Cost to ship a car from St. Louis to Lansing

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 485 miles from St. Louis to Lansing ranges from $666 to $934. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lansing, MI in 1–4 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 St. Louis car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting St. Louis to Lansing car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from St. Louis to Lansing, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving St. Louis, 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 St. Louis. 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 Chess Capital of the World to the Capital City — approximately 485 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 St. Louis and Lansing can impact car shipping prices.

St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.

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 St. Louis 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 485-mile distance between St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Lansing typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

St. Louis to Lansing car shipping companies

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

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing St. Louis and Lansing vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • St. Louis: Blocking Right of Way Permits are required for any activity that will block any portion of the public right of way (streets and sidewalks) such as dumpster placement, moving truck, block parties, construction related street closures. These may go from $20-$35
  • 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

  • St. Louis: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
  • 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

  • St. Louis: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
  • 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

  • St. Louis: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
  • 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 St. Louis to Lansing?

The cost to ship a car from St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis to Lansing will range from $666 to $934.

How long will it take to ship my car from St. Louis to Lansing?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 485 miles from St. Louis to Lansing. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Louis to Lansing?

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

Helpful St. Louis resources