($840) Cost to ship a car from Boston, MA to Ann Arbor, MI

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 748 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, ranges from $840 to $1,146. 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 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor to Boston car shipping guide.

The best Boston 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 Boston to Ann Arbor:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full Nexus Auto Transport review
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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 Sherpa Auto Transport review
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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 SGT Auto Transport review
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full Ship A Car Direct review

Top local car shippers in Boston

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

  1. Preowned Auto Logistics: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Dreamline Logistics LLC: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Chip's Transport Service: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  4. East West Auto Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  5. Car Shipping Carriers Boston: 3.58 out of 5 stars

Preowned Auto Logistics

222 Jubilee Dr., Peabody, MA 01960 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0

Customers have praised Preowned Auto Logistics for their professionalism, timely service, and excellent communication. Many highlighted specific representatives like Mike and Chris for their attentive and responsive service. However, some reviews pointed to negative experiences regarding delayed deliveries, insufficient communication about transport status, and issues like theft of personal items left in vehicles.

Get a Quote (877) 542-1955

Services Offered

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

Additional Information

Dreamline Logistics LLC

2464 Massachusetts Ave #220, Cambridge, MA 02140 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise Dreamline Logistics for their excellent service, fast communication, professionalism, and care in handling vehicles. However, some reviews highlight issues such as unexpected delays and concerns about damage accountability during transport.

Get a Quote (857) 201-0302

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Chip's Transport Service

2 Summer St, Foxborough, MA 02035 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0

Chips Transport is highly regarded for its professional, reliable, and efficient service in transporting vehicles. Many customers praise their excellent communication and ability to deliver on time and in good condition. However, some reviews point out issues with customer service, confusion over payment methods, and instances of vehicle damage during transport.

Get a Quote (800) 427-2447

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

East West Auto Transport

303 Wyman St, Waltham, MA 02451 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0

Customers appreciate East West Auto Transport for their professionalism and responsive customer service, especially from Alan, who provides clear communication throughout the transport process. Although some reported delays and unsatisfactory experiences with dispatch, many experienced timely and secure vehicle delivery.

Get a Quote (781) 763-7447

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Car Shipping Carriers Boston

75 State St # 100, Boston, MA 02109 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0
Get a Quote (866) 744-2540

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

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 MA to MI

Getting your car from Boston to Ann Arbor can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.

Coordinate with your movers

On moves from Boston to Ann Arbor, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.

Drive your car

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 748-mile trip from Boston 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

If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Massachusetts to Michigan. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Boston to Ann Arbor carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.

Ship your car via train

Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Ann Arbor, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Boston to Ann Arbor car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Boston to Ann Arbor, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Boston to Ann Arbor, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.

Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Ann Arbor, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Boston 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 Ann Arbor will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 748 miles from Boston to Ann Arbor will cost more than a shorter move within Massachusetts.

Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Boston and Ann Arbor often affect the cost of auto transport.

Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Boston to Ann Arbor 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 748-mile distance between Boston and Ann Arbor and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Boston to Ann Arbor typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Boston and Ann Arbor vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.
  • 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

  • Boston: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
  • 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

  • Boston: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
  • 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

  • Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
  • 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 Boston to Ann Arbor?

The cost to ship a car from Boston, MA 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 Boston to Ann Arbor will range from $840 to $1,146.

How long will it take to ship my car from Boston to Ann Arbor?

It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 748 miles from Boston to Ann Arbor. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Boston to Ann Arbor?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Boston 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 Boston to Ann Arbor?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Boston 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 748-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 Boston resources