Cost to ship a car from Oakland to Lansing

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,327 miles from Oakland to Lansing ranges from $1,566 to $2,420. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lansing, MI in 5–13 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 Lansing to Oakland car shipping guide.

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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. 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.

Factors affecting Oakland to Lansing car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Oakland to Lansing, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Oakland to Lansing, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Oakland, 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 Lansing, 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 Oakland. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Lansing will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Town to the Capital City — approximately 2,327 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 Oakland and Lansing can impact car shipping prices.

Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.

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.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Oakland to Lansing 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 2,327-mile distance between Oakland and Lansing 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 Oakland to Lansing typically takes between 5 and 13 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Oakland to Lansing car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Oakland to Lansing:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Oakland and Lansing vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
  • 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

  • Oakland: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
  • 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

  • Oakland: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
  • 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

  • Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • 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 Oakland to Lansing?

The cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to Lansing, 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 Oakland to Lansing will range from $1,566 to $2,420.

How long will it take to ship my car from Oakland to Lansing?

It will take approximately 5–13 days to ship your car the 2,327 miles from Oakland to Lansing. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Oakland to Lansing?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Oakland to Lansing. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Oakland resources