Michigan to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 858 miles from Michigan to South Dakota falls between $836 and $1,177. Delivery typically takes two–seven days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota 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 South Dakota car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Michigan to South Dakota:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Michigan that can relocate your vehicle to South Dakota:
- 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
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics 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.
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
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
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 South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Michigan to South Dakota, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 858 miles to your car on the trip from Michigan to South Dakota. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Michigan to South Dakota. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Michigan to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Michigan and South Dakota. Average distances are close to 858 miles, with delivery usually taking two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to South Dakota
| From Michigan to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Sioux Falls, SD | $820 – $1,153 | 863 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Detroit, MI to Rapid City, SD | $915 – $1,386 | 1,201 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Detroit, MI to Aberdeen, SD | $789 – $1,287 | 987 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Detroit, MI to Brookings, SD | $800 – $1,217 | 911 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Detroit, MI to Watertown, SD | $783 – $1,216 | 897 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to South Dakota
| From Michigan to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Sioux Falls, SD | $719 – $1,068 | 629 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Rapid City, SD | $783 – $1,302 | 967 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Aberdeen, SD | $815 – $1,203 | 883 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Brookings, SD | $764 – $1,157 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Watertown, SD | $703 – $1,032 | 663 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to South Dakota
| From Michigan to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Sioux Falls, SD | $788 – $1,141 | 872 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warren, MI to Rapid City, SD | $980 – $1,486 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Warren, MI to Aberdeen, SD | $829 – $1,325 | 996 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warren, MI to Brookings, SD | $816 – $1,217 | 920 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warren, MI to Watertown, SD | $832 – $1,278 | 906 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to South Dakota
| From Michigan to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Sioux Falls, SD | $799 – $1,276 | 875 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Rapid City, SD | $915 – $1,500 | 1,213 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Aberdeen, SD | $818 – $1,283 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Brookings, SD | $824 – $1,217 | 924 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Watertown, SD | $784 – $1,217 | 910 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to South Dakota
| From Michigan to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Sioux Falls, SD | $811 – $1,110 | 822 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Rapid City, SD | $864 – $1,421 | 1,160 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Aberdeen, SD | $800 – $1,278 | 946 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Brookings, SD | $772 – $1,237 | 870 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Watertown, SD | $764 – $1,165 | 855 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to South Dakota
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 South Dakota, expect costs to range from $1,045 to $1,471.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to South Dakota
When moving your vehicle from the Wolverine State to the Mount Rushmore State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to South Dakota.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Michigan to South Dakota involves roughly 858 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- 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: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Michigan and South Dakota and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to South Dakota means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
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 South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Michigan and delivery in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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.
In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to South Dakota is about 858 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 South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Michigan and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Shipping a car from Michigan to South Dakota costs $836 to $1,177.
