Best Grand Rapids Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, SGT Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Grand Rapids, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Michigan car shipping page.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in Grand Rapids
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Michigan, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Grand Rapids.
- SGT Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- Ship A Car Direct
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
- Sbs Transport
- Jack Cooper Transport
- Bullit Transport Services Inc
SGT Auto Transport
https://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
Although the company provides convenient payment options such as credit card payments, they do not offer shipment tracking or storage solutions, which could be seen as a downside for some customers. They have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google but maintain a strong reputation with an A+ rating from the BBB.
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc (DOT: 64161) is a reputable car shipping company known for its commitment to service quality, evidenced by its BBB rating of A-. Unfortunately, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Customers can rely on Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc for fully insured shipping and a damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind during the transport process. They also offer multi-car and enclosed transport options, catering to various shipping needs.
However, it should be noted that they do not provide shipping for inoperable cars, which might be a downside for some customers seeking this service.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Sbs Transport
Sbs Transport (DOT: 1892583) offers a variety of car shipping services, including the transport of cars that don’t run, open transport, and international shipping.
The company supports the shipment of multiple cars at once and accommodates electric vehicles, making it a versatile option for various customer needs. Additionally, they allow customers to pay by credit card, facilitating a convenient payment process.
However, they do not provide certain services like enclosed transport, expedited delivery, and guaranteed delivery, which may be a downside for some customers looking for these specific options. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, and their BBB rating is listed as NR (Not Rated).
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Jack Cooper Transport
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) is an active car shipping company offering a range of services tailored to various customer needs. They provide enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and specialized shipping for RVs, boats, and motorcycles. Additionally, they offer a damage-free guarantee and are fully insured, ensuring peace of mind for their clients. For those requiring quick service, expedited delivery is available.
This company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. One notable downside for some customers is that they do not transport inoperable cars. Despite this, their diverse service offerings and insurance coverage make them a viable option for many transport needs.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Bullit Transport Services Inc
Bullit Transport Services Inc is actively providing car shipping solutions but has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
While they ambitiously label themselves among the active businesses in car transportation, potential customers may find it noteworthy that they currently do not offer specific services such as shipping for inoperable cars, expedited delivery options, or terminal-to-terminal delivery. Additionally, Bullit Transport Services Inc has yet to showcase any military or student discounts, which could be a downside for some clients looking for these specific perks.
Services Offered
- This provider has no service list.
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average car shipping costs in Grand Rapids
The average cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Michigan to Ohio | $741 – $1,013 |
| Michigan to California | $1,612 – $2,746 |
| Michigan to Texas | $1,271 – $1,998 |
| Michigan to North Carolina | $1,001 – $1,604 |
| Michigan to Illinois | $727 – $996 |
| New York to Michigan | $1,021 – $1,515 |
| Georgia to Michigan | $998 – $1,679 |
| Arizona to Michigan | $1,671 – $2,390 |
| Pennsylvania to Michigan | $933 – $1,384 |
| Florida to Michigan | $1,220 – $1,843 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Grand Rapids
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Grand Rapids or to another city in Michigan can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Grand Rapids to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Grand Rapids might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Grand Rapids: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Grand Rapids’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Grand Rapids’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Grand Rapids come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Cold winters and heavy snowfall in Grand Rapids, Michigan, could increase car shipping costs due to challenging driving conditions and higher demand for transport services in adverse weather.
Tips for choosing the right Grand Rapids, MI, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Grand Rapids, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Michigan.
- Review insurance and safety in Grand Rapids. Choose Grand Rapids companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews for Grand Rapids car shipping companies offers insights into their reliability and service quality, helping you make an informed decision. Positive or negative feedback from past customers can directly influence your choice.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in Grand Rapids ensures you choose a reliable car shipping company, helping you avoid scams and potential financial loss. It also guarantees timely, safe delivery of your vehicle.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Grand Rapids, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Grand Rapids. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in Grand Rapids. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in Grand Rapids should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Grand Rapids that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in Grand Rapids who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Grand Rapids?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Grand Rapids, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Grand Rapids?
I-96 connects to major East-West routes. I-196 provides access to nearby cities. I-94 links to major North-South routes. US-131 offers another efficient North-South option.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Grand Rapids car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Grand Rapids?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Grand Rapids. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Michigan, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Michigan regulations as an example. Michigan does not mandate vehicle inspections for registration. The state does not require car safety inspections or emissions tests.
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.
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