10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Michigan (2026 Cost Guide)
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Quick answer: We picked Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Michigan for its strong balance of price, service quality, and customer reviews. Our team gave them 4.7 out of 5 stars. Cost depends mainly on distance and transport type, but you'll pay between $751 and $1,272 to ship your car from Michigan.
Michigan car shipping facts
- 59% of Michigan auto shipping companies rely on open transport, the most widely used and cost-efficient option.
- Meanwhile, 75% of car transporters in Michigan provide enclosed shipping for extra security.
- Nationwide, only 28% of carriers guarantee delivery dates, compared to 6% of Michigan shippers. For dependable scheduling, consider Nexus Auto Transport.
Best car shipping companies in Michigan
Our team has spent more than 400 hours assessing 612 car shipping providers nationwide, including 32 in Michigan. We verify every detail so the information we share stays reliable and unbiased, giving you clear guidance on 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
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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) provides fully insured, damage-free-guaranteed transport for cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, trailers, ATVs, and classic vehicles.
It offers open and enclosed transport, international shipping, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, terminal-to-terminal service, and transportation for cars that do not run.
Military customers may qualify for a discount, and the company has a 5.0 Google rating and an A+ BBB rating, but it has yet to establish a Yelp rating.
Guaranteed delivery, storage solutions, heavy-equipment shipping, and electric-vehicle shipping are not offered, which may be a drawback for some customers.
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
607 Shelby St Suite 700, Detroit, MI, 48226
https://directconnectautotransport.com
Direct Connect Auto Transport (DOT: 2244227) offers insured, damage-free vehicle transport with shipment tracking, enclosed and open transport, and interstate and international shipping.
The company has a 5.0 Google rating and an A+ BBB rating, but it has yet to establish a rating on Yelp.
It ships cars that do not run, motorcycles, RVs, boats, classic cars, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment, and it offers a military discount.
Some customers may see the lack of guaranteed or expedited delivery, storage solutions, and multi-car transport as a downside.
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
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI, 49099
http://firstchoiceautotransport.com
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc (DOT: 681284) provides interstate vehicle transport with open or enclosed shipping options, including classic cars, electric vehicles, inoperable cars, and multiple vehicles.
The company is fully insured and offers a military discount, while earning a 4.0 Google rating and an A+ BBB rating; its Yelp rating is 1.0.
However, it does not offer guaranteed delivery, shipment tracking, expedited delivery, or terminal-to-terminal service, which may be a drawback for some customers.
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
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI, 48174
http://greatlakeslogistics.net
Great Lakes Logistics Llc (DOT: 2951078) provides interstate, open transport, expedited delivery, and shipment tracking services.
The company ships classic cars, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, electric vehicles, multiple cars, and vehicles that do not run.
It holds a 4.0 rating on Google and an A+ BBB rating, while it has yet to establish a rating on Yelp.
Enclosed transport, guaranteed delivery, and storage solutions are not available, which may be a downside for some customers.
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
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48120
http://jackcooper.com
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) offers fully insured, damage-free-guaranteed shipping with enclosed transport for boats, motorcycles, RVs, and multiple vehicles, as well as expedited delivery.
The company has yet to establish a Yelp rating, while it holds a 4.0 Google rating and an A+ BBB rating.
However, it does not offer shipment tracking, guaranteed delivery, storage solutions, or transport for cars that do not run, which may be a drawback for some customers.
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
Average cost of transporting a car out of MI
Shipping a car out of Michigan runs between $751 and $1,272. But keep in mind, prices can vary depending on how far you're going and which transport method you use.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $536 - $847
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $856 - $1,094
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,127 - $1,340
For example:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan to Georgia | $815 | $1,330 |
| Michigan to California | $1,422 | $2,369 |
| Michigan to Arizona | $1,298 | $1,990 |
| Michigan to New York | $792 | $1,163 |
| Michigan to Texas | $1,068 | $1,521 |
| Ohio to Michigan | $548 | $803 |
| Pennsylvania to Michigan | $783 | $1,076 |
| Illinois to Michigan | $624 | $805 |
| North Carolina to Michigan | $822 | $1,266 |
| Florida to Michigan | $976 | $1,583 |
What affects car shipping costs from Michigan
- Your move distance: Shipping within Michigan or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
- Location: Shipping from a rural part of Michigan often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Detroit or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
- Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Michigan cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 46% of Michigan shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Shipping options in the Wolverine State: 59% of Michigan auto transporters offer open transport, and 75% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Michigan's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
- Gas prices: Fuel costs in Michigan factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.97 per gallon right now.
- Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
- Discounts: In Michigan, 7 companies offer military discounts, 1 offer student discounts, 32 offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Michigan car shipping routes.
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 - $1,272, 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. This is 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. Book early and avoid peak summer windows when you can. In Michigan, in-state car shipping usually takes 1 - 3 days, while longer interstate routes often require 7 - 14 days.
FAQs
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.
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.
Are Michigan car shippers insured against damage?
62% of car shippers in Michigan are fully insured, and 28% offer a damage-free guarantee. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
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.
How many car shipping companies operate in Michigan?
moveBuddha tracks 32 car shipping companies operating in Michigan. Comparing at least three quotes among them can help you find the best combination of price and service for your route.