Based on our research, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company serving Michigan with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in key areas like cost, customer satisfaction, and services. While there are several factors that influence the cost to ship your car out of Michigan, the total average cost is $764 – $1,249.
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Why Trust FreightWaves Ratings?
Our mission at FreightWaves is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
The Best Car Shipping Companies in Michigan
Car shipping companies that have a national presence have more availability, more services, and are usually more affordable. Here are our reviews of the most trusted car shipping companies serving Michigan.
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise and free car wash at delivery are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a top-rated car shipper that offers some of the most affordable rates in the industry. The company consistently offers deals and discounts to military members, senior citizens, students, and emergency responders. They provide open and enclosed transport and door-to-door service for a wide variety of vehicles, including RVs, boats, and even golf carts. AmeriFreight maintains an excellent score with the BBB and in online reviews and can ship to anywhere in the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Discounts available
- Free cancellation
- RV and boat shipping
Cons
- No guaranteed pickup
- No GPS tracking
- Doesn’t ship internationally
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Local Auto Transport Options in Michigan
While we’ve vetted and rated these local auto transport companies in Michigan, they may have limited availability or service offerings compared to our top picks listed above.
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
Detroit Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a range of comprehensive services to ensure customers’ vehicles are transported safely and reliably. They provide damage-free guarantees, expedited delivery, and cater to classic cars, inoperable vehicles, and even RVs and trailers. Highlighting their exceptional service quality, the company proudly holds a Google rating of 5.0 and a BBB rating of A+.
However, a potential downside is that Detroit Auto Shipping Group does not accept cryptocurrency payments, which might be a limitation for some customers. Despite this, their fully insured options and international shipping capabilities make them a strong contender in the car transportation industry.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Direct Connect Auto Transport (DOT: 2244227) is a well-regarded player in the car shipping industry with an impressive Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
The company offers a range of services including interstate shipping, electric vehicle transport, and inoperable car transport, showcasing their versatility in handling diverse shipping needs. Additionally, they provide international shipping and maintain full insurance coverage for peace of mind.
One downside for some might be the lack of expedited delivery options. Notably, they accept a variety of payment methods, including money orders and credit cards, although they do not accept cryptocurrency.
Despite extensive service offerings, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc (DOT: 681284) is a car shipping company known for its reliable services and high ratings. This company boasts a solid Google rating of 4.0 and an excellent BBB rating of A+, indicating a strong reputation in the industry.
They offer a range of specialized services, including classic car shipping, transport of electric vehicles, and options for cars that don’t run. However, some customers might find it disadvantageous that they do not provide damage-free guarantees.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
Great Lakes Logistics Llc (DOT: 2951078) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services to cater to diverse transportation needs. They provide interstate shipping, motorcycle shipping, and electric vehicle transport. Additionally, customers can benefit from open transport options, expedited delivery, and the capability to transport cars that don’t run.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc has a Google rating of 3.8 and a BBB rating of A+, demonstrating a high level of service quality and customer satisfaction. However, the company has not yet established ratings on Yelp. One potential downside is the lack of a damage-free guarantee, which may be important to some customers.
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Jack Cooper Transport
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) is a reputable car shipping company known for its wide range of services and solid ratings. They have a commendable Google rating of 4.1 and a BBB rating of A-.
The company offers damage-free guarantee, boat shipping, interstate transport, full insurance coverage, expedited delivery, motorcycle shipping, RV shipping, and enclosed transport. However, it is worth noting that they do not provide classic car shipping, shipment tracking, or transportation for cars that don’t run, which might be a downside for some customers.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Understanding Car Shipping Costs in Michigan
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of Michigan:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From Michigan to Pennsylvania | 1019 | 1325 |
| From Michigan to Illinois | 827 | 1075 |
| From Michigan to Texas | 1426 | 1854 |
| From Michigan to Arizona | 1814 | 2358 |
| From Michigan to North Carolina | 1116 | 1451 |
| From Florida to Michigan | 1446 | 1880 |
| From California to Michigan | 1996 | 2595 |
| From Georgia to Michigan | 1208 | 1570 |
| From Ohio to Michigan | 758 | 985 |
| From New York to Michigan | 1103 | 1434 |
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are the factors that have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of Michigan:
- Distance and Location: Distance affects car shipping cost directly. Location influences cost by availability of transport routes and demand.
- Vehicle Type and Condition: Larger vehicles or those requiring special handling, such as classic cars, may cost more to ship out of Michigan. Additionally, non-operational vehicles might increase the price due to the extra equipment needed for loading and unloading.
- Transport Type: Open car shipping is less expensive and uses an open trailer, so your car is exposed to Michigan’s weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping costs around 30% more but keeps your car in a covered trailer, which is better for high-end or classic cars. Due to the lower cost, about 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: Michigan’s cold winters and heavy snowfall can increase car shipping costs due to potential delays and hazardous road conditions. Shippers may charge higher fees to account for these challenges.
- Additional Services Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping make car shipping out of Michigan more expensive. These options offer convenience and speed, but come with higher price tags due to extra effort and resources needed.
Each of these factors plays a significant role in the final cost of shipping your vehicle out of Michigan. To get the best price, we recommend using the form below to get car shipping quotes from multiple Michigan auto transport companies to compare their services and understand their payment options, ensuring they align with your specific needs and budget constraints.
How to Cut Car Shipping Costs
Car shipping can get pricey, particularly if you need to transport your vehicle long-distance or cross-country. However, there are a few things you can do to save money on your car shipping costs in Michigan:
- Shop around. Don’t choose the first car shipper you find. Many car shipping companies offer instant online estimates, making it simple to get rough quotes from several firms. Compare both prices and services to ensure a true apples-to-apples comparison. Some shippers may seem cheaper, but their quotes might be more basic than others.
- Ask about discounts. Car shipping companies often offer discounts for military personnel, students, senior citizens, and new or returning customers. When choosing a car shipper, check if they have any deals or promotions to help lower your costs.
- Check for hidden fees. Car shipping companies may not disclose this information until after you accept their quote, so it’s crucial to ask about any potential extra charges ahead of time. Common fees include gas, tolls, and terminal handling. Confirm all fees before agreeing to their services and get them in writing to avoid surprises on your final bill.
- Book in advance. Booking car shipping closer to your pickup date will cost more, especially if you need expedited service. Once you pick a company, book early to get the best price.
- Ship during the off season. Shipping your car during peak times like spring, early summer, or major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas is more expensive. This is due to higher demand and lower availability. To get a better price and more scheduling options, try to avoid these busy periods.
- Opt for open transport. Choosing open shipping over enclosed shipping can save you up to 50% on auto transport costs. While enclosed carriers offer extra protection, they are significantly more expensive. Open carriers, though they expose your vehicle to weather and road risks, are generally safe and much more affordable.
- Pick terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door service. Having someone pick up and deliver your car is convenient but usually more expensive than terminal-to-terminal shipping. To save money, drive to the departure and arrival terminals if you can.
What You Need To Know Before Booking
To ensure your experience is a relatively seamless one, there are some key things you should understand about car shipping companies in Michigan:
- Final costs may be higher than your initial quote. Some car shippers give fixed rates, so your price won’t change by delivery day, but not all companies do this. Unexpected events or last-minute route changes can affect your final bill.
- Delivery dates aren’t guaranteed. Many car shipping companies offer a guaranteed delivery date and will strive to meet it. Without this option, the delivery timeline provided is an estimate, not a promise. Be aware that factors like bad weather and heavy traffic can cause delays, even for “guaranteed” deliveries, and these are beyond the car shipper’s control.
- It’s important to review insurance coverage. Make sure you know what a car shipping company’s insurance plan covers and what it doesn’t, in case your car gets damaged during transit. Compare this information with your existing auto insurance policy, as it might cover your car while it’s being transported.
- Don’t just sign off on your car delivery. Make sure to read your bill of lading before signing it upon delivery. It may look like a regular receipt, but it details the services you received and confirms your car’s condition upon arrival. Don’t just sign it blindly—verify that everything you paid for is listed, and any vehicle damage is noted. Without this, you can’t file a valid claim later.
How We Chose the Best Michigan Auto Transport Companies
Our methodology for selecting the top car shipping companies in Michigan is centered around a comprehensive analysis of five critical factors: licensing, customer satisfaction, service range, pricing, and online reputation.
- Licensing ensures companies meet Michigan and federal regulations, offering peace of mind.
- Customer satisfaction is gauged through reviews and feedback, highlighting reliability and service quality.
- The variety of services offered caters to different shipping needs, from classic cars to heavy equipment.
- Factoring in pricing ensures the company offers competitive and transparent pricing tailored to the unique demands of shipping a car through Michigan.
- Lastly, a strong online reputation, through platforms like BBB and social media, reflects a company’s commitment to excellence and transparency.
Local Car Shippers In Michigan
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
- Amerifreight Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship A Car Direct Review
FAQs About Michigan Car Shipping
Should I drive my car or use a Michigan car shipping company?
Car shipping is a convenient option instead of driving long distances. It helps you manage Michigan’s vast road network and changing weather. This service saves time and effort, making it ideal for Michigan’s varied auto market.
How can I ensure the best car shipping experience?
It’s essential to do thorough research to avoid scams and to focus on companies with experience in Michigan’s logistics. Make sure their insurance meets local standards and follow vehicle preparation tips.
How do I choose the right car shipping method in Michigan?
Think about your vehicle type, budget, and how quickly you need shipping. Enclosed shipping gives better protection from Michigan’s weather, whereas open shipping is cheaper.
What should I know about insurance coverage?
When hiring a Michigan car shipping company, check if their basic insurance only covers 60 cents per pound per item. Ask if they offer full value protection or suggest buying extra insurance to ensure your car is fully covered.
How can I prepare my car for a cross-country shipment out of Michigan?
Clean the car inside and out. Take photos of any dents or scratches to document the car’s condition. Remove personal items for safety. Ensure the car meets Michigan’s minimum insurance requirements ($50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage).
What are the signs of a reputable car shipping company in Michigan?
Seek out positive reviews, valid licensing, and clear pricing. A company experienced with Michigan’s logistics and weather is best.
