Cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Lansing
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 584 miles from Washington DC to Lansing ranges from $849 to $1,163. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lansing, 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 Lansing to Washington DC car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Washington DC to Lansing car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Washington DC to Lansing, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Washington DC to Lansing, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Washington DC, 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 Washington DC. 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 DC to the Capital City — approximately 584 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 Washington DC and Lansing can impact car shipping prices.
Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
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 Washington DC 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 584-mile distance between Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Lansing 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.
Washington DC to Lansing car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Washington DC to Lansing:
- 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 Washington DC and Lansing vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per 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
- Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
- 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
- Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
- 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
- Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
- 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 Washington DC to Lansing?
The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC to Lansing will range from $849 to $1,163.
How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to Lansing?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 584 miles from Washington DC to Lansing. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to Lansing?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Washington DC to Lansing. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
