($889) Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Grand Rapids, MI

Quick answer: Shipping a car 789 miles from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Grand Rapids, Michigan, typically costs between $889 and $1,336. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Grand Rapids to Raleigh car shipping guide.

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Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Raleigh to Grand Rapids car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Raleigh to Grand Rapids:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Raleigh

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Raleigh, NC:

  1. 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  2. Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars

48 States Auto Shipping

1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0

Customers report extremely poor service due to lack of communication and significant delays in vehicle pickup and delivery. The overall sentiment is frustration over unresponsive support and inconsistent scheduling.

Get a Quote (866) 237-9212

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Perfect Auto Transport Inc.

Ship A Car ASAP

4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise David’s exemplary service, highlighting his professionalism, excellent communication, and the efficiency of the car shipping process. However, some feedback indicates occasional delays in response times from representatives at the company.

Get a Quote (844) 321-2727

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • JE Carriers, LLC

Stewart Transport Solutions

341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (910) 892-7900

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Speedy Car Shipping

3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers praised the clear and user-friendly website and the exceptional customer service. They reported a strong trust in the company's process and recommendations. However, no significant negative feedback was indicated.

Get a Quote (919) 367-1879

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior

Additional Information

Ceva Logistics

9300 Globe Center Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (919) 544-3198

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

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.

Car shipping alternatives from NC to MI

If you’re planning a move from Raleigh to Grand Rapids, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from Raleigh to Grand Rapids, 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

Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 789 miles from Raleigh to Grand Rapids might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.

Use a driving service

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from North Carolina to Michigan. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Raleigh. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Grand Rapids.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Grand Rapids 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 Raleigh to Grand Rapids car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Raleigh to Grand Rapids, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

There are a few ways to ship your car from Raleigh to Grand Rapids, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.

Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Grand Rapids, our comparison guide can help.

Vehicle size and type

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Raleigh is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Grand Rapids will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.

Distance and route

Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 789 miles from Raleigh to Grand Rapids will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in North Carolina.

Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in Raleigh and Grand Rapids can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.

August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, 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 Raleigh to Grand Rapids during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 789-mile trip from Raleigh to Grand Rapids, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Raleigh to Grand Rapids 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 Raleigh and Grand Rapids vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Raleigh: Raleigh's website doesn't specifically say that you need a parking permit but they do have rules on loading zones. Be sure to check directly with the City of Raleigh to ensure that you have what you need for your move. It's also a good idea to check directly with any neighborhood, HOA, or building regulations that may affect your move.
  • 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].

Car insurance requirements

  • Raleigh: 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.
  • 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Raleigh: 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.
  • Grand Rapids: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

Driver’s license

  • Raleigh: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Raleigh to Grand Rapids?

The cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Grand Rapids, MI 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 Raleigh to Grand Rapids will range from $889 to $1,336.

How long will it take to ship my car from Raleigh to Grand Rapids?

It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 789 miles from Raleigh to Grand Rapids. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Raleigh to Grand Rapids?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Raleigh to Grand Rapids. 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 Raleigh to Grand Rapids?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Raleigh to Grand Rapids 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 789-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.

Helpful Raleigh resources