Cost to ship a car from Rochester to Grand Rapids

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 455 miles from Rochester to Grand Rapids ranges from $685 to $939. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids to Rochester car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

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 Rochester to Grand Rapids car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Rochester to Grand Rapids, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Rochester, 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 Grand Rapids, 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 Rochester. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Grand Rapids will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Flour City to the GR — approximately 455 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 Rochester and Grand Rapids can impact car shipping prices.

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.

August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Rochester to Grand Rapids 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 455-mile distance between Rochester and Grand Rapids 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 Rochester to Grand Rapids 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.

Rochester to Grand Rapids car shipping companies

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

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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 Rochester and Grand Rapids vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • Grand Rapids: The City requires that you apply for a Temporary Occupancy Permit. With this permit you will gain permission to temporarily close the needed area of the right-of-way. Be sure to clarify any questions with the City Government by contacting them ahead of time at 311 or 616-456-3000 or [email protected].

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Grand Rapids: 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

  • 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.
  • Grand Rapids: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

Driver’s license

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

The cost to ship a car from Rochester, NY to Grand Rapids, 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 Rochester to Grand Rapids will range from $685 to $939.

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

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 455 miles from Rochester to Grand Rapids. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Rochester resources