($882) Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Sioux Falls, SD
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 863 miles from Detroit, Michigan, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, ranges from $882 to $1,370. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sioux Falls to Detroit car shipping guide.
The best Detroit to Sioux Falls car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Detroit to Sioux Falls:
- 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 Detroit
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Detroit, 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 SD
If you’re relocating from Detroit to Sioux Falls, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Detroit to Sioux Falls, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 863 miles from Detroit to Sioux Falls 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Michigan to South Dakota. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Detroit to Sioux Falls carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Sioux Falls is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Detroit to Sioux Falls car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Detroit to Sioux Falls, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Detroit to Sioux Falls, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Sioux Falls, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Detroit has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Sioux Falls will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 863 miles from Detroit to Sioux Falls will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Michigan.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Detroit and Sioux Falls can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.
August, June and September are the most pleasant months in Sioux Falls, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Detroit to Sioux Falls during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 863-mile distance between Detroit and Sioux Falls and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Detroit to Sioux Falls typically takes between two and seven days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Detroit and Sioux Falls vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Detroit: Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
- Sioux Falls:
Car insurance requirements
- Detroit: 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.
- Sioux Falls: 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 inspections
- Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Sioux Falls: 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
- Detroit: 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.
- Sioux Falls: 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Detroit to Sioux Falls?
The cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Sioux Falls, SD 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 Detroit to Sioux Falls will range from $882 to $1,370.
How long will it take to ship my car from Detroit to Sioux Falls?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 863 miles from Detroit to Sioux Falls. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Detroit to Sioux Falls?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Detroit to Sioux Falls. 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 Detroit to Sioux Falls?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Detroit to Sioux Falls 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 863-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.
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
6444 London St, Detroit, MI 48221 US
607 Shelby St Suite 700, Detroit, MI 48226 US