South Dakota to Michigan Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 859 miles from South Dakota to Michigan ranges from $857 to $1,231. Expect the trip to take around two–seven days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
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 logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from South Dakota 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in South Dakota
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in South Dakota that can transport 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 planning a move from South Dakota to Michigan, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 859 miles on your car to travel between South Dakota and Michigan. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from South Dakota 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 a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
South Dakota to Michigan auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in South Dakota and Michigan. Average distances are close to 859 miles, with delivery usually taking two–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 | $800 – $1,268 | 863 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $767 – $1,032 | 628 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Warren, MI | $775 – $1,169 | 870 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $783 – $1,181 | 874 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $807 – $1,197 | 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 | $995 – $1,523 | 1,201 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $822 – $1,288 | 1,096 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Warren, MI | $937 – $1,449 | 1,208 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $947 – $1,493 | 1,212 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $850 – $1,359 | 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 | $784 – $1,241 | 988 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $818 – $1,295 | 883 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Warren, MI | $858 – $1,293 | 995 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $838 – $1,288 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $853 – $1,297 | 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 | $795 – $1,209 | 912 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $847 – $1,173 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Warren, MI | $836 – $1,196 | 919 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $828 – $1,247 | 923 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $800 – $1,169 | 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 | $859 – $1,270 | 896 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Grand Rapids, MI | $751 – $1,079 | 662 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Watertown, SD to Warren, MI | $779 – $1,234 | 904 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Sterling Heights, MI | $787 – $1,221 | 908 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Ann Arbor, MI | $840 – $1,292 | 854 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Michigan
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from South Dakota to Michigan usually runs between $1,071 and $1,539.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Michigan
When moving your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Wolverine State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on 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 South Dakota to Michigan covers roughly 859 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of South Dakota, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between South Dakota and Michigan may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Michigan vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Michigan, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- 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 $857 to $1,231.
