Michigan to Pennsylvania Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: Shipping a car 634 miles from Michigan to Pennsylvania usually costs between $768 and $1,107. Transit time is about one–six days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Refundable deposit
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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 Pennsylvania to Michigan car shipping guide.

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

  • Founded in 2015
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  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Michigan to Pennsylvania car shipping companies

After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Michigan to Pennsylvania:

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 cross-country shipper
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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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Michigan

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Michigan that can relocate your vehicle to Pennsylvania:

  1. Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  2. First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars

Detroit Auto Shipping Group

100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 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.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

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

First Choice Of Elkhart Inc

10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 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.

Get a Quote (269) 483-2010

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

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

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.

Alternative ways to ship your car from Michigan to Pennsylvania

Ship it with your movers

If you need to ship your car from Michigan for a move to Pennsylvania, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.

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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 634 miles to your vehicle on the route from Michigan to Pennsylvania. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.

Hire a driver

You can hire someone to drive your car from Michigan to Pennsylvania, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.

Ship by train

This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.

Michigan to Pennsylvania auto transport costs and transit times

Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Michigan and Pennsylvania. The average journey covers about 634 miles and takes roughly one to six days.

Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Pennsylvaniatoggle

From Michigan to Pennsylvania Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Detroit, MI to Philadelphia, PA $750 – $1,009 583 miles 1 – 6 days
Detroit, MI to Pittsburgh, PA $460 – $648 285 miles 1 – 4 days
Detroit, MI to Erie, PA $439 – $630 270 miles 1 – 4 days
Detroit, MI to Allentown, PA $704 – $988 554 miles 1 – 6 days
Detroit, MI to Reading, PA $679 – $910 540 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Pennsylvaniatoggle

From Michigan to Pennsylvania Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Grand Rapids, MI to Philadelphia, PA $799 – $1,141 714 miles 1 – 6 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Pittsburgh, PA $618 – $838 416 miles 1 – 4 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Erie, PA $594 – $838 401 miles 1 – 4 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Allentown, PA $765 – $1,073 685 miles 1 – 6 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Reading, PA $767 – $1,027 671 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Pennsylvaniatoggle

From Michigan to Pennsylvania Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Warren, MI to Philadelphia, PA $716 – $1,038 600 miles 1 – 6 days
Warren, MI to Pittsburgh, PA $534 – $694 303 miles 1 – 4 days
Warren, MI to Erie, PA $484 – $694 288 miles 1 – 4 days
Warren, MI to Allentown, PA $676 – $1,008 572 miles 1 – 6 days
Warren, MI to Reading, PA $732 – $1,017 558 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Pennsylvaniatoggle

From Michigan to Pennsylvania Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Sterling Heights, MI to Philadelphia, PA $694 – $976 604 miles 1 – 6 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Pittsburgh, PA $503 – $729 306 miles 1 – 4 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Erie, PA $470 – $681 291 miles 1 – 4 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Allentown, PA $743 – $1,039 575 miles 1 – 6 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Reading, PA $718 – $959 561 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Pennsylvaniatoggle

From Michigan to Pennsylvania Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Ann Arbor, MI to Philadelphia, PA $736 – $979 582 miles 1 – 6 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Pittsburgh, PA $509 – $687 284 miles 1 – 4 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Erie, PA $475 – $642 269 miles 1 – 4 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Allentown, PA $683 – $920 553 miles 1 – 6 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Reading, PA $692 – $891 539 miles 1 – 6 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Pennsylvaniatoggle

SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.

For a larger vehicle going from Michigan to Pennsylvania, the price usually falls between $960 and $1,384.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Pennsylvania

If you’re shipping a car from the Wolverine State to the Keystone State, keep these cost factors in mind:

  • Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
  • Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Pennsylvania.
  • Distance and route: The route from Michigan to Pennsylvania is about 634 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Michigan more expensive during these times.
  • Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Michigan and Pennsylvania.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Michigan to Pennsylvania takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.

Pennsylvania vehicle regulations you need to know

After relocating to Pennsylvania, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.

  • Car insurance requirements: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
  • Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
  • Driver’s license: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
  • Additional taxes: New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.

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 Pennsylvania

About 13.0 million people are living in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Michigan and delivery in Pennsylvania?toggle

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 Pennsylvania.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Pennsylvania?toggle

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan to Pennsylvania, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Pennsylvania, 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.

When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.

How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to Pennsylvania?toggle

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Pennsylvania is about 634 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Michigan to Pennsylvania.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?toggle

Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, will I need one in Pennsylvania?toggle

When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.

If I bought a car in Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in Pennsylvania after shipping it there?toggle

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan to Pennsylvania after purchasing it.

New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Michigan and Pennsylvania to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Pennsylvania?toggle

The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?toggle

Shipping a car from Michigan to Pennsylvania costs $768 to $1,107.

Helpful Michigan resources