($1,315) Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Lansing, MI

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,365 miles from San Jose, California, to Lansing, Michigan, ranges from $1,315 to $2,135. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lansing to San Jose car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 San Jose to Lansing car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Jose to Lansing:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in San Jose

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in San Jose, CA:

  1. McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  2. Ats Transportation Svc: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Viper Transportation: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  5. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars

McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.

45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 257-9595

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

Alternative Business Names

  • McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
  • McCollister's Transportation

Ats Transportation Svc

8195 Parish Way, #27 Gilroy, CA 95020 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the professionalism, communication, and reliability of Randy and the transport service. Many highlight fair pricing and recommend ATS for vehicle transportation needs, particularly noting its trustworthiness. A few reviews mention comparisons to larger companies, emphasizing ATS's superior service and competitive rates. Overall, the feedback reflects a high level of satisfaction with the vehicle shipping experience.

Get a Quote (408) 842-5341

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • First Class Shipping, Inc.

Viper Transportation

4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA 94601 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the fast loading times and helpful security staff, though frustrations arise from the first-come-first-serve policy as it sometimes favors company drivers, leading to longer waits for others.

Get a Quote (925) 798-8014

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Car Shipping Carriers

39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 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.

Get a Quote (866) 744-2540

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

Global Auto Transportation

2268 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (877) 645-2288

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Global Auto Transportation, Inc.

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 San Jose to Lansing, 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

When relocating from San Jose to Lansing, 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 several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,365-mile journey from San Jose to Lansing 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

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from California to Michigan is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from San Jose to Lansing. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Lansing is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.

Factors affecting San Jose to Lansing car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from San Jose to Lansing, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

If you’re moving a car from San Jose to Lansing, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.

Open carriers from San Jose 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 Lansing, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from San Jose depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Lansing will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,365 miles from San Jose to Lansing will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within California.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in San Jose and Lansing can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel

Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from San Jose to Lansing during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,365-mile trip from San Jose to Lansing, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from San Jose to Lansing takes five to thirteen days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.

Comparing San Jose and Lansing vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.
  • Lansing: Check with the City of Lansing for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lansing.

Car insurance requirements

  • San Jose: 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.
  • Lansing: 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

  • San Jose: 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.
  • Lansing: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

Driver’s license

  • San Jose: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Lansing: 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 San Jose to Lansing?

The cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Lansing, 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 San Jose to Lansing will range from $1,315 to $2,135.

How long will it take to ship my car from San Jose to Lansing?

It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,365 miles from San Jose to Lansing. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Jose to Lansing?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Jose to Lansing. 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 San Jose to Lansing?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from San Jose to Lansing 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 2,365-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.

Helpful San Jose resources