($1,152) Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Salt Lake City, UT
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,559 miles from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Salt Lake City, Utah, generally falls between $1,152 and $1,505. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Salt Lake City to Grand Rapids 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
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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The best Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City:
- 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’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based 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 UT
When you’re moving from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,559-mile journey from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Michigan to Utah, 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 Salt Lake City safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Salt Lake City—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Grand Rapids 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 Salt Lake City 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 1,559 miles from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City 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
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City often affect the cost of auto transport.
August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
June, September and May are the most pleasant months in Salt Lake City, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,559-mile drive between Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City takes three to nine days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City 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 [email protected].
- Salt Lake City: Certain areas within the city, like hospitals, universities, etc. attract non-residents to seek parking in/near residential areas. This can sometimes place undue hardship on area residents and property owners by contributing to excess noise, air pollution, litter, traffic hazards, congestion and severe shortage of available on-street parking spaces. By preventing all day, (non-resident) vehicle parking in a qualifying area, it can address these problems. Make sure to secure a parking permit if needed in the area where you will move. You can apply online at Citizen Portal (Register for an account and Login before it will give you the option to apply.), or mail your application and supporting documentation to Transportation Division, 349 South 200 East, Ste. 150, SLC UT 84111. If you have any questions, please call our office at 801-535-6630 or e-mail [email protected].
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.
- Salt Lake City: In Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.
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.
- Salt Lake City: Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.
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.
- Salt Lake City: In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City?
The cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City will range from $1,152 to $1,505.
How long will it take to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,559 miles from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake City 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 1,559-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.
7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US
2976 Ivanrest Ave SW #105, Grandville, MI 49418 US
6504 28th St Se # J, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 US
7916 Davis Hwy, Charlotte, MI 48813 US