($964) Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Lansing, MI
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,309 miles from Austin, Texas, to Lansing, Michigan, ranges from $964 to $1,518. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lansing to Austin 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 Austin to Lansing car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Austin to Lansing:
- 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 Austin
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Austin, TX:
- San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- National Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Transport Austin: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Flix Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Linus Auto Transport: 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 TX to MI
If you’re relocating from Austin to Lansing, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Austin to Lansing, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,309-mile trip from Austin to Lansing 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Texas to Michigan, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Austin to Lansing safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Lansing. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Austin to Lansing car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Austin to Lansing can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Austin to Lansing, 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 Lansing, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Austin has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Lansing will cost more than moving a smaller car.
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 1,309 miles from Austin to Lansing will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Texas.
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 Austin and Lansing can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Austin has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Austin to Lansing during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,309-mile journey from Austin to Lansing makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Austin to Lansing takes between three and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Austin and Lansing vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Austin: If you are temporarily loading or unloading non-construction materials or if you need to place a temporary storage device in the right of way, you will need a parking permit.
- Lansing: Check with the City of Lansing for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lansing.
Car insurance requirements
- Austin: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Lansing: 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
- Austin: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Lansing: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Driver’s license
- Austin: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Lansing: 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 Austin to Lansing?
The cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Lansing, 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 Austin to Lansing will range from $964 to $1,518.
How long will it take to ship my car from Austin to Lansing?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,309 miles from Austin to Lansing. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Austin to Lansing?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Austin to Lansing. 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 Austin to Lansing?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Austin to Lansing 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 1,309-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.
5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US
8610 N New Braunfels Ave Suite S-607, San Antonio, TX 78217 US
1704 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701 US