California to Michigan Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,404 miles from California to Michigan usually costs between $1,397 and $2,240. Transit time is about five–thirteen days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Michigan to California 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 California to Michigan car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from California to Michigan:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in California
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in California that can transport your vehicle to Michigan:
- Jp Logistics & Motorsports: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- A To Z Auto Shipping: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
Jp Logistics & Motorsports
11582 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352 US
jplogistics.net
3.94 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise JP Logistics for their excellent communication and reliable service. While there are no significant complaints, some note that pricing is slightly higher, which is justified by the quality of service received.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1975227
Alternative Business Names
- JP Logistics
Auto Express Inc.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA 92101 US
autoexpressinc-car-shipping-san-diego.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3428899
King Of The Road Transport Inc
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
kingoftheroadtransport.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
- Teacher
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT#2248724
A To Z Auto Shipping
30101 Agoura Court, Suite 109, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 US
atozauto.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 675504
Alternative Business Names
- A to Z auto Shipping, Inc.
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
mccollisters.com
3.78 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 289344
Alternative Business Names
- McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
- McCollister's Transportation
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from California to Michigan
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from California to Michigan, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,404 miles on your car going from California to Michigan. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from California to Michigan. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
California to Michigan auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in California and Michigan. The average journey covers about 2,404 miles and takes roughly five to thirteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Michigan
| From California to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Detroit, MI | $1,340 – $2,204 | 2,281 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,371 – $2,071 | 2,176 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Warren, MI | $1,380 – $2,140 | 2,288 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,354 – $2,034 | 2,292 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,273 – $2,013 | 2,239 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Michigan
| From California to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI | $1,371 – $2,075 | 2,348 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Diego, CA to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,327 – $2,225 | 2,243 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Warren, MI | $1,291 – $2,097 | 2,350 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Diego, CA to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,304 – $2,139 | 2,359 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Diego, CA to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,317 – $2,225 | 2,306 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Michigan
| From California to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Detroit, MI | $1,343 – $2,046 | 2,430 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,291 – $2,161 | 2,325 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Warren, MI | $1,397 – $2,197 | 2,436 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,397 – $2,153 | 2,440 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,317 – $2,097 | 2,388 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Michigan
| From California to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Detroit, MI | $1,287 – $2,013 | 2,296 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,384 – $2,071 | 2,191 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Warren, MI | $1,411 – $2,097 | 2,305 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,371 – $2,204 | 2,308 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,287 – $2,204 | 2,254 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Michigan
| From California to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI | $1,277 – $2,246 | 2,397 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,313 – $2,013 | 2,293 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Warren, MI | $1,303 – $2,046 | 2,404 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,343 – $2,240 | 2,408 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,411 – $2,097 | 2,355 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Michigan
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from California to Michigan you should expect to pay between $1,746 and $2,800.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Michigan
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Wolverine State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Michigan.
- Distance and route: Traveling from California to Michigan involves roughly 2,404 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from California around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between California and Michigan.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within five–thirteen days, but expedited options cost more.
Michigan vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Michigan means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Driver’s license: 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.
- Additional taxes: In Michigan, a 6% sales tax is imposed on all vehicle purchases.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from California
More than 39.0 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
Transporting your vehicle to Michigan
About 10.0 million people are living in the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Michigan?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in Michigan.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Michigan?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Michigan, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Michigan, which you should verify before loading your car in California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Michigan?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Michigan is about 2,404 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from California to Michigan.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one 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.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Michigan after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Michigan after purchasing it.
In Michigan, a 6% sales tax is imposed on all vehicle purchases.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Michigan to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Michigan?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Michigan is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Michigan?
Shipping a car from California to Michigan costs $1,397 to $2,240.
