Michigan to Washington Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,028 miles from Michigan to Washington usually costs between $1,254 and $1,960. Transit time is about four–twelve 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 Washington 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 Washington car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Michigan to Washington:
- 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 Washington:
- 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 Washington
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Michigan to Washington, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 2,028 miles to your vehicle on the route from Michigan to Washington. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Michigan to Washington. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Michigan to Washington auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Michigan and Washington. Average distances are close to 2,028 miles, with delivery usually taking four–twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Washington
| From Michigan to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Seattle, WA | $1,344 – $1,976 | 2,352 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Detroit, MI to Spokane, WA | $1,229 – $1,882 | 2,074 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Detroit, MI to Tacoma, WA | $1,344 – $2,038 | 2,365 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Detroit, MI to Vancouver, WA | $1,242 – $2,017 | 2,391 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Detroit, MI to Bellevue, WA | $1,344 – $1,956 | 2,346 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Washington
| From Michigan to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Seattle, WA | $1,289 – $1,917 | 2,248 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Spokane, WA | $1,170 – $1,824 | 1,840 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Tacoma, WA | $1,280 – $2,052 | 2,131 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Vancouver, WA | $1,238 – $1,937 | 2,284 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Bellevue, WA | $1,238 – $2,119 | 2,242 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Washington
| From Michigan to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Seattle, WA | $1,293 – $2,017 | 2,361 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Warren, MI to Spokane, WA | $1,192 – $2,019 | 2,083 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Warren, MI to Tacoma, WA | $1,255 – $1,976 | 2,375 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Warren, MI to Vancouver, WA | $1,255 – $1,997 | 2,397 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Warren, MI to Bellevue, WA | $1,319 – $2,139 | 2,355 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Washington
| From Michigan to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Seattle, WA | $1,229 – $2,078 | 2,365 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Spokane, WA | $1,317 – $1,862 | 2,087 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Tacoma, WA | $1,280 – $2,099 | 2,378 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Vancouver, WA | $1,279 – $1,948 | 2,401 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Bellevue, WA | $1,229 – $2,058 | 2,359 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Washington
| From Michigan to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Seattle, WA | $1,229 – $2,017 | 2,311 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Spokane, WA | $1,217 – $2,058 | 2,033 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Tacoma, WA | $1,293 – $2,078 | 2,324 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Vancouver, WA | $1,306 – $2,119 | 2,347 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Bellevue, WA | $1,344 – $2,017 | 2,305 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Washington
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 Washington, the price usually falls between $1,568 and $2,450.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Washington
When transporting your vehicle from the Wolverine State to the Evergreen State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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 Washington.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Michigan to Washington involves roughly 2,028 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Michigan, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Michigan and Washington and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within four–twelve days, but expedited options cost more.
Washington vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Washington, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
- Driver’s license: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
- Additional taxes: If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use 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 Washington
About 7.8 million people are living in the Evergreen State. Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Michigan and delivery in Washington?
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 Washington.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Washington?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan to Washington, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Washington, 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.
Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to Washington?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Washington is about 2,028 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from Michigan to Washington.
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 the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, will I need one in Washington?
To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
If I bought a car in Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in Washington after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan to Washington after purchasing it.
If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Michigan and Washington to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Washington?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Washington 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 Washington?
Shipping a car from Michigan to Washington costs $1,254 to $1,960.
