($1,289) Cost to ship a car from Lansing, MI to Long Beach, CA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,289 to $1,937 to ship your car 2,229 miles from Lansing, Michigan, to Long Beach, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Long Beach to Lansing 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 Lansing to Long Beach car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Lansing to Long Beach:
- 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 Lansing
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Lansing, MI:
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Enterprise Transport Svc: 3.5 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 CA
If you’re planning a move from Lansing to Long Beach, 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 Lansing to Long Beach, 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
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,229 miles from Lansing to Long Beach 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Michigan to California, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Lansing to Long Beach safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Long Beach, 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 Lansing to Long Beach car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Lansing to Long Beach, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Lansing to Long Beach, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Lansing are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Long Beach? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Lansing. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Long Beach will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 2,229 miles from Lansing to Long Beach will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Michigan.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Lansing and Long Beach.
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.
Long Beach has hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Lansing to Long Beach during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,229-mile trip from Lansing to Long Beach, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Lansing to Long Beach takes between four and twelve days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Lansing and Long Beach vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Lansing: Check with the City of Lansing for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lansing.
- Long Beach: THE APPLICANT AGREES THAT THE PERMIT(S) APPLIED FOR MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN ANY MANNER, EXCEPT AS A TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR USE BY VARIOUS VISITORS AND SERVICE PEOPLE TO THE APPLICANTS RESIDENCE. THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF A PERMIT IS IN VIOLATION OF LBMC SECTION 10.32.040 AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A FINE IN THE AMOUNT OF $100.00 AND ANY MISUSE OF A PERMIT IS GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION OF SAID PERMIT. NO MORE THAN 20 PERMITS MAY BE ISSUED PER CALENDAR YEAR. TWENTY-FOUR HOUR PERIOD MUST ELAPSE BETWEEN TWO CONSECUTIVE PERMITS.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Long Beach: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Lansing: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Long Beach: 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.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Long Beach: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Lansing to Long Beach?
The cost to ship a car from Lansing, MI to Long Beach, CA 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 Lansing to Long Beach will range from $1,289 to $1,937.
How long will it take to ship my car from Lansing to Long Beach?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,229 miles from Lansing to Long Beach. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lansing to Long Beach?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lansing to Long Beach. 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 Lansing to Long Beach?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lansing to Long Beach 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 2,229-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.
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
5440 West Coon Lake Road, Howell, Michigan 48843 US