($513) Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Rochester, NY

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 326 miles from Detroit, Michigan, to Rochester, New York, ranges from $513 to $737. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Free car wash
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  • Services all 50 states
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Rochester to Detroit car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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The best Detroit to Rochester car shipping companies

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

Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
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Check prices (833) 775-1461
Best cross-country shipper
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (224) 206-5633
At A Glance
  • No upfront payment
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Competitive pricing
  • Door-to-door shipping
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Check prices (224) 206-5633
Best for discounts
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices (770) 501-9057
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  • Competitive pricing
  • Last-minute car shipments
  • Guaranteed & expedited shipments
  • Gap insurance coverage
  • Multiple discounts
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Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (864) 492-1221
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  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Check prices (864) 492-1221
Best for quick pickup
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (888) 259-6046
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  • No upfront deposit
  • Expedited shipping
  • No hidden fees
  • Ships motorcycles & RVs
  • Discount for cash payments
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Top local car shippers in Detroit

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Detroit, MI:

Detroit Auto Shipping Group

100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US

starstarstarstarstar4.38 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Jack Cooper Transport

2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US

starstarstarstarstar4.24 / 5.0
Get a Quote (313) 982-1130

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Great Lakes Logistics Llc

9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US

starstarstarstarstar4.1 / 5.0

Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.

Get a Quote (734) 992-8918

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Awesome Auto Transporters LLC

6444 London St, Detroit, MI 48221 US

starstarstarstarstar4.1 / 5.0

Customers are exceptionally satisfied with the company overall, frequent praise aligns toward professionalism, reliability, and convenient pricing, characteristic of this mall but truly competent enterprise.

Get a Quote (888) 950-7447

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Direct Connect Auto Transport

607 Shelby St Suite 700, Detroit, MI 48226 US

starstarstarstarstar4 / 5.0

The company delivers an efficient and reliable car shipping service. Customers appreciated the experience with no significant negative reports.

Get a Quote (800) 980-2222

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2244227

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.

Car shipping alternatives from MI to NY

  • Coordinate with your movers. If you are relocating from Detroit to Rochester, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide, and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s pick for car shipper and their pricing.
  • Drive your car. There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 326-mile drive from Detroit to Rochester into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
  • Use a driving service. Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Michigan to New York is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Detroit to Rochester. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
  • Ship your car via train. Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Rochester, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Detroit to Rochester car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Detroit to Rochester, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

There are different options for shipping your car from Detroit to Rochester, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you choose will depend on your specific needs.

When leaving Detroit, 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 Rochester, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Detroit will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Rochester than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply — the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as adjacent costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 326 miles from America's Comeback City to Flour City will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Michigan.

Where you’re shipping your car matters here, too. Rates are usually lower for routes that are along major highways and will be higher for areas that are more remote.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Detroit and Rochester can impact car shipping prices.

The season and weather in both Detroit and Rochester can impact car shipping prices.

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.

The cold weather and snow might be a challenge if you're planning to relocate to Rochester, NY during January and February. August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Rochester.

During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Detroit to Rochester 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 326-mile distance between Detroit and Rochester 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 Detroit to Rochester typically takes between one and four days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Detroit and Rochester vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • Rochester: Rochester’s parking regulations are designed to promote traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and availability of parking spaces on city streets. A variety of street signs placed along city streets indicate the parking regulations that apply. In addition to signs, parking meters are in place to provide on-street parking to as many vehicles as possible. Make sure to obtain the proper requirements upon moving.

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Rochester: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.

Vehicle inspections

  • Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
  • Rochester: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.

Driver’s 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.
  • Rochester: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Detroit to Rochester?

The cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Rochester, NY varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Detroit to Rochester will range from $513 to $737.

How long will it take to ship my car from Detroit to Rochester?

It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 326 miles from Detroit to Rochester. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Detroit to Rochester?

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

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Detroit to Rochester?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Detroit to Rochester than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 326-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Detroit resources