Michigan to North Carolina Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 847 miles from Michigan to North Carolina ranges from $790 to $1,182. Expect the trip to take around two–seven days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Carolina to Michigan 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 Michigan to North Carolina car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Michigan to North Carolina:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Michigan
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Michigan can deliver your vehicle to North Carolina:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 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
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-michigan/detroit
3.8 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 681284
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
jackcooper.com
3.72 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
greatlakeslogistics.net
3.64 / 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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2951078
Awesome Auto Transporters LLC
6444 London St, Detroit, MI 48221 US
awesomeautotransporter.com
3.64 / 5.0
Customers are exceptionally satisfied with the company overall, frequent praise aligns toward professionalism, reliability, and convenient pricing, characteristic of this mall but truly competent enterprise.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Michigan to North Carolina
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Michigan to North Carolina, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 847 extra miles on your car to travel from Michigan to North Carolina. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Michigan to North Carolina, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Michigan to North Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Michigan and North Carolina. The typical distance is about 847 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to North Carolina
| From Michigan to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Charlotte, NC | $689 – $994 | 626 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Raleigh, NC | $728 – $1,043 | 676 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Greensboro, NC | $724 – $939 | 603 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Durham, NC | $687 – $1,071 | 654 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Winston-Salem, NC | $681 – $951 | 577 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to North Carolina
| From Michigan to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Charlotte, NC | $786 – $1,064 | 743 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Raleigh, NC | $764 – $1,102 | 795 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Greensboro, NC | $746 – $1,076 | 721 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Durham, NC | $764 – $1,106 | 773 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Winston-Salem, NC | $721 – $1,000 | 696 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to North Carolina
| From Michigan to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Charlotte, NC | $682 – $994 | 642 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Raleigh, NC | $728 – $1,032 | 694 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Greensboro, NC | $675 – $930 | 620 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Durham, NC | $709 – $1,060 | 672 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Winston-Salem, NC | $647 – $923 | 595 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to North Carolina
| From Michigan to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Charlotte, NC | $718 – $1,025 | 646 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Raleigh, NC | $758 – $1,074 | 698 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Greensboro, NC | $710 – $988 | 624 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Durham, NC | $758 – $1,074 | 675 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Winston-Salem, NC | $681 – $999 | 598 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to North Carolina
| From Michigan to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Charlotte, NC | $710 – $1,008 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Raleigh, NC | $753 – $999 | 663 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Greensboro, NC | $647 – $942 | 589 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Durham, NC | $718 – $1,005 | 641 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Winston-Salem, NC | $691 – $895 | 564 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to North Carolina
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Michigan to North Carolina, expect costs to range from $988 to $1,478.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to North Carolina
If you’re shipping a car from the Wolverine State to the Tar Heel State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Michigan to North Carolina.
- Distance and route: The journey from Michigan to North Carolina spans approximately 847 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Michigan in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Michigan and North Carolina.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Michigan to North Carolina should take between two and seven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
North Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in North Carolina, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
- Vehicle inspection: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
- Driver’s license: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Michigan
More than 10.0 million people call Michigan home. Nicknamed the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
Transporting your vehicle to North Carolina
About 10.8 million people are living in the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Michigan and delivery in North Carolina?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Michigan and when dropping it off in North Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to North Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan to North Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Carolina, which you should verify before loading your car in Michigan.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to North Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to North Carolina is about 847 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Michigan to North Carolina.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, will I need one in North Carolina?
New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Carolina after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan to North Carolina after purchasing it.
If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Michigan and North Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to North Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to North Carolina is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Michigan to North Carolina?
Shipping a car from Michigan to North Carolina costs $790 to $1,182.
