($535) Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Detroit, MI
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 346 miles from Lexington, Kentucky, to Detroit, Michigan, will run you about $535 to $709. 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 Detroit to Lexington 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 Lexington to Detroit car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Lexington to Detroit:
- 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 Lexington
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Lexington, KY:
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Louisville Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Jack Cooper Transport
6709 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Louisville Auto Shipping Group
9900 Corporate Campus Dr #3000, Louisville, KY 40223 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-kentucky/louisville
3.56 / 5.0
Customers have reported a positive experience with Louisville Auto Shipping Group, highlighting their excellent communication and customer focus. However, there were significant concerns regarding the professionalism of a transport coordinator, which detracted from the overall experience.
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
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Tiger Auto Transport
1 W Corry St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 US
tigerautotransport.com
3.52 / 5.0
Fail to get reviews.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3417452
Xpress Auto Transport
201 E Main St suite 340, Lexington, KY 40507 US
xpressautoship.com/city/lexington-kentucky
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
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 KY to MI
Relocating from Lexington to Detroit means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Lexington to Detroit, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 346 miles from Lexington to Detroit can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Kentucky to Michigan is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Lexington to Detroit. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Detroit 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 Lexington to Detroit car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Lexington to Detroit, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Lexington to Detroit, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Detroit, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Lexington. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Detroit will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 346 miles from Lexington to Detroit is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Kentucky.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Lexington and Detroit often affect the cost of auto transport.
Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods
Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Lexington to Detroit in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 346-mile distance between Lexington and Detroit and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
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 Lexington to Detroit usually takes one–four days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Lexington and Detroit vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Detroit: Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
Car insurance requirements
- Lexington: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Detroit: 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
- Lexington: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Driver’s license
- Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Detroit: 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 Lexington to Detroit?
The cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Detroit, 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 Lexington to Detroit will range from $535 to $709.
How long will it take to ship my car from Lexington to Detroit?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 346 miles from Lexington to Detroit. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lexington to Detroit?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lexington to Detroit. 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 Lexington to Detroit?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lexington to Detroit 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 346-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.
