Best Car Shipping Companies in Michigan (2025 Cost Guide)
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 $717 to $1,270 to ship your car out of Michigan.
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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 612 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. 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 18 years in business and over one million 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, military, USAA members and AARP members
- Ships classic cars and motorcycles
Cons
- Doesn’t ship ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- 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 renowned for its impressive service offerings, including interstate and international shipping as well as transport services for RVs, trailers, motorcycles, and classic cars. They ensure peace of mind with damage-free guarantees, detailed inspection reports, and full insurance coverage. Google rates them highly with a score of 5.0, and they hold an A+ rating from the BBB, while they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp.
Despite their comprehensive service array, potential customers should note that Detroit Auto Shipping Group does not accept payment via money order or cash. While they proudly support military personnel with discounts, they do not offer discounts for seniors, teachers, or students. Clients in need will appreciate their capability to handle the transport of inoperable cars efficiently.
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
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
Great Lakes Logistics Llc (DOT: 2951078) is a versatile car shipping company that excels in transporting a variety of vehicles, including classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even inoperable cars. While they offer benefits such as multi-car transport and expedited delivery, some customers might find the lack of a damage-free guarantee and fully insured options a downside. Despite their comprehensive service offerings, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp, but it has a respectable 3.8 rating on Google and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customer convenience is prioritized with options like payment by credit card and shipment tracking, although international shipping services are not currently provided.
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
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Direct Connect Auto Transport (DOT: 2244227) is a car shipping company that offers an array of services, including the shipping of classic cars, motorcycles, and even inoperable vehicles. The company prides itself on providing a damage-free guarantee and ensuring all shipments are fully insured, adding an extra layer of confidence for customers. While they do not offer storage solutions, they do offer international and interstate shipping, catering to a wide range of shipping needs.
Direct Connect Auto Transport holds an impressive Google rating of 5.0 and a BBB rating of A+, although it appears they have yet to establish a presence on Yelp. For those looking for payment flexibility, the company accepts cash, money orders, and credit cards, but does not accept cryptocurrency. Despite the lack of a senior discount, they do provide discounts for military personnel, offering further incentives for specific customer groups.
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
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc (DOT: 681284) is a reputable car shipping business that specializes in a range of transport services, including options for both open and enclosed transport, as well as shipments of electric vehicles and inoperable cars. Their excellent service is underscored by a perfect Yelp rating of 5.0, a strong Google rating of 4.0, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
While they are fully insured, offer military discounts, and do not require a deposit, it may be a downside for some customers that they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or expedited delivery services. Nonetheless, First Choice Of Elkhart Inc remains a solid option for those seeking reliable vehicle transportation services.
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
Jack Cooper Transport
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) offers a range of car shipping services, including expedited delivery and motorcycle and RV shipping. The company prides itself on being fully insured and provides a damage-free guarantee, though they do not provide services for inoperable cars or international shipping. While Jack Cooper Transport maintains a decent reputation with a Google rating of 4.1 and a BBB rating of A-, they have yet to establish visible ratings on Yelp. A potential downside for some customers is their lack of acceptance of cryptocurrency or cash payments.
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.
- Standard services: We examined the breadth and type of services that each company offers. This encompasses whether they facilitate open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We additionally rated companies on their provision of door-to-door delivery versus only terminal service and the variety of vehicles they are equipped to ship. Those equipped to transport RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles were scored more favorably compared to counterparts that only ship cars.
- Complementary services offered: Additional points were allocated to companies providing standout optional services, including priority shipping, confirmed pickup times, complimentary car cleaning, and rental car cost coverage.
- 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: Our scoring system favored companies with wide service areas. Those providing coverage in both Alaska and Hawaii, along with the mainland United States, received higher scores compared to those limited to the Lower 48 or fewer regions.
- Scheduling and payment: We examined the straightforwardness of customers booking services and estimating charges through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and additional benefits. Car shippers providing binding quotes or a promise to lock in prices were rated higher than those less clear on 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 a car from Michigan to another state, you’ll typically pay around $871. However, your actual cost could vary. It depends on the total distance and whether your car travels on an open carrier or in an enclosed trailer.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $559 and $809
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $833 and $1,116
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,174 and $1,330
Check out these typical price ranges by distance:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan to New York | $767 | $1,149 |
| Michigan to Illinois | $593 | $804 |
| Michigan to Florida | $1,028 | $1,546 |
| Michigan to Ohio | $547 | $763 |
| Michigan to Texas | $1,056 | $1,457 |
| Georgia to Michigan | $773 | $1,301 |
| North Carolina to Michigan | $844 | $1,154 |
| Arizona to Michigan | $1,244 | $2,045 |
| Pennsylvania to Michigan | $745 | $1,021 |
| California to Michigan | $1,367 | $2,170 |
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.
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?
Under Michigan law, new residents must quickly title and register their vehicles, as there is no grace period. You’re considered a resident if you live in the state and can prove your legal presence in the US. To meet these requirements, new residents should go to a Secretary of State office to get a Michigan driver’s license, title, and registration as soon as they settle in the state.
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 doesn’t require vehicle inspections to register a car. The state doesn’t mandate car safety checks or emissions tests.
Does weather in Michigan impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Michigan. Michigan experiences a continental climate, with two main regions. In the southern and central areas of the Lower Peninsula (below Saginaw Bay and from Grand Rapids southward), the climate is warmer, featuring hot summers and cold winters. In contrast, the northern Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula have a harsher climate, with warm but shorter summers and longer, very cold winters. Some regions see average high temperatures below freezing from December to February, extending into early March in the far north. The state often experiences heavy lake-effect snow during winter, especially through mid-February. Michigan also averages 30 thunderstorm days per year, which can be severe, particularly in the southern areas. The state typically has 17 tornadoes per year, mostly occurring in the extreme southern region.
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?
In Michigan, you need at least $50,000/$100,000 in insurance for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage if there’s an accident.
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