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 $751 to $1,303 to ship your car out of Michigan.
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Michigan Car Shipping Facts
- 60% 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 626 auto transport providers nationwide, putting in more than 400 hours of work. That includes 33 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 a distinguished car shipping business recognized for its comprehensive range of services and impeccable service quality. The company boasts impressive ratings with a perfect 5.0 on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp.
They specialize in a variety of transport services including interstate, motorcycle, trailer, RV, and even shipping cars that don’t run. Furthermore, they offer options for both open and enclosed transport, ensuring flexibility to meet diverse customer needs. Although they provide a damage-free guarantee and are fully insured, they do not offer payment options through cryptocurrency, which may limit choices for some customers.
While they excel in many areas, such as offering military discounts and international shipping, Detroit Auto Shipping Group does not currently provide senior or teacher discounts, which could be a consideration for some clientele preferring such benefits.
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
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Direct Connect Auto Transport (DOT: 2244227) is a highly-rated car shipping company, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating on Google and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company offers a wide range of services including inoperable car transport, motorcycle shipping, and electric vehicle shipping, as well as open and enclosed transport options.
Though they cover interstate and international shipping, an area where they fall short is in not providing expedited delivery services, which may be a downside for some customers looking for swift transport options. While they do not offer discounts for seniors, students, or AAA members, they do provide a military discount, and convenient payment options such as cash and credit card are accepted.
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 company known for transporting a wide range of vehicles, including electric cars and classic cars, with fully insured services. They offer both open and enclosed transport options, making them a versatile choice for different customer needs. Customers appreciate their excellent service, reflected in a perfect 5.0 rating on Yelp and a commendable 4.0 rating on Google, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
While they do transport cars that don’t run, some customers may find the lack of a damage-free guarantee a downside. Additionally, military personnel can benefit from a special discount, although other discounts such as senior or teacher discounts are not available.
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) is a car shipping business with a Google rating of 4.1 and a BBB rating of A-. The company offers a range of services, including expedited delivery and enclosed transport, and it is fully insured, ensuring peace of mind for its customers.
Although Jack Cooper Transport excels in motorcycle and RV shipping, they do not offer services for transporting inoperable cars, which could be a limitation for some customers. The company has yet to establish its presence on Yelp, and they do not accept cryptocurrency or provide shipment tracking, which may be an inconvenience for tech-savvy clients.
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
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
Great Lakes Logistics Llc (DOT: 2951078) provides a variety of car shipping services, including expedited delivery and the transportation of classic cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, and even cars that don’t run. Despite these comprehensive offerings, they currently do not provide a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers.
The company does not accept cryptocurrency or offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, but they facilitate interstate shipping and support multiple car transport. Great Lakes Logistics is yet to establish a presence on Yelp but boasts a respectable Google rating of 3.8 and an excellent A+ rating from the BBB.
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
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 $997. 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): $495 and $841
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $873 and $1,081
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,128 and $1,350
Check out these typical price ranges by distance:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan to California | $1,343 | $2,110 |
| Michigan to Georgia | $790 | $1,343 |
| Michigan to Florida | $1,106 | $1,565 |
| Michigan to Texas | $976 | $1,505 |
| Michigan to North Carolina | $781 | $1,192 |
| Colorado to Michigan | $1,038 | $1,490 |
| Arizona to Michigan | $1,246 | $1,872 |
| New York to Michigan | $784 | $1,175 |
| Illinois to Michigan | $582 | $805 |
| Ohio to Michigan | $548 | $764 |
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 without a 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 rules, new residents should go to a Secretary of State office to get a Michigan driver’s license, title, and registration as soon as they move to 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 does not require vehicle inspections for registration. There are no state rules for 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 distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula, below Saginaw Bay and south of Grand Rapids, have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. Meanwhile, the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula experience a harsher climate (Köppen Dfb), featuring warm but shorter summers and longer, very cold winters. Some areas have average high temperatures below freezing from December to February, extending into early March in the far north. The state often gets heavy lake-effect snow from winter through mid-February. Michigan sees about 30 days of thunderstorms each year, which can be severe in the south. The state also averages 17 tornadoes annually, mostly in the extreme southern areas.
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 must have auto insurance that covers at least $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 total per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
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