Michigan Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for auto transport doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps to make sure your shipment goes smoothly:

• Remove personal belongings. Carriers are not insured to transport personal items inside your vehicle. Clear out any valuables, loose items, and aftermarket accessories before pickup.
• Keep the gas tank about a quarter full. Enough fuel is needed to load and unload the car, but a full tank adds unnecessary weight.
• Disable any car alarms. An alarm that triggers during transport can cause delays and frustration for the driver. Disable it or provide clear instructions on how to turn it off.
• Document existing damage. Take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles before it’s picked up. This protects you in the unlikely event of a dispute.
• Make sure the car is drivable. Your vehicle needs to be able to start, steer, and brake so it can be loaded and unloaded from the carrier.
• Check for leaks and mechanical issues. Notify your carrier of any known fluid leaks or mechanical problems ahead of time.
• Retract or remove external accessories. Fold in mirrors, remove roof racks, and secure any loose spoilers or antennas to prevent damage in transit.

For more helpful guidance, check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. And if you’re deciding between open and enclosed transport for your Michigan shipment, our Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Guide can help you choose the right option for your vehicle.

Yes — your vehicle is insured during transport. Every carrier in Sherpa Auto Transport’s network is required to carry cargo insurance, so your car is protected from the moment it’s loaded onto the truck until it’s delivered to you in Michigan (or from Michigan to your destination).

Here’s a quick breakdown of how coverage works:

• Carrier cargo insurance: All carriers we work with must maintain active cargo insurance as a condition of being in our network. This covers damage that occurs while your vehicle is in transit.
• Sherpa’s added protection: On top of carrier coverage, Sherpa provides an additional layer of protection for extra peace of mind — because we believe you should never have to worry about your vehicle on the road.

Before your vehicle is picked up, we recommend doing a thorough walkaround inspection and noting any pre-existing scratches, dents, or dings on the Bill of Lading (the official condition report). This document is your best friend if you ever need to file a claim.

Want to learn more about what to expect during the shipping process? Check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips or browse our FAQs for more details. When you’re ready, get a free quote and ship your car to or from Michigan with confidence.

We recommend booking your Michigan auto transport at least 1–2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan routes and helps ensure you get the best available rate.

That said, timing can vary depending on a few key factors:

• Peak seasons: Summer and the winter “snowbird” season are the busiest times for car shipping. If you’re moving a vehicle to or from Michigan during these periods, aim to book 3–4 weeks ahead to lock in availability and pricing.
• Last-minute shipments: Need to ship on short notice? It’s still possible, but your options may be more limited and costs can be higher.
• Flexible pickup windows: The more flexible you are with your pickup date, the easier it is for carriers to accommodate you — often at a better price.

At Sherpa Auto Transport, our Price Lock Promise means the quote you receive is the price you pay — no surprise fees at delivery. Booking early gives you the best chance to secure that rate.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and plan your Michigan vehicle shipment with confidence.

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.

When shipping your car to or from Michigan, you’ll have two main transport options: open and enclosed auto transport. Here’s what you need to know about each:

Open Auto Transport is the most popular and budget-friendly choice. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier — the same type of truck you’ve seen hauling cars on the highway. It’s safe, reliable, and used for the vast majority of shipments. If you’re moving a standard everyday vehicle, open transport is likely the right fit.

Enclosed Auto Transport offers a higher level of protection. Your car rides inside a fully covered trailer, shielded from road debris, weather, and the elements. This is the preferred option for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with high sentimental or monetary value. Because of the added protection and limited carrier availability, enclosed transport typically costs more than open.

Which should you choose?

• Choose open transport if you want the most affordable option and are shipping a standard vehicle.
• Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a high-value, classic, or exotic vehicle and want maximum protection.

Not sure which option is right for your Michigan shipment? Check out our in-depth Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Guide or get a free quote from Sherpa Auto Transport today.

Yes! Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door car shipping service throughout Michigan and across the country. That means we pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any other convenient location — and deliver it directly to your chosen destination.

Door-to-door service saves you the hassle of dropping off or picking up your car at a terminal. Here’s how it works:

• Pickup: Your driver comes to your specified address in Michigan (or your origin city) to load your vehicle.
• Transport: Your car is shipped via your choice of open or enclosed carrier.
• Delivery: Your vehicle is dropped off directly at your destination address.

One important note: In some cases, large carriers cannot navigate narrow streets or low-clearance areas. If that happens, your driver will coordinate with you to find the closest safe and accessible drop-off point.

Want to know what it will cost? Use our car shipping calculator for an estimate, or get an instant quote today. And with our Price Lock Promise, the price you’re quoted is the price you pay — no surprises.

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!