Cost to ship a car from Reno to Detroit

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,179 miles from Reno to Detroit ranges from $1,490 to $2,460. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Detroit, MI in 4–12 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 Reno car shipping guide.

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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 Reno to Detroit car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Reno to Detroit, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Reno, 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 Reno. 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 Biggest Little City in the World to the America's Comeback City — approximately 2,179 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 Reno and Detroit can impact car shipping prices.

Reno experiences very hot summer and very cold winter. If you're looking to relocate, consider the months of June, September and May as these months have favorable weather. December and January are the least comfortable months.

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 Reno 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 2,179-mile distance between Reno 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 Reno to Detroit typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Reno to Detroit car shipping companies

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

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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 Reno and Detroit vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Reno: Make sure to check with the City of Reno for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
  • 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

  • Reno: Nevada law mandates drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $20,000 for property damage, ensuring financial responsibility in case of accidents. Stay compliant for legal and financial protection.
  • 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

  • Reno: The State of Nevada requires yearly vehicle emissions and VIN tests.
  • 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

  • Reno: To obtain a driver's license in Nevada as a new resident, you must apply for it in-person at a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in Nevada.
  • 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 Reno to Detroit?

The cost to ship a car from Reno, NV 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 Reno to Detroit will range from $1,490 to $2,460.

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

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,179 miles from Reno to Detroit. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Reno resources