($1,714) Cost to ship a car from Modesto, CA to Ann Arbor, MI
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,341 miles from Modesto, California, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, generally falls between $1,714 and $2,781. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check 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 Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Modesto
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Modesto, CA:
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Safe Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- United Road: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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
Safe Auto Transport Inc.
6901 28th St, North Highlands, CA 95660 US
safeautotransportinc.com
3.62 / 5.0
Safe Auto Transport is highly praised for its excellent communication and timely deliveries. Customers express appreciation for professional drivers who handle vehicles with care and maintain contact throughout the process. However, feedback indicates some delays in updates and longer-than-expected transit times in specific instances.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2411467
Car Shipping Carriers
39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US
carshippingcarriers.com/california-auto-transport-companies/san-jose
3.56 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise the company's exceptional communication, reliable service, and excellent pricing, contributing to their loyalty. However, no significant negatives were reported, indicating strong overall satisfaction with the service provided.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT# 2249744
United Road
1444 El Pinal Dr, Stockton, CA 95205 US
unitedroad.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3600482
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 CA to MI
When you’re moving from Modesto to Ann Arbor, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Modesto to Ann Arbor, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,341-mile journey from Modesto to Ann Arbor could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from California to Michigan, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Modesto to Ann Arbor safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Ann Arbor. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Modesto to Ann Arbor car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Modesto to Ann Arbor can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Modesto to Ann Arbor, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Modesto are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Ann Arbor? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Modesto will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Ann Arbor than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 2,341 miles from Modesto to Ann Arbor is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within California.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Modesto and Ann Arbor can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Modesto has mild winters with moderate rainfall and long, hot, dry summers.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Modesto to Ann Arbor during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,341-mile drive between Modesto and Ann Arbor, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Modesto to Ann Arbor usually takes five–thirteen days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Modesto and Ann Arbor vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Modesto: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved
- 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
- Modesto: 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.
- 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
- Modesto: 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.
- 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
- Modesto: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- 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 Modesto to Ann Arbor?
The cost to ship a car from Modesto, CA 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 Modesto to Ann Arbor will range from $1,714 to $2,781.
How long will it take to ship my car from Modesto to Ann Arbor?
It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,341 miles from Modesto to Ann Arbor. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Modesto to Ann Arbor?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Modesto 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 Modesto to Ann Arbor?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Modesto 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 2,341-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.
