Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Detroit, MI,
Sherpa Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services,
and a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate,
you’ll typically spend between $735 and $1,387
to ship your car from Detroit.
- Price Lock Promise
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Clean Car Guarantee
|
- Discounts Available
- Refundable Deposit
- GPS Tracking
|
- 13 yrs experience
- Ship boat, RV, ATV
- Easy online booking
|
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
Top car shipping companies in Detroit, MI
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Michigan, these are the
best auto transport companies
available in Detroit:
Sherpa Auto Transport
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.
Get A Quote
(833) 775-1461
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
Nexus Auto Transport
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.
Get A Quote
(224) 218-2949
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
Montway Auto Transport
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.
Get A Quote
(224) 206-5633
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
SGT Auto Transport
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.
Get A Quote
(864) 492-1221
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
Navi Auto Transport
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.
Get A Quote
(501) 248-0223
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
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI, 48226
autoshippinggroup.com
Detroit Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a highly-rated car shipping business, boasting a Google rating of 5.0 and a BBB rating of A+. They offer a wide range of services including interstate transport, expedited delivery, and specialized options for classic cars, inoperable vehicles, and trailers. Their commitment to quality is evident through their damage-free guarantee and fully insured transports.
While Detroit Auto Shipping Group supports various payment methods such as credit cards, they currently do not accept cryptocurrency, which might be a limitation for some customers. Additionally, the company provides shipment tracking but does not offer storage solutions or senior and teacher discounts.
Get a Quote
(888) 588-1269
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
directconnectautotransport.com
Direct Connect Auto Transport (DOT: 2244227) is a reputable car shipping company known for providing a range of specialized services. They offer convenient options like terminal-to-terminal delivery and classic car shipping, and they can transport various vehicles including motorcycles, RVs, and electric cars. With Google rating them a perfect 5.0 and an A+ rating from the BBB, they are highly regarded in the industry.
Unfortunately, they do not offer discounts to seniors or students, which may be considered a drawback for some customers. Additionally, they accept multiple forms of payment including money orders and cash, yet they do not accept cryptocurrency.
Get a Quote
(800) 980-2222
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
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48120
jackcooper.com
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) is a well-regarded car shipping company known for its extensive range of services. Rated 4.1 on Google and holding a BBB rating of A-, Jack Cooper Transport specializes in expedited delivery, enclosed transport, and multi-car transport. Customers can also benefit from their damage-free guarantee, making it a reliable choice for those needing secure and efficient car shipping services.
One notable downside is the absence of terminal-to-terminal delivery, which might be important for some customers. Despite this, the company’s impressive service range and strong ratings make it a commendable option in the car shipping industry.
Get a Quote
(313) 982-1130
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
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI, 48174
greatlakeslogistics.net
Great Lakes Logistics Llc (DOT: 2951078) provides a comprehensive suite of car shipping services, including interstate shipping, classic car shipping, and expedited delivery. The company is also equipped to handle cars that don’t run and offers both open transport and multi-car transport options. Despite these offerings, it may be disappointing for some customers to find that Great Lakes Logistics does not provide a damage-free guarantee or terminal-to-terminal delivery services.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc holds a Google rating of 3.8 and has an A+ rating with the BBB. However, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. They do not provide senior, teacher, or military discounts and are not fully insured, which may affect some customers’ choices.
Get a Quote
(734) 992-8918
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
Awesome Auto Transporters LLC
6444 London St, Detroit, MI, 48221
awesomeautotransporter.com
Awesome Auto Transporters LLC (DOT: USDOT #2245790) offers a variety of specialized car transport services, including interstate and international shipping, electric vehicle shipping, and trailer shipping. The company stands out with their fully insured shipping services and the availability of both open and enclosed transport options. Despite these strengths, they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or terminal-to-terminal delivery, which may be a downside for some customers.
Awesome Auto Transporters LLC has earned an A+ rating from the BBB, but the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Get a Quote
(888) 950-7447
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
Comparing Detroit car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 18 local car shipping companies in Detroit,
22 across Michigan,
and 561+ nationwide
to compare service availability and help you choose the best option for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Detroit, across Michigan, and
nationwide:
-
Multi-car shipping:
20 in Detroit (76.92%),
27 in Michigan (75.0%),
455 nationwide (67.31%)
-
Real-time
tracking:
14 in Detroit (53.85%),
16 in Michigan (44.44%),
369 nationwide (54.59%)
-
Guaranteed delivery:
2 in Detroit (7.69%),
2 in Michigan (5.56%),
189 nationwide (27.96%)
-
Damage-free guarantee:
6 in Detroit (23.08%),
9 in Michigan (25.0%),
186 nationwide (27.51%)
-
Expedited delivery:
14 in Detroit (53.85%),
15 in Michigan (41.67%),
364 nationwide (53.85%)
Company |
Multi-car shipping |
Real-time
tracking |
Guaranteed delivery |
Damage-free guarantee |
Expedited delivery |
Detroit Auto Shipping Group |
✅
|
✅
|
❌
|
✅
|
✅
|
Direct Connect Auto Transport |
❌
|
✅
|
❌
|
✅
|
❌
|
Jack Cooper Transport |
✅
|
❌
|
❌
|
✅
|
✅
|
Great Lakes Logistics Llc |
✅
|
✅
|
❌
|
❌
|
✅
|
Awesome Auto Transporters LLC |
❌
|
✅
|
❌
|
❌
|
❌
|
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Detroit, across
Michigan, and nationwide:
-
Military discount:
6 in Detroit (23.08%),
8 in Michigan (22.22%),
168 nationwide (24.85%)
-
Senior discount:
1 in Detroit (3.85%),
1 in Michigan (2.78%),
42 nationwide (6.21%)
-
Student discount:
1 in Detroit (3.85%),
1 in Michigan (2.78%),
35 nationwide (5.18%)
Company |
Military |
Senior |
Student |
Teacher |
Law Enforcement |
AAA |
Detroit Auto Shipping Group |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
Direct Connect Auto Transport |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
Jack Cooper Transport |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
Great Lakes Logistics Llc |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
Awesome Auto Transporters LLC |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
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.
Average cost to ship a car out of Detroit
With a population of 639,111 and the status of a major Michigan city,
Detroit sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a
vehicle from Detroit compared to smaller towns nearby.
Shipping a car out of Detroit, Michigan usually ranges from
$735 to $1,387.
Your final price will depend on how far you’re going and current fuel costs.
Check out these estimated price ranges for moving a vehicle from Detroit,
Michigan to another state:
Route |
Cost |
Michigan to Illinois |
$699 – $957 |
Michigan to Colorado |
$1,198 – $1,828 |
Michigan to New York |
$992 – $1,545 |
Michigan to North Carolina |
$1,008 – $1,537 |
Michigan to Ohio |
$693 – $985 |
Georgia to Michigan |
$1,050 – $1,583 |
Arizona to Michigan |
$1,498 – $2,321 |
California to Michigan |
$1,615 – $2,563 |
Florida to Michigan |
$1,285 – $1,884 |
Texas to Michigan |
$1,248 – $1,978 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Detroit
Car shipping from Detroit depends on multiple factors like distance, demand, and seasonal shifts. Local
conditions such as population size and cost of living can also play a role.
- Move distance: You’ll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Detroit or within
Michigan, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- Location type: It’s often pricier to transport a car out of busy downtown Detroit compared
to moves between quieter suburban neighborhoods.
- Vehicle make and condition: Smaller cars usually come with lower transport fees than big SUVs or
trucks. Special vehicles like
luxury and classic models from
Detroit may need custom carriers for safe loading, which raises the cost.
- Shipping options in Detroit: Pick between standard
open-air carriers,
often the cheapest, or
enclosed transport
for added protection from weather and road debris.
- Fuel rates: Local fuel prices in Detroit matter. Higher gas prices mean a higher bill for
car shipping, especially over long distances.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Detroit, rush or guaranteed delivery
services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Weather and season: Detroit’s cold winters, frequent snowfall, and icy conditions can increase car shipping costs due to weather-related delays, added safety precautions, and lower carrier availability compared to summer months.
Tips for choosing the right Detroit car shipping company
- Get clear quotes: Get a detailed estimate from Detroit providers. In Michigan, expect
to pay about $1,100 on average.
- Review insurance options: Choose carriers that clearly explain their coverage and make it easy to
file a claim. Some offer perks like a damage-free guarantee to ensure peace of mind.
- Read verified reviews: Customer stories from Detroit give you a behind-the-scenes look at
how companies actually perform.
- Vet the companies: Before booking, check the
FMCSA company snapshot
for USDOT numbers and compliance status.
- Know what you’re paying for: Some quotes don’t include all services. Ask if things like
door-to-door delivery or insurance are baked into the price.
- Get realistic delivery dates: Good shippers will give you honest timeframes based on location,
weather, and demand.
- Tailor your experience: Look for add-ons like express shipping or door delivery in Detroit
to simplify the process.
- Tap into local referrals: Ask neighbors, coworkers, or family in Detroit who they’ve used —
and what their experience was like.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Detroit?
Many car shipping companies in Detroit, Michigan, provide real-time tracking. Customers can usually follow their vehicle’s journey on the company’s website or app. You can see when your vehicle departs Detroit, its estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Detroit?
I-75 runs south to Ohio and north to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
I-94 heads east toward Canada and west to Chicago.
I-96 connects Detroit to central Michigan and Grand Rapids.
I-275 bypasses downtown traffic for western destinations.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company’s license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT’s
FMCSA website.
This works for any provider based in Detroit or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Detroit?

Most carriers don’t need to inspect your car before shipping it out of Detroit. But if you’re shipping a classic or high-value car, they might ask for proof of insurance. Always check the delivery state’s inspection laws, as rules differ.
Take Michigan regulations as an example. Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration. Car safety inspections and emissions testing are not mandated by the state.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Detroit?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It’s a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Detroit to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Detroit?
Budget-friendly carriers in Detroit that offer open transport (the most affordable car shipping method)
include Detroit Auto Shipping Group (offers military discounts), Direct Connect Auto Transport (offers military discounts), and Great Lakes Logistics Llc.
Who ships classic cars out of Detroit?
Classic car shipping specialists in Detroit that provide secure enclosed transport for vintage and collectible vehicles
include Detroit Auto Shipping Group, Direct Connect Auto Transport, and Great Lakes Logistics Llc.
More Michigan car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Michigan, these resources should
help: