Michigan to Tennessee Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 699 miles from Michigan to Tennessee usually costs between $736 and $1,074. 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee:
- 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 Tennessee:
- 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 Tennessee
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Michigan to Tennessee, 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
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 699 extra miles on your car to travel from Michigan to Tennessee. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Michigan to Tennessee is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
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 Tennessee auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Michigan and Tennessee. The trip typically spans 699 miles and takes about one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Tennessee
| From Michigan to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Nashville, TN | $659 – $929 | 534 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN | $748 – $1,086 | 743 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Clarksville, TN | $620 – $866 | 541 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Knoxville, TN | $640 – $906 | 512 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Chattanooga, TN | $661 – $998 | 620 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Tennessee
| From Michigan to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Nashville, TN | $666 – $884 | 545 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Memphis, TN | $706 – $1,032 | 676 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Clarksville, TN | $646 – $893 | 534 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Knoxville, TN | $710 – $949 | 606 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Chattanooga, TN | $760 – $1,040 | 673 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Tennessee
| From Michigan to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Nashville, TN | $664 – $923 | 552 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Memphis, TN | $764 – $1,061 | 761 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warren, MI to Clarksville, TN | $697 – $904 | 557 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Knoxville, TN | $640 – $938 | 529 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Chattanooga, TN | $696 – $1,015 | 638 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Tennessee
| From Michigan to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Nashville, TN | $651 – $960 | 555 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Memphis, TN | $757 – $1,106 | 765 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Clarksville, TN | $644 – $941 | 560 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Knoxville, TN | $653 – $884 | 533 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Chattanooga, TN | $746 – $1,005 | 641 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Tennessee
| From Michigan to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Nashville, TN | $633 – $871 | 521 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Memphis, TN | $718 – $1,064 | 730 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Clarksville, TN | $627 – $893 | 526 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Knoxville, TN | $631 – $883 | 498 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Chattanooga, TN | $710 – $1,018 | 607 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Tennessee
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Michigan to Tennessee usually runs between $920 and $1,343.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Tennessee
When transporting your vehicle from the Wolverine State to the Volunteer State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Tennessee.
- Distance and route: The journey from Michigan to Tennessee spans about 699 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Michigan in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Michigan and Tennessee and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–six days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Tennessee vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Tennessee 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: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
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 Tennessee
About 7.1 million people are living in the Volunteer State. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Michigan and delivery in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Tennessee?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan to Tennessee, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Tennessee, 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.
Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to Tennessee?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Tennessee is about 699 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 Tennessee.
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.
In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, will I need one in Tennessee?
To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
If I bought a car in Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in Tennessee after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan to Tennessee after purchasing it.
When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Michigan and Tennessee to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Tennessee?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Shipping a car from Michigan to Tennessee costs $736 to $1,074.
