Maine to Michigan Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 998 miles from Maine to Michigan usually costs between $779 and $1,209. Transit time is about two–seven 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 Maine 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 Maine to Michigan car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Maine to Michigan:
- 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 Maine
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Maine can deliver your vehicle to Michigan:
- Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- CraftsTransport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.
84 Airport Rd, Old Town, ME 04468
sullivansauto.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 541179
Xpress Auto Transport
23 Water, St #340, Bangor, ME 04401
xpressautoship.com/city/bangor-maine
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
CraftsTransport
138 High, St Suite 172, Ellsworth, ME 04605
craftstransport.com/index.html
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 Maine to Michigan
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Maine to Michigan, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 998 extra miles on your car to travel from Maine to Michigan. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Maine to Michigan for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Maine to Michigan auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Maine and Michigan. The typical distance is about 998 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Michigan
| From Maine to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Detroit, MI | $762 – $1,189 | 804 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Portland, ME to Grand Rapids, MI | $759 – $1,177 | 934 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Portland, ME to Warren, MI | $778 – $1,119 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Portland, ME to Sterling Heights, MI | $754 – $1,143 | 804 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Portland, ME to Ann Arbor, MI | $806 – $1,182 | 847 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to Michigan
| From Maine to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Detroit, MI | $814 – $1,182 | 836 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Grand Rapids, MI | $758 – $1,187 | 966 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Warren, MI | $751 – $1,218 | 839 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Sterling Heights, MI | $790 – $1,218 | 836 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Ann Arbor, MI | $765 – $1,176 | 879 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to Michigan
| From Maine to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Detroit, MI | $775 – $1,194 | 849 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bangor, ME to Grand Rapids, MI | $787 – $1,221 | 975 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bangor, ME to Warren, MI | $771 – $1,127 | 852 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bangor, ME to Sterling Heights, MI | $806 – $1,182 | 849 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bangor, ME to Ann Arbor, MI | $828 – $1,176 | 892 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to Michigan
| From Maine to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Detroit, MI | $786 – $1,096 | 806 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| South Portland, ME to Grand Rapids, MI | $783 – $1,238 | 935 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| South Portland, ME to Warren, MI | $793 – $1,200 | 809 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| South Portland, ME to Sterling Heights, MI | $793 – $1,143 | 805 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| South Portland, ME to Ann Arbor, MI | $822 – $1,136 | 848 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to Michigan
| From Maine to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Detroit, MI | $744 – $1,136 | 834 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Auburn, ME to Grand Rapids, MI | $797 – $1,261 | 964 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Auburn, ME to Warren, MI | $814 – $1,182 | 837 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Auburn, ME to Sterling Heights, MI | $790 – $1,206 | 833 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Auburn, ME to Ann Arbor, MI | $797 – $1,201 | 877 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to Michigan
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Maine to Michigan usually runs between $974 and $1,511.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to Michigan
When moving your vehicle from the Pine Tree State to the Wolverine State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Michigan.
- Distance and route: The route from Maine to Michigan is about 998 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Maine more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Maine and Michigan may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Michigan vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Michigan, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- 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 Maine
More than 1.4 million people call Maine home. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
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 Maine 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 Maine and when dropping it off in Michigan.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to Michigan?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine 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 Maine.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
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 Maine to Michigan?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to Michigan is about 998 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Maine to Michigan.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
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 Maine, 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 Maine, 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 Maine 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 Maine and Michigan to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Michigan?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine 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 Maine to Michigan?
Shipping a car from Maine to Michigan costs $779 to $1,209.
