Ann Arbor, MI Car Shipping
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Ann Arbor, MI Car Shipping
Looking for reliable car shipping to or from Ann Arbor, MI? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re relocating for work, sending your student off to college, or buying a vehicle across the country, finding trustworthy auto transport doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car from Ann Arbor—including costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure a smooth experience.
Popular Routes from Ann Arbor, MI
Key Takeaways From This Article
Ann Arbor, MI Auto Transport
Car shipping from Ann Arbor typically costs $800-$1,475 depending on distance, with most routes averaging 1,796 miles and 2-6 day delivery times.
Our Ann Arbor and Michigan Customers
Sherpa customers in Ann Arbor benefit from our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor, but Ann Arbor’s location near I-94 and US-23 helps keep prices reasonable compared to more remote areas.
Tips and Tricks to Save
The most important step is preparing your vehicle properly—remove personal items, document condition with photos, keep fuel at quarter tank, and provide a working key.
How Car Shipping Works
Michigan requires new residents to register vehicles within 15 days and follows a no-fault insurance system, which typically results in higher premiums than other states.
State Insights
Book your Ann Arbor car shipment 1-2 weeks in advance for the best rates and carrier availability, especially during peak summer and fall seasons.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 8,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Ann Arbor, MI
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ann Arbor
to Los Angeles
|
2,240 mi
|
$1175–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to San Jose
|
2,385 mi
|
$1175–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to San Francisco
|
2,352 mi
|
$1200–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Seattle
|
2,303 mi
|
$1250–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Phoenix
|
1,966 mi
|
$1075–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to San Diego
|
2,302 mi
|
$1200–1350
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Miami
|
1,373 mi
|
$925–1050
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Dallas
|
1,138 mi
|
$1000–1125
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Houston
|
1,290 mi
|
$1075–1175
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to New York City
|
613 mi
|
$800–900
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Riverside
|
2,206 mi
|
$1200–1300
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Naples
|
1,323 mi
|
$975–1125
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Sarasota
|
1,242 mi
|
$950–1100
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Austin
|
1,333 mi
|
$1025–1125
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Ann Arbor
to Denver
|
1,227 mi
|
$1050–1200
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 1,248 actual shipments involving Ann Arbor, here’s how pricing varies by vehicle size and trailer type.
By Vehicle Type
By Trailer Type
Note: Updated 2026 pricing. Prices shown are averages based on actual Sherpa shipments over the last 12 months. Your quote may vary based on specific pickup/delivery locations, vehicle condition, current market demand, and time of year. Get an instant quote for accurate pricing.
Factors that Affect Ann Arbor, MI Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance is the biggest factor in shipping costs. The farther your car travels, the more you’ll pay. Shipping from Ann Arbor to a nearby state like Ohio or Indiana will cost less than shipping to California or Florida.
Route
Your route matters too. Ann Arbor sits near major highways like I-94 and US-23, which helps keep costs down. Routes along these busy corridors are cheaper because carriers run them regularly. Remote areas with limited highway access will cost more.
Season
Shipping costs rise during peak seasons. Summer months and early fall see the highest demand and prices. Winter is typically cheaper, especially in Michigan where fewer people move during cold months. Plan ahead to avoid peak season premiums.
Vehicle Type
Your vehicle type affects the price. Standard sedans are the cheapest to ship. SUVs and trucks cost more because they’re heavier, use more fuel, and take up more space on the trailer. Some larger trucks may not fit on standard trailers at all.
Traffic Patterns
Timing matters. Avoid major travel weeks like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the start of summer. These periods create highway congestion and reduce carrier availability. Book during quieter weeks to save money and get faster service.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability changes with the season. During peak times, you might wait several weeks for pickup. In slower months, carriers are often available within days. Book early during busy periods to secure your spot.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers are the most affordable option and work great for most vehicles. Enclosed trailers cost more but protect luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. Most Ann Arbor customers choose open transport to save money.
Population Density
Ann Arbor’s density helps keep costs reasonable. The city has good road access and is easy for carriers to navigate. Dense urban cores like downtown Detroit or Chicago cost more due to tight streets and parking challenges. Consider meeting your carrier in a more accessible location if you live in a congested area.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing matters when shipping your vehicle. Off-season transport costs significantly less than peak periods like snowbird season. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in substantial savings, making it worth planning ahead for your Ann Arbor car shipping needs.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexibility saves money on car shipping. Carriers offer lower rates when you provide a five-day window for pickup and delivery instead of exact dates. This gives transporters more routing options, and they pass those savings directly to you through reduced shipping costs.
Hub City Advantages
Ann Arbor’s proximity to major highways like I-94 and US-23 works in your favor. Choose pickup locations near these routes for better rates and more carrier options. Shipping to rural destinations? Consider meeting your carrier in a highway-accessible city to reduce costs.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work perfectly for most vehicles. They’re the standard choice for everyday cars. However, if you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or high-end vehicle, investing in enclosed transport provides extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Ann Arbor, MI Work?
Car shipping from Ann Arbor, MI is a straightforward process with Sherpa Auto Transport. First, request a quote and book your auto transport service online. Next, prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. A carrier will then pick up your car from Ann Arbor at your specified location. Most routes from Ann Arbor, MI average 1,796 miles with typical delivery times of 2-6 days, depending on your destination.
Ann Arbor’s location in southeastern Michigan provides excellent access to major highways, making car shipping efficient and cost-effective. Prices typically range from $800-$1475 based on distance and service type. When shipping to or from Ann Arbor, MI, consider seasonal weather conditions, as winter snow can occasionally affect pickup timing. Choose between open or enclosed transport based on your vehicle’s needs and budget. Throughout the auto transport process, you’ll receive tracking updates until your vehicle arrives safely at its destination. Our experienced carriers handle all logistics, ensuring a smooth car shipping experience from start to finish.
Ann Arbor, MI Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Ann Arbor, MI, understanding Michigan’s unique vehicle regulations is essential. Michigan requires all vehicles to be registered within 15 days of establishing residency [Michigan Secretary of State]. New residents must obtain a Michigan title and plates, presenting proof of insurance, identification, and the out-of-state title. Michigan follows a no-fault insurance system, which typically results in higher premiums than other states but provides personal injury protection regardless of who caused an accident [Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services].
Michigan does not require emissions testing for most vehicles, making auto transport simpler for older cars [EPA]. However, window tinting laws limit front side windows to 4 inches from the top, with no restrictions on rear windows [Michigan Vehicle Code]. Ann Arbor’s harsh winters make vehicle preparation crucial. Consider installing winter tires before or immediately after your car shipping arrival, as snow and ice dominate from November through March. Road salt is heavily used, so undercoating protection helps prevent rust damage. Michigan has no annual safety inspections, but maintaining your vehicle for winter conditions is vital for safety. When arranging auto transport to Ann Arbor, MI, inform your carrier about any weather-related modifications to ensure proper handling during delivery.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Ann Arbor, Michigan that we Serve
Downtown Ann Arbor: 48104, 48108
University of Michigan Campus: 48109
Northeast Ann Arbor: 48105
Southwest Ann Arbor: 48103
Southeast Ann Arbor: 48108
Northwest Ann Arbor: 48105, 48106
Ypsilanti: 48197, 48198
Saline: 48176
Dexter: 48130
Chelsea: 48118
We serves the entire Ann Arbor region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan dominates Ann Arbor’s college scene, and understanding parking logistics is crucial when planning car shipping to campus. Students need a valid parking permit through U-M’s Transportation Services, with costs varying by lot location and availability often limited [University of Michigan Parking Services]. Most residence halls don’t include guaranteed parking, so securing a permit early is essential. For those using car shipping services to Ann Arbor, MI, consider timing your auto transport delivery after confirming your parking arrangement. During winter break, students can maintain their permits, but Michigan’s harsh winters make snow tires highly advisable [Michigan DMV]. Before you ship a car to Ann Arbor, verify your roadside assistance coverage extends to Michigan—especially important given the region’s severe weather conditions. Planning your car transport around these factors ensures a smooth transition to campus life.
Ann Arbor, MI Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Ann Arbor, MI is simple. Follow these key steps:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and fragile items. Carriers are not insured for personal property left inside.
Clean your vehicle: Wash your car so you can document its condition with photos before shipping.
Check for leaks and mechanical issues: Make sure your vehicle runs properly. Fix any fluid leaks before transport.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to prevent issues during transit.
Secure or remove accessories: Take off or secure any loose parts like spoilers, antennas, or bike racks that could be damaged.
Keep fuel low: Leave only about a quarter tank of gas. This reduces weight and meets safety requirements.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver to load and unload your vehicle.
For more detailed guidance, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Ann Arbor, MI. All carriers in the Sherpa network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that your assigned carrier’s insurance policy is active and in good standing. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for added protection.
This means your vehicle is covered from pickup in Ann Arbor through delivery at your destination. You can request a copy of your carrier’s insurance certificate for your records at any time.
We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Ann Arbor, MI at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why early booking helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes more efficiently and offer competitive rates
- More carrier options: You’ll have access to more available drivers in the Ann Arbor area
- Flexible scheduling: You can choose pickup dates that work best for your timeline
- Route optimization: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading the same direction
If you need faster service, we also offer expedited shipping with pickup in as little as 24-48 hours, though this comes at a premium price.
For the smoothest experience, contact us as soon as you know your moving dates. We’ll work with you to find the best carrier and schedule for your Ann Arbor car shipment.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open auto transport uses open-air trailers that carry multiple vehicles at once. Your car is exposed to weather and road elements during transit. This is the most common and affordable option, used for about 90% of all vehicle shipments.
Enclosed auto transport uses fully covered trailers that protect your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service costs 50-60% more than open transport but provides maximum protection.
When to choose open transport: Most standard vehicles, daily drivers, and newer cars ship safely via open transport. It’s reliable, cost-effective, and widely available for Ann Arbor residents.
When to choose enclosed transport: Consider enclosed shipping for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or vehicles with custom paint jobs. If your car is worth over $100,000 or has sentimental value, the extra cost is worth the peace of mind.
For more details on making the right choice for your Ann Arbor vehicle shipment, check out our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service to and from Ann Arbor, MI. This is our most popular shipping option because it’s the most convenient.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come directly to your home, apartment, or business in Ann Arbor to pick up your vehicle. Then, they’ll deliver it right to your door at your destination.
In some cases, large car carriers may not be able to access certain Ann Arbor streets due to:
- Narrow residential roads
- Low-hanging trees or power lines
- Tight turns or dead-end streets
- Local parking restrictions
If your location isn’t accessible for a large carrier, don’t worry. Your driver will contact you to arrange a safe, nearby meeting spot—like a parking lot, gas station, or main road. This is still considered door-to-door service, and we’ll work with you to find the most convenient alternative.
Most Ann Arbor pickups and deliveries go smoothly to your exact address. We’ll keep you updated throughout the entire process.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!