Best Car Shipping Companies in Grand Rapids, MI (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Grand Rapids, MI, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Michigan car shipping page.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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Top car shipping companies in Grand Rapids, MI
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Michigan, these are the best auto transport companies available in Grand Rapids:
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc (DOT: 64161) offers reliable car shipping services with a Google rating of 3.7 and an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company ensures your vehicle’s safety with a damage-free guarantee and full insurance coverage.
They specialize in enclosed transport and multi-car transport, catering to customers with multiple vehicles or those seeking extra protection for their cars. However, they do not provide services for inoperable vehicle transport, which might be a drawback for some customers looking to ship cars that don’t run.
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc also supports credit card payments, making transactions convenient, but currently does not offer any special discounts such as military or student discounts. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
Auto Transport by Stopwatch (DOT: 2965797) specializes in a range of car shipping services including the transportation of inoperable cars, electric vehicles, and classic cars. Customers can opt for enclosed transport or open transport options to fit their specific needs. Despite the comprehensive service offerings, the company does not provide shipping for ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, boats, or heavy equipment, which could be a drawback for some users.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. However, it holds a BBB rating of A+, reflecting its commitment to customer satisfaction and service quality. Additionally, they offer the convenience of paying by credit card but do not support other payment methods such as cash or money orders.
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Sbs Transport
Sbs Transport (DOT: 1892583) offers a range of services including international car shipping, transport for cars that don’t run, and open transport options. Unfortunately, the company does not provide a damage-free guarantee, enclosed transport, or shipment tracking, which may be a downside for some customers.
Sbs Transport supports payment by credit card but does not accept cryptocurrency or cash. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, and it holds a “Not Rated” status with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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) offers a variety of specialized car shipping services. Customers can benefit from their enclosed transport and expedited delivery options. Additionally, the company takes pride in being fully insured and providing a damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind during the transport process.
While Jack Cooper Transport supports RV and motorcycle shipping, they do not offer services for inoperable cars, which may be a limitation for some clients. Furthermore, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, and their BBB rating remains unlisted. This leaves potential customers without public reviews to reference for service quality.
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 prides itself on its active status in the car shipping industry, though details on their specific services and discounts are currently unavailable.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, making it difficult for potential customers to gauge past performance from these platforms. Additionally, Bullit Transport Services Inc has not specified if they transport inoperable cars or provide expedited delivery options, which could be a downside for some. They also do not appear to offer services like international shipping or motorcycle transport, which may limit some customer needs.
Services Offered
- This provider has no service list.
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.
Average cost to ship a car out of Grand Rapids
The cost to ship a car out of Michigan from Grand Rapids typically starts around $1,200. Your exact price will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Michigan to Georgia | $805 – $1,314 |
| Michigan to Ohio | $558 – $740 |
| Michigan to Texas | $1,025 – $1,579 |
| Michigan to Pennsylvania | $767 – $1,084 |
| Michigan to New York | $847 – $1,149 |
| California to Michigan | $1,301 – $2,021 |
| Illinois to Michigan | $629 – $820 |
| North Carolina to Michigan | $783 – $1,280 |
| Florida to Michigan | $985 – $1,518 |
| Arizona to Michigan | $1,334 – $1,850 |
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.
- The 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 car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- 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.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Grand Rapids comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Frequent heavy snowfall and cold winters in Grand Rapids can increase car shipping costs due to challenging driving conditions and potential delays. Warmer months like August, July, and June may offer smoother transportation with lower costs.
Tips for choosing the right Grand Rapids car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in Grand Rapids with transparent pricing. This will help you avoid getting hooked in with a lowball estimate, then hit with unexpected fees upon delivery. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Michigan.
- Review insurance coverage and claims policies. Choose Grand Rapids companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Be sure to ask about a company’s claims process, whether they offer multiple insurance plans, and if they provide a damage-free promise or other safety-related guarantee.
- Read customer reviews. Reading reviews from Grand Rapids customers is important. They share real experiences and insights about the reliability and quality of local car shipping services. Using this feedback in your decision-making process helps you avoid scams and select a company with high customer satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Along with reading online reviews, make sure a Grand Rapids company is trustworthy and reputable to avoid scams or bad service. You can verify this by checking a car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) company snapshot, which includes USDOT licensing info, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Grand Rapids. Make sure you are balancing service quality and pricing, rather than just opting for the cheapest quote. You should be wary of unusually low rates, which could be a sign of a lowball estimate that results in hidden costs or poor service.
- Understand shipping timelines. Review expected pickup and delivery times with Grand Rapids car shippers to ensure their timelines are realistic and fit your shipping needs. Transport time frames will vary based on a number of factors, including the time of year and type of transport.
- Look for customized service. Grand Rapids companies that offer add-on options like door-to-door service or expedited delivery are better able to help you create a personalized car shipping plan that works for your specific situation.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get referrals from friends or family in Grand Rapids who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
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
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 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?
Interstate 196 connects Grand Rapids to the southwest. Interstate 96 extends eastward. Interstate 131 runs north-south. Interstate 94 provides a direct route to major interstates.
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 FMCSA 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. You probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Michigan, but you should check the requirements in the delivery location since motor vehicle laws can vary from state to state.
Take Michigan regulations as an example. Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration. There are no state rules for car safety checks or emissions tests.
More Michigan car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Michigan, these resources should help:
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