North Carolina to Michigan Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 843 miles from North Carolina to Michigan falls between $781 and $1,242. 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.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Michigan to North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Michigan car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from North Carolina to Michigan:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in North Carolina
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in North Carolina who can get your vehicle to Michigan:
- 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from North Carolina to Michigan
Ship it with your movers
When moving from North Carolina to Michigan, 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.
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 843 miles on your car going from North Carolina to Michigan. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from North Carolina to Michigan 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 by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
North Carolina to Michigan 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 North Carolina and Michigan. The trip typically spans 843 miles and takes about two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Michigan
| From North Carolina to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Detroit, MI | $738 – $1,068 | 620 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Grand Rapids, MI | $786 – $1,129 | 739 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Warren, MI | $724 – $1,086 | 641 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Sterling Heights, MI | $783 – $1,070 | 651 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Ann Arbor, MI | $768 – $1,007 | 615 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Michigan
| From North Carolina to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC to Detroit, MI | $734 – $1,084 | 676 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Grand Rapids, MI | $835 – $1,205 | 789 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Warren, MI | $811 – $1,084 | 697 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Sterling Heights, MI | $803 – $1,062 | 696 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Ann Arbor, MI | $737 – $1,059 | 660 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Greensboro, NC to Michigan
| From North Carolina to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro, NC to Detroit, MI | $700 – $949 | 596 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Grand Rapids, MI | $745 – $1,175 | 724 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Warren, MI | $709 – $1,027 | 618 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Sterling Heights, MI | $694 – $1,007 | 622 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Ann Arbor, MI | $750 – $959 | 596 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Durham, NC to Michigan
| From North Carolina to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC to Detroit, MI | $737 – $1,038 | 657 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Grand Rapids, MI | $835 – $1,193 | 776 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Durham, NC to Warren, MI | $775 – $1,038 | 669 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Sterling Heights, MI | $729 – $1,113 | 673 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Ann Arbor, MI | $709 – $1,044 | 637 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to Michigan
| From North Carolina to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC to Detroit, MI | $750 – $1,009 | 578 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Grand Rapids, MI | $803 – $1,117 | 696 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Warren, MI | $750 – $969 | 594 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Sterling Heights, MI | $702 – $1,017 | 603 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Ann Arbor, MI | $697 – $998 | 562 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina to Michigan
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from North Carolina to Michigan, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $976–$1,553.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Carolina to Michigan
When moving your vehicle from the Tar Heel State to the Wolverine State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed 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 Michigan.
- Distance and route: The trip from North Carolina to Michigan covers roughly 843 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from North Carolina around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between North Carolina and Michigan.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from North Carolina to Michigan should take between two and seven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Michigan vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Michigan, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance 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.
- Vehicle inspection: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Driver’s license: 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.
- Additional taxes: In Michigan, a 6% sales tax is imposed on all vehicle purchases.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from North Carolina
More than 10.8 million people call North Carolina home. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
Transporting your vehicle to Michigan
About 10.0 million people are living in 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in North Carolina and delivery in Michigan?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in North Carolina and when dropping it off in Michigan.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Carolina to Michigan?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Carolina to Michigan, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Michigan, which you should verify before loading your car in North Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance 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.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Carolina to Michigan?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Carolina to Michigan is about 843 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from North Carolina to Michigan.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
If I have a driver’s license in North Carolina, will I need one in Michigan?
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.
If I bought a car in North Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in Michigan after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from North Carolina to Michigan after purchasing it.
In Michigan, a 6% sales tax is imposed on all vehicle purchases.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both North Carolina and Michigan to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Michigan?
The cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Michigan 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 North Carolina to Michigan?
Shipping a car from North Carolina to Michigan costs $781 to $1,242.
1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US
4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US
3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US