($848) Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Newark, NJ
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 735 miles from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Newark, New Jersey, will run you about $848 to $1,219. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Newark to Grand Rapids car shipping guide.
The best Grand Rapids to Newark car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Grand Rapids to Newark:
- 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 Grand Rapids
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Grand Rapids, MI:
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Sbs Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 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 NJ
If you’re planning a move from Grand Rapids to Newark, 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
If you are relocating from Grand Rapids to Newark, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 735-mile drive from Grand Rapids to Newark into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Michigan to New Jersey, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Grand Rapids to Newark 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 Newark, 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 Grand Rapids to Newark car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Grand Rapids to Newark can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Grand Rapids to Newark, 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 Newark, our comparison guide can help.
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 Newark will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 735 miles from Grand Rapids to Newark will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Michigan.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Grand Rapids and Newark.
August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Newark has cold winters and hot humid summers.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Grand Rapids to Newark during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 735-mile journey from Grand Rapids to Newark 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 Grand Rapids to Newark takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Grand Rapids and Newark 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.
- Newark: Meter rates are in effect Monday–Saturday, 9 A.M. UNTIL 6 P.M. Generally. Depending on the area we may enforce up until 10 P.M. Unless posted otherwise..25 cents = 15 minutes (City wide)
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.
- Newark: In New Jersey, meet the minimum auto insurance requirements: $15,000 per person for bodily injury up to $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.
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.
- Newark: If you are planning to reside in New Jersey for a minimum of 6 months, it is mandatory to transfer the title of your vehicle, register it, and obtain a driver's license from the state. As a new resident, you have 60 days from the date of establishing your residency to register your vehicle. It is important to note that before registering your vehicle, you are required to have liability insurance coverage as per the New Jersey state laws.
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.
- Newark: As per the state laws of New Jersey, new residents are expected to transfer their driver's license and register their vehicles within 60 days of arriving in the state. However, during public health crises, this time frame may be extended to 120 days. It is important to note that there won't be any reminders for this, so it's recommended to keep a record of the date of your arrival in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids to Newark?
The cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Newark, NJ 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 Newark will range from $848 to $1,219.
How long will it take to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Newark?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 735 miles from Grand Rapids to Newark. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Newark?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Grand Rapids to Newark. 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 Newark?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Grand Rapids to Newark 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 735-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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