($664) Cost to ship a car from Nashville, TN to Detroit, MI
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 534 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Detroit, Michigan, will run you about $664 to $880. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Detroit to Nashville 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 Nashville to Detroit car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Nashville to Detroit:
- 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 Nashville
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Nashville, TN:
- Nashville Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Wheelsup Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 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.
Car shipping alternatives from TN to MI
Getting your car from Nashville to Detroit can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Nashville to Detroit, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 534-mile trip from Nashville to Detroit could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Tennessee to Michigan is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Nashville to Detroit. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Detroit, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Nashville to Detroit car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Nashville to Detroit, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Nashville to Detroit, 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 Detroit, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Nashville 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 Detroit will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 534 miles from Nashville to Detroit will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Tennessee.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Nashville and Detroit often affect the cost of auto transport.
Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement weather.
Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Nashville to Detroit in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 534-mile trip from Nashville to Detroit, 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 Nashville to Detroit typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Nashville and Detroit vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Nashville: A Downtown Nashville Residential Parking Permit is issued once the completed Downtown Residential Parking Permit Application and the $25.00 fee is received by Nashville Department of Transportation. The staff will review the application to verify the location meets the requirement for Downtown Residential Permit Parking.
- Detroit: Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
Car insurance requirements
- Nashville: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
- Detroit: 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
- Nashville: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
- Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Driver’s license
- Nashville: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
- Detroit: 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 Nashville to Detroit?
The cost to ship a car from Nashville, TN to Detroit, 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 Nashville to Detroit will range from $664 to $880.
How long will it take to ship my car from Nashville to Detroit?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 534 miles from Nashville to Detroit. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Nashville to Detroit?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Nashville to Detroit. 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 Nashville to Detroit?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Nashville to Detroit 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 534-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.
4235 Hillsboro Pike #300, Nashville, TN 37215 US
136 Park S Ct, Nashville, TN 37210 US
1391 Foxland Blvd, Gallatin, TN 37066 US
800 Airpark Commrce Dr # 805, Nashville, TN 37217 US
188 Center Point Rd S, Hendersonville, TN 37075 US