Cost to ship a car from Knoxville to Ann Arbor

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 503 miles from Knoxville to Ann Arbor ranges from $752 to $1,014. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor to Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Ann Arbor car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Marble City to the Tree Town — approximately 503 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 Knoxville and Ann Arbor can impact car shipping prices.

Best months to move into Knoxville are September, May and October as weather during are considered pleasant. Winters are generally much cooler and less stable, with occasional small amounts of snow.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Knoxville to Ann Arbor 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 503-mile distance between Knoxville and Ann Arbor 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 Knoxville to Ann Arbor 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.

Knoxville to Ann Arbor car shipping companies

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

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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 Knoxville and Ann Arbor vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Knoxville: Often there is a need within the downtown area to reserve or remove parking spaces for activities that may not abide by the posted parking regulations. Examples of these activities include, but are not limited to moving, delivery & removal of goods, construction activities, performance of specialized business tasks, locating of temporary storage units, locating of construction equipment, general construction, special event activities, etc. Without this type of permit the requestor would be seen as a violator and could be subject to ticketing or subsequently being towed. Make sure to secure the necessary permit upon moving.
  • Ann Arbor: The Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program allows vehicles owned by residents to park in a RPP neighborhood for the posted time limit without being ticketed. If your neighborhood is participating in a RPP Program, you will need to acquire and display a RPP decal for every vehicle that will park on neighborhood streets during the specified enforcement period. Check with the City of Ann Arbor for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Ann Arbor.

Car insurance requirements

  • Knoxville: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
  • Ann Arbor: 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

  • Knoxville: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
  • Ann Arbor: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

Driver’s license

  • Knoxville: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
  • Ann Arbor: 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 Knoxville to Ann Arbor?

The cost to ship a car from Knoxville, TN to Ann Arbor, 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 Knoxville to Ann Arbor will range from $752 to $1,014.

How long will it take to ship my car from Knoxville to Ann Arbor?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 503 miles from Knoxville to Ann Arbor. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Knoxville to Ann Arbor?

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

Helpful Knoxville resources