10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Ann Arbor, MI

Top car shipping companies in Ann Arbor, MI

For those planning to ship their car nearby or outside of Michigan, these are the leading auto transport services serving Ann Arbor, including carriers based in Ann Arbor and others that run routes through the area:

Compare Ann Arbor, MI car shippers

Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across Michigan and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Ann Arbor.

Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Ann Arbor, across Michigan, and nationwide:

Here's a closer look at the companies serving Ann Arbor and which of these services they offer:

Compare by discounts

Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Ann Arbor, across Michigan, and nationwide:

• Military discount: 4 in Ann Arbor (19.05%), 7 in Michigan (21.88%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
• Student discount: 1 in Ann Arbor (4.76%), 1 in Michigan (3.13%), 32 nationwide (5.23%)

Average cost to ship a car out of Ann Arbor, MI

Though not officially a major city, Ann Arbor has a sizeable population of 123,851 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from Ann Arbor relatively stable and competitive.

The average cost to ship a car out of Michigan from Ann Arbor is typically $690 - $1,361. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Ann Arbor will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.

Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to a different state:

Check out all car shipping routes.

Factors influencing car shipping costs from Ann Arbor, MI

According to Ann Arbor's cost of living index, the Michigan city is about 6% more expensive than the national average. This can push car shipping costs higher due to increased labor and operational expenses in the region.

• Distance: Shipping your car within Ann Arbor or to a nearby city in Michigan usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
• Location: Ann Arbor's smaller-town layout usually makes for easier pickup logistics, which can help keep car shipping costs a bit lower than in busier metro areas.
• The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Ann Arbor might require special handling, increasing the price. 52% of the 21 Ann Arbor shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, versus 46% across Michigan, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Available shipping options in Ann Arbor: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards. Among the 21 Ann Arbor shippers we have service data for, 71% offer open transport , and 71% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
• Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Ann Arbor can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in Michigan is about $2.97 per gallon right now.
• Speed comes at a price: Open transport usually costs $0.60 - $1 per mile, versus $1 - $1.50 per mile for expedited service. In Ann Arbor, expect to pay $200 - $500 more, on average, for expedited or guaranteed delivery.
• Book off-peak to save: Summer and month-end dates cost more due to high demand. Off-season bookings, like fall or early winter, tend to run 10% - 30% cheaper.

How to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI

Follow this step-by-step checklist to compare car shippers serving Ann Arbor and book with confidence:

1. Map out your route. Determine if this is an in-state move within Michigan or a shipment crossing state lines. Regional routes cost less than cross-country hauls, and your ZIP codes ultimately set the price.
2. Check the local market. Carrier availability here comes down to carrier availability that depends mostly on route density and local demand. The cost of living sits 6% above the national average.
3. Weigh national vs. local carriers. National providers handle long-distance hauls well, while local Ann Arbor shippers, 5 of which we track, often move faster on nearby pickups.
4. Decide: open vs. enclosed. Open-air shipping costs less and works fine for standard cars, but enclosed transport is worth it for classic or high-value vehicles that need shielding from the elements.
5. Confirm carrier registration. Get the MC and USDOT numbers from any shipper you're considering and verify them through the FMCSA carrier lookup before you commit.
6. Collect 3+ quotes and time it right. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to get written quotes from at least three companies, and try to book outside summer and end-of-month rushes when rates climb. Winter lows around 17°F can delay pickup, so ask about your carrier's weather policy before booking in winter.

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