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Audited & Verified: Sep 2, 2025, 3:40pm
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorOur team looked into over 40 car shipping companies to help you determine the best vehicle transport provider for you in Michigan. Additionally, we scored the companies based on factors such as deposit requirements, cancellation policies and service guarantees. We also reached out for dozens of real quotes and surveyed more than 1,500 car shipping customers who have used these companies to get their takes.
Our team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use proprietary data and expert advice to inform all of our content, including the pros and cons of the top car-shipping companies and tips for choosing the best company for you. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Nexus Auto Transport
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
2
Navi Auto Transport
BBB Score
Not Accredited
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
3
Montway Auto Transport
BBB Score
A+
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
When comparing the best car shipping companies in Michigan, it’s best to start by comparing factors like pricing, which locations each company serves and if a deposit is required, as well as extra fine print like cancellation policies and perks.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE* | PRICE MATCHING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.7    | Best Reliability | $800 - $1,100 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Customer Communication | $840 - $1,225 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Discounts | $677 - $1,151 | Yes | On AmeriFreight's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best for Customization | $839 - $1,259 | No | On Montway Auto Transport's Website | |
| 4.4 | Best Pricing | $579 - $829 | Yes | From Participating Partners |
Best Reliability
Best Reliability
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Forbes Home deems Direct Connect Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Michigan for a few reasons, including its industry reputation of reliability. The company focuses on both timely pick-up and binding quotes, both of which can help customers know what to expect. In fact, 91% of customers reported on-time deliveries from the company, which is much higher than the average across companies. When we asked about price reliability, 40% of customers said what they ended up paying was what they expected, which was also an above-average metric.
Direct Connect has a variety of other factors such as overall favorable customer reviews, an informative website and a wide variety of car shipping services to keep customers happy.
To get a better sense of pricing data for Direct Connect Auto Transport we obtained several quotes for shipping a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Via phone estimate we were quoted $800 for open shipping and $1,100 for enclosed shipping. Online quotes were a bit pricier with this company, coming in at $870 for open shipping.
Services:
Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers to learn how everything went. We found that there was a good satisfaction rate among Direct Connect Auto Transport users with 81% saying they would recommend the company to a family member or friend. Direct Connect Auto customers were equally positive about how easy it was to schedule service—with 82% saying they were satisfied with this step.
Best Customer Communication
Best Customer Communication
NX Automotive Transport
NX Automotive Transport earned impressive marks with our methodology with one of the most stand-out selling points being the company’s binding quotes. Along with the company’s broad network of more than 20,000 vetted carriers, NX offers competitive prices and service.
NX Automotive Transport extends a direct line to customers, allowing them to communicate through text message during the transport process—leading 77% of NX customers who responded to our survey to say they were satisfied with communication while shipping their vehicle.
Our research team got rates from NX Auto to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). We were told $840 for open shipping from NX Automotive’s online tool versus $895 over the phone. For an enclosed transporter, NX quoted $1,225 over the phone.
Services:
When we surveyed car shipping customers their opinions, those who used NX had largely mixed responses. For instance, 44% of customers said their final bill was slightly more expensive than they were expecting, one of the highest rates in our survey. The company also had an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 for price transparency, the lowest number of any company on our list. On the plus side, 84% of customers found the booking and scheduling process to be easy.
Best Discounts
Best Discounts
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight stands out among leading car shipping companies with its attractive policies and competitive prices. Sweetening the deal for many, AmeriFreight offers discounts to seniors, first responders, military members, returning customers and more.
Although AmeriFreight’s quotes aren’t binding, most of its customers told us that they paid their quoted rate or less; 54% of AmeriFreight customers said this versus a national average of 47%. There is also a limited free cancellation window before the carrier is scheduled.
Learn More: AmeriFreight review
In order to seek out an idea of pricing for AmeriFreight, we gave the company a sample car shipment of a 2021 Hyundai Sonata that we were moving from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). For this journey, enclosed transport was quoted to cost $1,151, and open transport was $677. We received the same quotes no matter if we called or got them online.
Services:
In our survey, AmeriFreight received mostly favorable feedback by customers. A notable 93% reported being pleased about their vehicle’s condition upon delivery. When asked if they’d consider car shipping in the future, 91% said yes which is beating most competitors. One trade-off? The typical cost came in at $1,418, which was slightly over our overall average.
Best for Customization
Best for Customization
Montway Auto Transport
Montway is one of the top car shipping companies in the country according to both our metrics and its size. The shipper offers several add-on and unique options such as expedited shipping, classic car shipping, shipping for car resellers and more.
Supported by a network of more than 25,000 carriers that are vetted and held to Montway’s standards, the company offers good prices and broad availability. In fact, 40% of Montway customers said they were “very satisfied” with their vehicle’s condition upon delivery. Montway heads off a lot of common questions at the pass with a detailed website that includes an online quote form. Plus, customers don’t need to put down a deposit until a carrier is booked.
Learn More: Montway Auto Transport review
Our researchers obtained sample quotes from Montway for a 2021 Hyundai Sonata moving from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). We found costs to be a little bit lower when obtained over the phone rather than online. Enclosed shipping was $1,100 quoted over the phone compared to $1,259 online. Open shipping for this route was $839 over the phone.
Services:
Montway Auto Transport comes highly from our survey respondents, with 89% saying they would suggest the company to family or friends. This reflects strong satisfaction levels across the board, even as the average price of $1,427 was slightly above the national average.
Interestingly, more people shipped trucks (26% of respondents) with Montway than with any other company. This could speak to Montway’s expansive options with such a large carrier network—and can explain why Montway’s average costs were on the higher side.
Best Pricing
Best Pricing
A-1 Auto Transport
Affordability continues to be a crucial deciding factor for car shipping customers—42% of those in Forbes Home’s survey cited it as their top concern. It’s no wonder then 5—-56 103.that a provider like A-1 Auto Transport, which keeps low rates top of mind, earned a spot on our list in Michigan.
This company offered some of the most competitive pricing we saw in our survey, with an average cost of around $1,360—roughly $30 below average. It also encourages affordability in other ways, such as requiring no upfront deposit and including full insurance coverage for your vehicle.
With shipping to over 190 countries and services for special modes of transport like RVs and yachts to heavy equipment, A-1 offers value across several areas of shipping needs. That may help explain why 36% of survey participants said they’d be “very likely” to recommend A-1 Auto Transport to friends or family.
As part of our pricing review, we pulled sample estimates from A-1 Auto Transport to move a 2021 Hyundai Sonata between Brooklyn, New York (11202) and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Worth pointing out, phone rates were more competitive than online. For open transport, we were quoted $579 by phone and $625 online. Enclosed shipping was quoted at $829.
Services:
In our survey of 1,600 car shipping customers, A-1 Auto Transport earned strong marks on price accuracy—45% of respondents said they paid exactly what they were quoted. That figure matched the top score across all companies we evaluated.
A-1 also rated better than most for transparency around pricing and fees, which helped boost customer trust. On-time delivery was reported by 88% of customers, aligning with the industry norm. While A-1 didn’t outpace competitors across every metric, its clarity on cost clearly stood out.
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Whether you’re moving across the state or just buying a car from a few cities over, arranging car transport in Michigan comes with unique considerations. Weather, rural pickup zones and road access can all affect timing and availability, so it’s worth doing your homework upfront.
Start by getting multiple quotes and ask for realistic delivery windows based on your exact pickup and drop-off locations. Some parts of Michigan may have fewer available carriers, which could impact price, especially for enclosed or specialty transport.
Below, we break down what to look for in a reputable car shipping company in Michigan so you can make a clear choice and feel confident about your decision.
One of the most impactful aspects that can affect your car shipping experience and shipping fee is whether you select an open or enclosed transporter. Both options come with their own trade-offs, so the best choice will depend on your priorities.
Open carriers are the most popular choice for shipping cars, in part because they can cost up to two-thirds the price of enclosed carrier methods. There are also more open transporters in operation, making them generally easier to book. The downside is that open carriers leave your vehicle exposed to the elements—dirt, dust, debris, weather and so on.
While more expensive, enclosed transport is the better option for customers who want to mitigate their risks. Enclosed carriers transport fewer units and provide protection throughout the trip, which can be particularly desirable for high-value, rare, collectable or antique vehicles. Some companies provide greater insurance coverage for enclosed transport, too.
Scanning customer reviews for car shipping companies can highlight relevant information and potentially raise a few issues. To get the most out of customer feedback, be sure to read them critically (meaning you should consider the one- and five-star reviews, but also pay attention to the middle ground).
For the most illuminating reviews, search for the latest comments from people in Michigan. Also, be aware of trends within reviews: Are there repeated comments about customer service? Surprising costs?
Finally, consider how the company responds to comments. A commitment to quickly addressing customer reviews is a good sign.
Before you commit to a car shipping company, don’t overlook the contract details, that’s where the real protections (and potential fees) hide. Many providers will keep your deposit if you cancel after a carrier has been assigned, so it’s smart to understand the timeline upfront.
Some companies go a step further with service guarantees. These might include a damage-free guarantee, and if something falls through, you could be offered a rental car. Not every company offers this level of accountability, but it’s worth asking about if timing and condition matter most to you.
As for insurance, every U.S. auto transporter must carry both liability and cargo coverage. Liability protects you if the transporter is at fault, while cargo insurance applies during unloading or transit. Always confirm how much coverage is actually included, and if you’re shipping a luxury car, ask about add-on policies for extra peace of mind.
Thanks to technological advances, many car shipping companies now enable customers to monitor the location of their vehicle with GPS tracking. However, the accuracy of the status can vary: Some companies offer real-time GPS locations while others only provide broad updates. If you have specific needs, be sure to clarify in advance.
Besides GPS tracking, the best car shipping companies also provide great, proactive communications throughout the process. Because most leading car shipping companies are brokers rather than carriers, you may hear more from the carrier while your vehicle is in transit. At the same time, you should have a good way to get in contact with the company’s customer support team.
It’s good to have clear expectations about the shipment’s timeline—but keep in mind that guaranteed delivery dates are uncommon with car shipping.
Knowing the condition of the vehicle you are shipping before it’s picked up is key—and should be extensively documented to support your case if damage occurs during transit. If you are in person with the vehicle, note and photograph its condition. If you are getting it transported to you, request that the person preparing it for shipment does the same.
When your vehicle is delivered, repeat the inspection process before signing the bill of lading. If you notice any dents, dings or other issues, address that in writing before adding your signature to the bill of lading. Failing to do so may complicate matters if you need to lodge a claim.
Typically, car shipping companies serving Michigan have the same requirements as those in other states, since car shipping typically happens between states. Nationally, car shippers are required to have a USDOT number and a Motor Carrier number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can ask for these to verify your car shipping company is legit and to look into its safety record.
A vehicle shipping company you can count on will understand the specific challenges and unique aspects of transporting vehicles in Michigan and your city. We recommend inquiring about how the company vets its employees to ensure they have enough experience to handle the many quirks of long-distance and regional shipping.
Since car shippers cover extensive routes, the best providers employ drivers who understand the demands of driving in Michigan and beyond. Consider yourself a local expert—so if you have concerns about weather or other obstacles, we recommend asking about how these challenges are mitigated before scheduling your shipment.
Working with a broker versus a carrier can affect your experience—but although 59% of car shipping customers reported to Forbes Home they wanted a shipper, the majority of them worked with a vehicle transport brokerage. It’s easy to understand why so many people would prefer a shipper: Hiring the carrier directly offers more control over who is physically transporting your vehicle.
However, there’s also good reasons why most people use a broker. By working with broker, you get access to many more carriers, which can deliver a better rate and make it easier to find one that can accommodate your needs.
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| TRANSPORT TYPE | AVERAGE COST RANGE | AVERAGE COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | $550 - $1,600 | $0.60 - $1.10 |
| Enclosed Transport | $1,000 - $2,450 | $0.90 - $1.70 |
Based on our findings, the average cost to arrange auto transport comes in around $1,150 nationwide. That’s fairly close to the $1,390 average reported by customers in our recent survey. That said, prices can shift dramatically. We saw quotes ranging from $550 up to $2,450 depending on the shipment.
One big factor is the type of service. Shipping in a closed carrier tends to be more expensive, averaging between $1,000 and $2,450, while standard shipping typically fall in the $550 to $1,600 range.
Because pricing depends on so many variables, including distance, time of year and vehicle type, we recommend requesting a personalized quote. Still, the estimates below should give you a solid starting point.
| MICHIGAN TO:* | ESTIMATED MILEAGE** | OPEN TRANSPORT | ENCLOSED TRANSPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, Florida | 999 miles | $600 - $1,100 | $900 - $1,700 |
| Los Angeles, California | 2,281 miles | $1,370 - $2,510 | $1,170 - $2,210 |
| Houston, Texas | 1,301 miles | $780 - $1,430 | $1,170 - $2,210 |
| Chicago, Illinois | 283 miles | $170 - $310 | $255 - $480 |
| Indianapolis, Indiana | 287 miles | $170 - $315 | $260 - $490 |
Whether you’re shipping a sedan a few cities away or transporting a non-operable SUV across the country, your final price can shift quite a bit. Here are the key factors that influence car shipping rates from or within Michigan:
As part of our analysis of car shipping in Michigan, Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 people who shipped vehicles within the last two years. Their feedback offered a data-backed look into customer experiences, from what they paid, to how they felt about the overall journey, to where things could improve.
Below are key insights from customers throughout the Midwest, including in The Great Lakes State.
To determine the best car-shipping company, the Forbes Home editorial team reviewed 44 major companies, taking into account attributes such as in-house consumer sentiment analysis, a survey of 1,600 car shipping customers, pricing, services and features, nationwide availability and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies on our detailed methodology page.
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Vehicle shipping companies need to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get a USDOT number as well as a Motor Carrier number. Both of these identifiers can help you research a car shipping company as they can show you safety records as well as other important information. Other ways to look into a company’s reputation are through online reviews and referrals from past customers.
Various car shipping companies will provide differing levels of tracking. Some may allow for access to very up-to-date GPS tracking, while others may give you frequent updates or contact info for the driver to get their status. We advise you to ask the company what you should expect before hiring.
How long it takes to ship a car from Michigan to another location will hinge on a few different factors, including the length of the trip, the route and the company itself. As a general estimate, short trips from Michigan to a nearby state a few hundred miles away can take a matter of days, while cross-country trips can take upwards of a week. International trips can take even longer, especially when made by boat. We recommend asking any company you’re researching how long you can expect the journey to take. While they probably won’t be able to give you a guarantee, they can give you an estimate more tailored to you.
You do not need liability insurance to transport your vehicle with a company, but you will need it if you’re driving immediately before or after. During transit, your vehicle is likely covered by the carrier’s damage protection insurance. If you need additional coverage, you may be able to get this through the company or your own insurance provider.
As a writer for Forbes Home since 2021, Emily specializes in writing about home warranties, solar installations, car transportation and moving companies. With a background in journalism and experience as a three-time homeowner, Emily uses deep research and insights to cover a variety of topics.
Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.
