic cars, motorcycles, trailers, and even RVs. With a stellar Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the BBB, the company is recognized for its top-notch service and reliability. Customers can also benefit from expedited delivery and detailed inspection reports, ensuring a seamless shipping experience.
However, for those looking to use cryptocurrency for payments or seeking guaranteed delivery, Detroit Auto Shipping Group may not be the ideal choice as these services are not offered. Despite this, their comprehensive array of options and strong industry ratings make them a reliable choice for vehicle transport needs.
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
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc (DOT: 681284) is a reputable car shipping company known for its high customer satisfaction, boasting a stellar Yelp rating of 5.0, a solid 4.0 rating on Google, and an impressive A+ rating with the BBB. They offer specialized services such as classic car shipping, electric vehicle transport, and enclosed and open transport options. The company is also fully insured and provides services for cars that don’t run, ensuring safe and comprehensive coverage for your vehicle shipping needs. However, it is worth noting that First Choice Of Elkhart Inc does not offer expedited delivery services, which might be a consideration for customers needing swift transport solutions.
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
Direct Connect Auto Transport (DOT: 2244227) is a highly-rated car shipping company with a Google rating of 5.0 and a BBB rating of A+. They specialize in a variety of services including interstate shipping, international shipping, and transport for classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even heavy equipment.
The company ensures a damage-free guarantee for the vehicles they transport and offers options like open and enclosed transport. They also accommodate cars that don’t run, providing flexibility for customers with various needs. However, they do not offer expedited delivery, which may be a drawback for those needing fast service.
While they provide multiple convenient payment options, including cash, credit card, and money order, they do not accept cryptocurrency. Despite offering many discounts, such as for military personnel, they do not provide discounts for seniors, students, or AAA members.
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
Great Lakes Logistics Llc (DOT: 2951078) is a car shipping business known for providing a variety of transport options, including interstate shipping, motorcycle shipping, RV shipping, and electric vehicle shipping. Despite their strong range of services, they do not currently offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers.
They have received a Google rating of 3.8 and a BBB rating of A+, though they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp. The company offers expedited delivery and provides shipment tracking, ensuring customers stay informed about their vehicle’s status.
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
Jack Cooper Transport
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) is a reputable car shipping company that boasts a Google rating of 4.1 and a BBB rating of A-. They offer a variety of services including boat shipping, motorcycle shipping, RV shipping, and damage-free guarantees. Their expedited delivery options ensure timely shipments for urgent needs.
However, Jack Cooper Transport does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or transport services for inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some customers. Despite this, their comprehensive insurance and multi-car transport services make them a reliable choice for many shipping needs.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Local car shippers in Michigan cities
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average cost of transporting a car out of MI
If you’re moving your car from Michigan to another state, expect to pay around $854. Your actual price might be higher or lower based on things like the transport distance and whether you pick open or enclosed shipping.
To give you a better idea, here are some examples:
- Short trips (under 500 miles): $380 to $878
- Medium hauls (500-1,500 miles): $607 to $1099
- Long moves (over 1,500 miles): $791 to $1,318
Check out these sample rates for shipping your vehicle from the Wolverine State:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan to North Carolina | $1,038 | $1,583 |
| Michigan to Arizona | $1,639 | $2,318 |
| Michigan to Colorado | $1,247 | $1,921 |
| Michigan to Georgia | $1,019 | $1,549 |
| Michigan to New York | $1,051 | $1,515 |
| California to Michigan | $1,663 | $2,800 |
| Florida to Michigan | $1,336 | $2,017 |
| Texas to Michigan | $1,247 | $1,998 |
| Ohio to Michigan | $734 | $946 |
| Illinois to Michigan | $788 | $1,068 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Michigan:
- Distance matters: Shipping a car locally in Michigan or to a nearby state is usually easier on your wallet than a cross-country haul.
- 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.
- Type of vehicle: The make, model, and year of your car play a big role. Smaller vehicles are less expensive to ship, but classic or specialty cars, especially those needing TLC, tend to cost more.
- Shipping type: You can choose between open-air (more budget-friendly) or enclosed carriers, which are great if you want extra weather protection for your car at a higher cost. Consider what works best for unpredictable Michigan conditions.
- Fuel prices: Gas prices in Michigan change often and can impact your final shipping cost, especially on long-distance moves.
- How fast you need it: Rush jobs and guaranteed delivery dates generally come with a higher price tag.
- 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 a precise estimate? Try our car shipping calculator. And take a look at all the popular Michigan car shipping routes for more details.
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 mandates that new residents must quickly title and register their vehicles, without any grace period. A person is a resident if they live in the state and can prove their legal presence in the US. To meet these requirements, new residents need to go to a Secretary of State office to get a Michigan driver’s license, title, and registration as soon as they move in.
Does Michigan require a vehicle inspection?
Michigan doesn’t require vehicle inspections for registration. The state has no rules for car safety checks or emissions testing.
Does Michigan’s weather impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Michigan. Michigan has a continental climate with two distinct regions. The southern and central Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and southward from Grand Rapids) experience a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. In contrast, the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula have harsher climates (Köppen Dfb), with shorter warm summers and longer cold winters. Some areas see average high temperatures below freezing from December to February, extending into early March in the far north. Heavy lake-effect snow is common from winter through mid-February. The state experiences about 30 days of thunderstorms each year, particularly severe in the south. Michigan also averages 17 tornadoes per year, mostly in the extreme southern areas.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Michigan?
Delivery times for car shipping in Michigan depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days.
Factors like traffic, weather conditions in Michigan, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular 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?
In Michigan, you must have at least $50,000/$100,000 in auto insurance for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage if you get in an accident.
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