Best Michigan Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated SGT Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Michigan, giving them 4.9 out of 5 stars.
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Key takeaways
- While there are several factors that influence the cost of transporting your vehicle, the average cost of shipping your car out of Michigan ranges from $727 to $1,285.
- 71.2% of Michigan auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most common (and cheapest) method of shipping your vehicle out of state.
- Only 20% of car shipping companies in Michigan offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using SGT Auto Transport.
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 Michigan
Our data team has spent more than 400 hours collecting and analyzing information unique to vehicle transport, including pricing quotes. We routinely evaluate that data to give you relevant, accurate, and unbiased recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
If you need to ship a car out of Detroit, or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in Michigan:
- SGT Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- Ship A Car Direct
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group
- Direct Connect Auto Transport
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
- Jack Cooper Transport
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc
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
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
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
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
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
Detroit Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a diverse range of car shipping services, including transport for inoperable cars, ATVs, RVs, and classic cars. They provide damage-free guarantees, fully insured shipments, and enclosed transport options, ensuring the safety and security of your vehicle. Google rates this company at a stellar 5.0, and they boast an A+ rating from the BBB, though they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp.
In terms of discounts, they offer a military discount, but unfortunately, they do not provide discounts for seniors, students, or AAA members. A potential downside for some customers is that they do not offer guaranteed delivery or storage solutions.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Direct Connect Auto Transport (DOT: 2244227) offers a wide range of car shipping services. They accommodate customers requiring transport for inoperable cars, heavy equipment, and even electric vehicles. Their services include open and enclosed transport options and international shipping. They are fully insured and provide a damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
Rated 5.0 on Google and holding an A+ rating with BBB, Direct Connect Auto Transport has established a strong reputation for reliability. A notable downside is that they do not offer ATV or multi-car transport, which might be a drawback for some customers. They also provide military discounts, adding value to their offerings for service members.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc (DOT: 681284)
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc offers comprehensive car shipping services, specializing in the transport of classic cars, electric vehicles, and inoperable cars. Customers can choose between enclosed and open transport options, ensuring flexibility for diverse shipping needs. Moreover, the company provides a military discount, adding value for service members. However, it does not offer damage-free guarantees, which may concern some customers.
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc boasts a solid reputation with a Google rating of 4.0 and a BBB rating of A+. They have yet to establish ratings on Yelp.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Jack Cooper Transport
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) is a reputable car shipping company known for its comprehensive services and reliability. With a Google rating of 4.1 and a BBB rating of A-, customers can trust their professional handling and customer service standards.
This company offers specialized services such as enclosed transport, motorcycle shipping, and RV shipping, ensuring a wide range of vehicle transportation needs are met. Additionally, they provide expedited delivery and do not require a deposit, adding convenience for their customers.
However, they do not offer inoperable car transport or international shipping, which may be a downside for some clients. Despite these limitations, Jack Cooper Transport remains a dependable choice for many vehicle shipping requirements.
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
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
Great Lakes Logistics Llc (DOT: 2951078) offers an array of specialized car shipping services including transport for inoperable cars, motorcycles, classic cars, and electric vehicles. The company is rated 3.8 on Google and boasts an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction and service quality.
Customers can take advantage of features such as expedited delivery, shipment tracking, and the convenience of paying by credit card. However, it is worth noting that the company does not offer certain services such as fully insured transport, ATV shipping, or storage solutions, which may be a drawback for some clients.
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Average cost of transporting a vehicle to or from Michigan
The average cost to ship a car out of Michigan is about $1,132 but the exact amount you pay could be more or less, depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. For example:
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $380 to $879
- Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $687 to $899
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $802 to $1,284
Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Wolverine State:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan to Texas | $1,271 | $1,998 |
| Michigan to Ohio | $741 | $1,013 |
| Michigan to Florida | $1,246 | $1,978 |
| Michigan to New York | $1,062 | $1,500 |
| Michigan to Pennsylvania | $961 | $1,384 |
| North Carolina to Michigan | $991 | $1,495 |
| California to Michigan | $1,730 | $2,611 |
| Georgia to Michigan | $998 | $1,679 |
| Arizona to Michigan | $1,671 | $2,390 |
| Illinois to Michigan | $727 | $1,089 |
When shipping your car out of Michigan, these factors can affect the price:
- Your move distance: Distance matters. Transporting your car within Michigan or to nearby states is usually cheaper than cross-country trips.
- Location: Whether you’re shipping from busy Detroit to a quieter Michigan town or out of state, location affects cost. Cities may have lower rates, but remote Michigan areas could increase the price.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Compact cars typically cost less to ship. However, if you’re moving a classic car from Michigan, expect a higher quote due to the special care needed.
- Shipping options in the Wolverine State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is wallet-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for Michigan’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Gas prices: Fuel price changes can impact your total expenses. In Michigan, gas prices may influence your shipping costs, particularly for long distances.
- Delivery time frame: You’ll end up paying extra for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or faster service.
- Discounts: Some Michigan auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all of the popular Michigan car shipping routes.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Phone |
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Get A Quote |
SGT Auto Transport
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(864) 492-1221 |
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Get A Quote |
Easy Auto Ship
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(888) 259-6046 |
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Get A Quote |
Sherpa Auto Transport
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(833) 775-1461 |
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Get A Quote |
AmeriFreight
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(770) 501-9057 |
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Get A Quote |
Ship A Car Direct
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(866) 563-0804 |
FAQs for shipping cars in Michigan
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Michigan?
SGT Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Michigan, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated SGT Auto Transport a 4.9 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Michigan?
The cheapest copmany to ship your car in Michigan will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on
your specific needs is to use our car shipping
calculator.
Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also,
most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top
car shippers in Michigan, AmeriFreight has the
most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Michigan?
Michigan law mandates that new residents must title and register their vehicles immediately, as no grace period is allowed. If someone lives in Michigan and can prove their legal presence in the US, they are considered a resident. New residents should go to a Secretary of State office to get a Michigan driver’s license, title, and registration as soon as they move to the state.
Does Michigan require a vehicle inspection?
Michigan does not mandate vehicle inspections for registration. The state does not require car safety inspections or emissions tests.
Does Michigan’s weather impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Michigan. Michigan has a continental climate with two distinct areas. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and around Grand Rapids) experience warmer weather, with hot summers and cold winters. The northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula have harsher conditions, with warm but shorter summers and long, cold winters. In some regions, high temperatures often don’t rise above freezing from December to early March, especially in the far north. Heavy lake-effect snow is common through mid-February. The state sees an average of 30 days of thunderstorms each year, which can be severe, especially in the south. Michigan also averages 17 tornadoes annually, mostly in the far southern areas.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Michigan?
Delivery times for car shipping in Michigan depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days. Factors like traffic, weather conditions in Michigan, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular needs.
| Miles | Timeframe |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in Michigan?
In Michigan, you need at least $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury coverage and $10,000 for property damage coverage for auto insurance.
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.
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
Other Michigan car shipping resources
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
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