($1,031) Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 803 miles from Montgomery, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, will run you about $1,031 to $1,530. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor to Montgomery car shipping guide.
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
The best Montgomery to Ann Arbor car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Montgomery to Ann Arbor:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Montgomery
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Montgomery, AL:
- US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Iff Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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.
Car shipping alternatives from AL to MI
If you’re planning a move from Montgomery to Ann Arbor, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Montgomery to Ann Arbor, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 803-mile trip from Montgomery to Ann Arbor could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Alabama to Michigan. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Montgomery. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Ann Arbor.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Ann Arbor—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Montgomery to Ann Arbor car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Montgomery to Ann Arbor, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Montgomery to Ann Arbor, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Montgomery tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Ann Arbor, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Montgomery has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Ann Arbor will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 803 miles from Montgomery to Ann Arbor will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Alabama.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Montgomery and Ann Arbor.
Montgomery ith short, mild winters, warm springs and autumns, and long, hot, humid summers. Severe storms also bring a risk of tornadoes.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Montgomery to Ann Arbor during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 803-mile drive between Montgomery and Ann Arbor, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Montgomery to Ann Arbor is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Montgomery and Ann Arbor vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Montgomery: 40Ft Moving Truck, One Day. City Cost $60 Please note this permit is only available in metered areas and we will need the meter numbers to get the permit.
- Ann Arbor: The Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program allows vehicles owned by residents to park in a RPP neighborhood for the posted time limit without being ticketed. If your neighborhood is participating in a RPP Program, you will need to acquire and display a RPP decal for every vehicle that will park on neighborhood streets during the specified enforcement period. Check with the City of Ann Arbor for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Ann Arbor.
Car insurance requirements
- Montgomery: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
- Ann Arbor: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Montgomery: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
- Ann Arbor: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Driver’s license
- Montgomery: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
- Ann Arbor: 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?
The cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Montgomery to Ann Arbor will range from $1,031 to $1,530.
How long will it take to ship my car from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 803 miles from Montgomery to Ann Arbor. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Montgomery to Ann Arbor. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Montgomery to Ann Arbor than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 803-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
3485 N Desert Dr # 2110, Atlanta, GA 30344 US
202 Eagles Landing Parkway, Stockbridge, GA 30281 US
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US
3201 Centre Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30344 US