($1,001) Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Little Rock, AR
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 871 miles from Detroit, Michigan, to Little Rock, Arkansas, will run you about $1,001 to $1,495. 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.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Little Rock to Detroit 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 Detroit to Little Rock car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Detroit to Little Rock:
- 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
- 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 Detroit
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Detroit, MI:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Direct Connect Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- ACI Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
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 MI to AR
If you’re planning a move from Detroit to Little Rock, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Detroit to Little Rock, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 871 miles from Detroit to Little Rock might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Michigan to Arkansas is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Detroit to Little Rock. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Little Rock—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Detroit to Little Rock car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Detroit to Little Rock, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Detroit to Little Rock, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Detroit 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 Little Rock, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Detroit has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Little Rock will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 871 miles from Detroit to Little Rock will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Michigan.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Detroit and Little Rock play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
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.
Little Rock has hot, humid summers and cool winters with usually little snow.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Detroit to Little Rock in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 871-mile journey from Detroit to Little Rock makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Detroit to Little Rock takes between two and seven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Detroit and Little Rock vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Little Rock: All meters have a time limit, generally two (2)hours, except around the Little Rock Convention Center where the meters are four (4) hours.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Little Rock: In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Little Rock: Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
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.
- Little Rock: If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Detroit to Little Rock?
The cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Little Rock, AR 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 Detroit to Little Rock will range from $1,001 to $1,495.
How long will it take to ship my car from Detroit to Little Rock?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 871 miles from Detroit to Little Rock. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Detroit to Little Rock?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Detroit to Little Rock. 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 Detroit to Little Rock?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Detroit to Little Rock 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 871-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.
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
607 Shelby St Suite 700, Detroit, MI 48226 US