($786) Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Boston, MA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 749 miles from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Boston, Massachusetts, typically costs between $786 and $1,140. 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.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Boston to Ann Arbor car shipping guide.
The best Ann Arbor to Boston car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Ann Arbor to Boston:
- 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 Ann Arbor
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Ann Arbor, 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
- Awesome Auto Transporters LLC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Direct Connect Auto 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 MA
Getting your car from Ann Arbor to Boston can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Ann Arbor to Boston, 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 749 miles from Ann Arbor to Boston 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 Massachusetts, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Ann Arbor to Boston safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Boston. 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 Ann Arbor to Boston car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Ann Arbor to Boston, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Ann Arbor to Boston, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Ann Arbor 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 Boston, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Ann Arbor. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Boston will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 749 miles from Ann Arbor to Boston is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Michigan.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Ann Arbor and Boston play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.
Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Ann Arbor to Boston 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 749-mile journey from Ann Arbor to Boston makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Ann Arbor to Boston takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Ann Arbor and Boston vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Ann Arbor: The Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program allows vehicles owned by residents to park in a RPP neighborhood for the posted time limit without being ticketed. If your neighborhood is participating in a RPP Program, you will need to acquire and display a RPP decal for every vehicle that will park on neighborhood streets during the specified enforcement period. Check with the City of Ann Arbor for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Ann Arbor.
- Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.
Car insurance requirements
- Ann Arbor: 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.
- Boston: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Ann Arbor: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Boston: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
Driver’s license
- Ann Arbor: 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.
- Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor to Boston?
The cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Boston, MA 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 Ann Arbor to Boston will range from $786 to $1,140.
How long will it take to ship my car from Ann Arbor to Boston?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 749 miles from Ann Arbor to Boston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Ann Arbor to Boston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Ann Arbor to Boston. 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 Ann Arbor to Boston?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Ann Arbor to Boston 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 749-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.
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