10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Detroit, MI
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Detroit, MI, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you'll typically spend between $660 and $1,497 to ship your car from Detroit.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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4.7 |
Best overall value |
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4.5 |
Most accurate pricing |
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4.4 |
Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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4.9 |
Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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4.4 |
Best for Damage Protection |
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Michigan car shipping guide.
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Top car shipping companies in Detroit, MI
Whether your car needs to be shipped around Michigan or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in Detroit:
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
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
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
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
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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) is a highly rated car shipping company with a perfect Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Although the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp, it offers a wide range of services including interstate, international, and classic car shipping, as well as options for transporting motorcycles, trailers, RVs, and ATVs.
They provide a damage-free guarantee, fully insured shipments, and detailed inspection reports, ensuring peace of mind for their customers. While Detroit Auto Shipping Group does not offer electric vehicle or heavy equipment shipping, it does facilitate the transport of inoperable cars, which is convenient for owners of vehicles that don't run.
One potential downside is that they do not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method. However, the company compensates for this by not requiring a deposit for their services, making the payment process straightforward for clients.
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 a comprehensive range of shipping services, including shipping for inoperable cars, boats, and RVs. They proudly hold a top-notch Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, showcasing their reliability and quality service.
The company provides both open and enclosed transport options to meet varied customer needs. However, they do not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, which might be a drawback for some customers seeking this specific service.
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
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI, 48174
http://greatlakeslogistics.net
Great Lakes Logistics Llc (DOT: 2951078) specializes in a variety of car shipping services, including classic car transportation, motorcycle shipping, and electric vehicle transport, catering to a diverse client base. Customers will find peace of mind with their shipment tracking feature, though the company does not offer a damage-free guarantee or fully insured services, which some may see as a downside.
Great Lakes Logistics has achieved a solid Google rating of 3.8 and boasts an impressive BBB rating of A+. However, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. They stand out with options like expedited delivery and inoperable car transport, though they do not support international shipping or accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.
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
ACI Transport
ACI Transport (DOT: 2971774) is a reputable car shipping company known for its range of specialized services. They offer enclosed transport and inoperable car transport, making them a great choice for customers needing to ship classic cars or cars that don’t run. While the company excels in offering services like international shipping and providing detailed inspection reports, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers.
ACI Transport boasts a Google rating of 3.9 and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction. However, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. Additionally, they offer discounts to military personnel, further enhancing their appeal to this customer segment.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48120
http://jackcooper.com
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) is a car shipping company known for its dependable services, such as damage-free guarantee, expedited delivery, and motorcycle and RV shipping. They hold a Google rating of 4.1 and a BBB rating of A-, though they have yet to establish a presence on Yelp.
While Jack Cooper Transport offers enclosed transport and multi-car transport options, they do not provide international shipping, which might be a consideration for some customers looking to ship vehicles overseas.
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
Comparing Detroit, MI car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 15 local car shipping companies in Detroit, 19 across Michigan, and 518+ 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: 18 in Detroit (78.26%), 25 in Michigan (78.13%), 415 nationwide (67.7%)
- Real-time tracking: 13 in Detroit (56.52%), 15 in Michigan (46.88%), 338 nationwide (55.14%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 2 in Detroit (8.7%), 2 in Michigan (6.25%), 176 nationwide (28.71%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 6 in Detroit (26.09%), 9 in Michigan (28.13%), 172 nationwide (28.06%)
- Expedited delivery: 13 in Detroit (56.52%), 14 in Michigan (43.75%), 333 nationwide (54.32%)
| Company | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Direct Connect Auto Transport | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Great Lakes Logistics Llc | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| ACI Transport | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Jack Cooper Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
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: 5 in Detroit (21.74%), 7 in Michigan (21.88%), 159 nationwide (25.94%)
- Student discount: 1 in Detroit (4.35%), 1 in Michigan (3.13%), 32 nationwide (5.22%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Direct Connect Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Great Lakes Logistics Llc | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ACI Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Jack Cooper Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Detroit, MI
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.
Moving your car from Detroit, Michigan will vary but usually falls between $660 and $1,497. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Detroit, Michigan to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Michigan to Colorado | $1,185 - $1,809 |
| Michigan to Texas | $1,185 - $1,884 |
| Michigan to Illinois | $772 - $1,008 |
| Michigan to North Carolina | $1,008 - $1,523 |
| Michigan to Florida | $1,303 - $1,861 |
| Arizona to Michigan | $1,545 - $2,441 |
| Ohio to Michigan | $693 - $900 |
| California to Michigan | $1,566 - $2,667 |
| New York to Michigan | $972 - $1,501 |
| Georgia to Michigan | $1,050 - $1,551 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Detroit, MI
As a major city, Detroit benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Detroit is 92, which sits close to the national average. As a result, car shipping prices here tend to align with typical market rates across the country.
- Move distance: You'll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Detroit or within Michigan, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you're moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Detroit vs. the suburbs.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Detroit might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Shipping method choices in Detroit: Pick between standard open-air carriers for budget-friendly transport or enclosed trailers for extra protection against the elements. Enclosed shipping costs more but shields your car from the unexpected.
- Gas prices: The going rate for fuel in Detroit can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Detroit, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Demand-driven price swings are common in auto transport — summer and month-end dates cost more due to high volume. Booking early or in the off-season can help keep costs down.
How to ship a car from Detroit, MI
Use this Detroit-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper.
- Confirm your route from Detroit — Confirm whether you are shipping within Michigan or to another state. Local and regional routes from Detroit are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
- Factor in Detroit market conditions — Detroit is a major metro with more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. The cost-of-living index is 92 (100 = national average).
- Compare national and local carriers — Compare national auto transport partners with the local Detroit shippers listed on this page. National carriers often cover long interstate routes, while local companies may offer faster pickup in the Detroit metro.
- Pick open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the budget option for standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need extra protection during loading and transit.
- Verify MC/DOT registration — Ask for each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Get 3+ quotes and schedule off-peak — Request written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator. Book off-peak when possible — summer and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. Winter lows around 19°F can delay pickup; confirm your carrier's weather policy before booking a winter ship date.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Detroit?
Many car shipping companies in Detroit, Michigan offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves Detroit, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
Is it cheaper to ship a car from a big city like Detroit?
In many cases, yes. Detroit is a major city with more car shipping carriers, which usually means lower prices and faster pickup times due to high demand and route density.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Detroit?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Detroit follow the major interstate corridors running through Michigan. Carriers on high-traffic routes between large metros generally offer faster transit times and better pricing than those on less-traveled roads. Ask your carrier which interstates they use and whether your destination falls on a primary or secondary route.
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 require an inspection to ship your car out of Detroit. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take Michigan regulations as an example. Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
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?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in Detroit specializing in open carrier delivery 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?
Detroit-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include Detroit Auto Shipping Group, Direct Connect Auto Transport, and Great Lakes Logistics Llc.
