($1,340) Cost to ship a car from Lansing, MI to Santa Clarita, CA

Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,213 miles from Lansing, Michigan, to Santa Clarita, California, typically costs between $1,340 and $2,055. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try 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
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Clarita to Lansing car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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  • 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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The best Lansing to Santa Clarita car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Lansing to Santa Clarita:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
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 review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Lansing

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Lansing, MI:

  1. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
  4. Enterprise Transport Svc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Jack Cooper Transport

2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0
Get a Quote (313) 982-1130

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc

7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 5.0
Get a Quote (816) 983-4000

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Great Lakes Logistics Llc

9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0

Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.

Get a Quote (734) 992-8918

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Enterprise Transport Svc

5440 West Coon Lake Road, Howell, Michigan 48843 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (517) 548-1582

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companiestoggle

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 relocating from Lansing to Santa Clarita, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Lansing to Santa Clarita, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.

Drive your car

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,213-mile trip from Lansing to Santa Clarita 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

Having a driver transport your car from Michigan to California is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Lansing to Santa Clarita. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Santa Clarita, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.

Factors affecting Lansing to Santa Clarita car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Lansing to Santa Clarita, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

There are a few ways to ship your car from Lansing to Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, our comparison guide can help.

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 Santa Clarita will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,213 miles from Lansing to Santa Clarita will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Michigan.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Lansing and Santa Clarita often affect the cost of auto transport.

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.

Santa Clarita experiences hot, very dry summers and cool winters with moderate precipitation.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Lansing to Santa Clarita in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,213-mile trip from Lansing to Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita takes between four and twelve days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing Lansing and Santa Clarita 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.
  • Santa Clarita: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved

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.
  • Santa Clarita: 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.
  • Santa Clarita: 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.
  • Santa Clarita: 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 Santa Clarita?

The cost to ship a car from Lansing, MI to Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita will range from $1,340 to $2,055.

How long will it take to ship my car from Lansing to Santa Clarita?

It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,213 miles from Lansing to Santa Clarita. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lansing to Santa Clarita?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lansing to Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lansing to Santa Clarita 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 2,213-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 Lansing resources