Cost to ship a car from Albany to Detroit

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 545 miles from Albany to Detroit ranges from $704 to $963. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Detroit, 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 Detroit to Albany car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Albany to Detroit car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Albany to Detroit, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Albany, 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 Albany. 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 Smallbany to the America's Comeback City — approximately 545 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 Albany and Detroit can impact car shipping prices.

August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.

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 Albany 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 545-mile distance between Albany 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 Albany to Detroit 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.

Albany to Detroit car shipping companies

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

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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 Albany and Detroit vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.
  • 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

  • Albany: 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.
  • 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

  • Albany: 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.
  • 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

  • Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • 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 Albany to Detroit?

The cost to ship a car from Albany, NY 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 Albany to Detroit will range from $704 to $963.

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

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 545 miles from Albany to Detroit. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Albany resources