South Dakota to Michigan Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 859 miles from South Dakota to Michigan typically falls between $764 and $1,153. The process usually takes two–seven days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Michigan to South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Michigan 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 South Dakota to Michigan:
- 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 South Dakota
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in South Dakota that can relocate your vehicle to Michigan:
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US
stopwatchusa.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2965797
Yada Enterprises Inc
611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US
yadaenterprises.net
3.5 / 5.0
Yada Enterprises has received significant feedback regarding their vehicle transport services, highlighting both commendable customer interactions and notable issues with vehicle damage. While many customers appreciated the respectful conduct of drivers and timely delivery, there were serious concerns about vehicle mishandling and lack of accountability for damages during transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1255110
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 South Dakota to Michigan
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from South Dakota to Michigan, 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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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 859 miles to your car on the trip from South Dakota to Michigan. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from South Dakota to Michigan. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
South Dakota to Michigan auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in South Dakota and Michigan. The average travel distance is about 859 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Michigan
| From South Dakota to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Detroit, MI | $820 – $1,165 | 863 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $683 – $987 | 628 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Warren, MI | $812 – $1,201 | 870 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $764 – $1,225 | 874 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $772 – $1,204 | 820 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Michigan
| From South Dakota to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Detroit, MI | $924 – $1,429 | 1,201 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $802 – $1,308 | 1,096 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Warren, MI | $980 – $1,386 | 1,208 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $952 – $1,486 | 1,212 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $839 – $1,340 | 1,158 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Michigan
| From South Dakota to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Detroit, MI | $797 – $1,249 | 988 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $775 – $1,216 | 883 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Warren, MI | $773 – $1,312 | 995 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $810 – $1,257 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $808 – $1,278 | 946 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Michigan
| From South Dakota to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Detroit, MI | $760 – $1,192 | 912 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $803 – $1,110 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Warren, MI | $776 – $1,278 | 919 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $816 – $1,290 | 923 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $796 – $1,249 | 869 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Michigan
| From South Dakota to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Detroit, MI | $799 – $1,276 | 896 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $718 – $1,084 | 662 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Watertown, SD to Warren, MI | $776 – $1,180 | 904 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $808 – $1,192 | 908 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $796 – $1,141 | 854 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Michigan, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $955–$1,441.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Michigan
Transporting your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Wolverine State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Michigan.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Dakota to Michigan spans about 859 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from South Dakota in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from South Dakota to Michigan, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–seven days, but expedited options cost more.
Michigan vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Michigan 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: 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 South Dakota
More than 919,318 people call South Dakota home. Nicknamed the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and when dropping it off in Michigan.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Michigan?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
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 South Dakota to Michigan?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Michigan is about 859 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from South Dakota to Michigan.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and Michigan to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Michigan?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Michigan?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Michigan costs $764 to $1,153.
