($1,087) Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Port St. Lucie, FL

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,339 miles from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Port St. Lucie, Florida, ranges from $1,087 to $1,707. 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 Port St. Lucie to Grand Rapids car shipping guide.

The best Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie:

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 Grand Rapids

If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Grand Rapids, MI:

  1. Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  3. Sbs Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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.

Auto Transport by Stopwatch

2976 Ivanrest Ave SW #105, Grandville, MI 49418 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Overall, Stopwatch Auto Transport is praised for its exceptional customer service, timely vehicle delivery, and reliable communication throughout the transport process. Customers appreciate the professionalism of the staff and the safe handling of their vehicles. However, some have reported issues with initial miscommunications or unsatisfactory drivers, although these concerns were usually addressed promptly by the company.

Get a Quote (616) 229-1517

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Sbs Transport

6504 28th St Se # J, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the friendly and courteous staff and find the service to be reasonably priced. However, some reviews suggest that issues might still need to be addressed.

Get a Quote (616) 777-1844

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Jack Cooper Transport

7916 Davis Hwy, Charlotte, MI 48813 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers generally appreciate their experiences, highlighting the friendly nature of interactions. However, some are still in the waiting phase for interviews, indicating uncertainty in the process.

Get a Quote (517) 322-0678

Services Offered

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

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 MI to FL

When you’re moving from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie, 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 several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,339-mile journey from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.

Use a driving service

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Michigan to Florida. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Grand Rapids. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Port St. Lucie.

Ship your car via train

For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Port St. Lucie. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.

Factors affecting Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie, 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 Port St. Lucie, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Grand Rapids is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Port St. Lucie will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.

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 1,339 miles from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie will cost more than a shorter move within Michigan.

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 Grand Rapids and Port St. Lucie often affect the cost of auto transport.

August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.

Port St. Lucie summers are usually hot, with high temperatures averaging in the low 90s. Winters are usually mild to warm, with average high temperatures in the 70s. Port St. Lucie is also vulnerable to hurricanes.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,339-mile drive between Grand Rapids and Port St. Lucie, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie typically takes between three and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Grand Rapids and Port St. Lucie vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Grand Rapids: The City requires that you apply for a Temporary Occupancy Permit. With this permit you will gain permission to temporarily close the needed area of the right-of-way. Be sure to clarify any questions with the City Government by contacting them ahead of time at 311 or 616-456-3000 or devcenter@grcity.us.
  • Port St. Lucie: Effective October 29, 2021, carriers may purchase Florida trip permits online through the FLHSMV Commercial Vehicle Permit Portal. A Florida Temporary Trip Permit is valid for ten (10) days and costs $30.00. Carriers may also contact the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services at (850) 617-3711 weekdays from 8-4:30 to obtain a trip permit.

Car insurance requirements

  • Grand Rapids: 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.
  • Port St. Lucie: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.

Vehicle inspections

  • Grand Rapids: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
  • Port St. Lucie: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.

Driver’s license

  • Grand Rapids: 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.
  • Port St. Lucie: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie?

The cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Port St. Lucie, FL 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 Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie will range from $1,087 to $1,707.

How long will it take to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie?

It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,339 miles from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie. 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 Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Grand Rapids to Port St. Lucie 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 1,339-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 Grand Rapids resources