Cost to ship a car from Huntsville to Detroit
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 649 miles from Huntsville to Detroit ranges from $852 to $1,217. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Detroit, MI in 1–6 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Detroit to Huntsville car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Huntsville to Detroit car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Huntsville to Detroit, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Huntsville to Detroit, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Huntsville, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Detroit, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Huntsville. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Detroit will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Rocket City to the America's Comeback City — approximately 649 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.
Time of the year
The season and weather in both Huntsville and Detroit can impact car shipping prices.
Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
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.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Huntsville to Detroit during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 649-mile distance between Huntsville and Detroit and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Huntsville to Detroit typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Huntsville to Detroit car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Huntsville to Detroit:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Huntsville and Detroit vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Huntsville: $0.50 per hour All parking meters are enforced Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meters are not enforced on City of Huntsville’s recognized holidays.
- 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
- Huntsville: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
- 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
- Huntsville: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
- 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
- Huntsville: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
- 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 Huntsville to Detroit?
The cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Detroit, MI varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Huntsville to Detroit will range from $852 to $1,217.
How long will it take to ship my car from Huntsville to Detroit?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 649 miles from Huntsville to Detroit. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Huntsville to Detroit?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Huntsville to Detroit. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
