Dearborn, MI Car Shipping

Certified by
Auto Transport Expert
WHY CHOOSE SHERPA?
With 4.9 Stars out of 8,000+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating: Sherpa Auto Transport stands out as the premier auto transport company in the United States, offering upfront, transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise.
Our Price Lock PromiseTransport My Vehicle From…
Dearborn, MI Car Shipping
Planning car shipping from Dearborn, MI? You’ve come to the right place. As Detroit’s automotive heartland, Dearborn sees thousands of vehicles transported nationwide every year. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, or need reliable auto transport services, understanding costs, timelines, and choosing the right carrier makes all the difference. Let’s explore everything you need to know about shipping your vehicle from Motor City.
Popular Routes from Dearborn, MI

Key Takeaways From This Article
Dearborn, MI Auto Transport
Auto transport from Dearborn, MI typically costs $925-$1475 and takes 1-7 days depending on your destination, with most routes averaging 1,857 miles.
Our Dearborn and Michigan Customers
Sherpa customers love our transparent pricing with no hidden fees, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and our Price Lock Promise that guarantees your quoted rate.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Dearborn shipping, but route popularity, seasonal demand, and vehicle size also significantly impact your final price.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Dearborn car shipping 1-2 weeks in advance during off-peak seasons and choose flexible pickup dates to save money and secure better carrier availability.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is vehicle preparation – clean your car, remove personal items, maintain ¼ tank of gas, and take photos before pickup for a smooth shipping experience.
State Insights
Michigan requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days and has no-fault insurance requirements, making proper preparation essential for your Dearborn car shipment.
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 7,000 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 Dearborn, MI
Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dearborn
to Phoenix
|
2,027 mi
|
$1125–1325
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Los Angeles
|
2,281 mi
|
$1150–1425
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Houston
|
1,301 mi
|
$1000–1175
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Miami
|
1,386 mi
|
$925–1100
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Seattle
|
2,350 mi
|
$1250–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Dallas
|
1,186 mi
|
$1000–1125
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to San Francisco
|
2,393 mi
|
$1200–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Las Vegas
|
2,013 mi
|
$1050–1275
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Naples
|
1,337 mi
|
$1050–1250
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to San Diego
|
2,342 mi
|
$1175–1350
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Tampa
|
1,178 mi
|
$975–1200
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Sarasota
|
1,255 mi
|
$1000–1150
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Rome
|
722 mi
|
$775–850
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Cape Coral
|
1,302 mi
|
$975–1225
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Dearborn
to Riverside
|
2,247 mi
|
$1150–1525
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Dearborn, MI Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your shipping costs. Moving your car from Dearborn to nearby Detroit will cost much less than shipping to Los Angeles or Miami. Longer routes mean more fuel, driver time, and wear on the carrier – all of which increase your final price.
Route
Dearborn sits along major highways like I-94 and I-75, which helps keep costs down. These busy routes have regular carrier traffic, making pickup and delivery easier. If you’re shipping to a remote area off major highways, expect higher prices due to the extra time and fuel needed.
Season
Summer months (June-September) are peak moving season, driving up car shipping prices. Winter can also be expensive due to harsh weather conditions. Spring and fall typically offer the best rates for shipping to or from Dearborn.
Vehicle Type
Standard cars are cheapest to ship from Dearborn. Large SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more because they’re heavier, take up more trailer space, and are harder to load. Some carriers can’t handle very large vehicles at all, limiting your options.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during busy travel times like Thanksgiving week or the start of summer vacation. Heavy traffic around Detroit and other major cities can delay pickup and delivery, sometimes adding extra costs. Plan around these peak periods when possible.
Carrier Availability
During busy seasons, you might wait 1-2 weeks for a carrier to pick up your car in Dearborn. Off-season shipping usually means faster pickup – often within 2-5 days. Book early during peak times to secure better rates and faster service.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost less and work fine for most cars shipping to or from Dearborn. Enclosed trailers cost 40-60% more but protect luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles from weather and road debris. Most customers choose open transport to save money.
Population Density
Dearborn’s suburban layout with good road access helps keep shipping costs reasonable. Dense urban areas like downtown Detroit might cost more due to traffic and tight spaces. Rural areas far from highways typically cost more than Dearborn’s well-connected location.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your vehicle during off-peak months to save significantly on transport costs. Avoid busy snowbird seasons when rates spike. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can result in substantial savings on your Dearborn car shipping quote.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery in Dearborn gives them scheduling freedom, which translates to lower rates and better service options for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near major highways around Dearborn for better rates and carrier availability. Highway-adjacent locations offer more routing options and competitive pricing compared to remote areas, making your car transport more affordable and efficient.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed transport for standard vehicles. Most cars ship safely on open carriers. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that need extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Dearborn, MI Work?

Car shipping from Dearborn, MI follows a simple process that takes 2-6 days on average. First, you’ll get a quote and book your auto transport service. Our drivers will pick up your vehicle directly from your location in Dearborn and load it onto a carrier truck. The typical distance for routes from Dearborn, MI averages 1,857 miles, with pricing ranging from $925-$1475 depending on your destination and vehicle type.
Dearborn’s location near Detroit offers excellent highway access, making car shipping efficient and cost-effective. As home to Ford Motor Company, the area sees high auto transport volume, which helps keep prices competitive. The shipping process involves vehicle inspection, secure loading, GPS tracking during transit, and final delivery to your chosen destination. Weather can affect timing during Michigan winters, so plan accordingly. Our team handles all logistics while keeping you updated throughout the journey, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Dearborn, MI Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning car shipping to or from Dearborn, MI, understanding Michigan’s unique vehicle requirements is essential. Michigan requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency [Michigan SOS]. The state does not require emissions testing for most vehicles, making auto transport easier for those moving from states with strict emission standards [Michigan DEQ]. However, Michigan has specific window tinting laws allowing 70% light transmission on front side windows and any darkness on rear windows [Michigan Vehicle Code].
Dearborn’s harsh winters make vehicle preparation crucial for car shipping arrivals. Consider installing winter tires and ensuring your battery and heating system work properly before Michigan’s snow season [MDOT]. Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which typically costs more than traditional liability insurance [Michigan DIFS]. When using auto transport services to Dearborn, MI, verify your carrier understands Michigan’s unique insurance requirements. The state also has specific regulations on vehicle frame height modifications – passenger cars cannot exceed certain height limits without special permits [Michigan Vehicle Code]. These considerations help ensure smooth vehicle registration and legal compliance when completing your car shipping process to Dearborn.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Dearborn, Michigan that we Serve
Comprehensive Auto Transport Coverage Areas in Dearborn, Michigan
Dearborn: 48120, 48121, 48123, 48124, 48126, 48128
Dearborn Heights: 48125, 48127
Detroit: 48201, 48202, 48204, 48208, 48209, 48210, 48213, 48216, 48217, 48219, 48228
Lincoln Park: 48146
Melvindale: 48122
Allen Park: 48101
Southgate: 48195
Taylor: 48180
Wyandotte: 48192
River Rouge: 48218
We serves the entire Dearborn region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Dearborn, MI
Students planning auto transport to Dearborn will find two major institutions with distinct parking policies. The University of Michigan-Dearborn requires all students to register vehicles and purchase parking permits through their online portal, with rates varying by lot location [UM-Dearborn Parking Services]. Most off-campus apartments include parking, but on-campus housing requires separate permit purchases. Henry Ford College offers more affordable daily and semester parking passes, with overnight parking allowed in designated areas [Henry Ford College Security].
Before shipping a car to Dearborn, MI, students should prepare for harsh winters requiring snow tires or all-season tires with good tread. Both campuses offer winter break storage options for registered vehicles. Students using car shipping services should verify their insurance coverage extends to Michigan and confirm roadside assistance coverage in their new location [Michigan DMV].
Dearborn, MI Vehicle Transport FAQs
Getting your car ready for transport from Dearborn, MI is simple. First, clean your vehicle inside and out so you can spot any damage before shipping. Remove all personal items, toll tags, and loose accessories that could fall off during transport.
Make sure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas to meet safety rules. Check that your battery is charged and your tires are properly inflated. Turn off your car alarm and remove or secure any custom parts like spoilers or bike racks.
Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup. This helps if you need to file a damage claim later. Have a spare key ready for the driver – they’ll need it to load and unload your vehicle.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your car arrives safely at its new destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Dearborn, MI with Sherpa Auto Transport. We require all our carriers to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage that protects your vehicle throughout the entire transport process.
Every carrier in our network must have:
- $1,000,000 in liability insurance – covers damages to other vehicles or property
- $100,000 in cargo insurance – directly protects your vehicle during transport
Before your Dearborn pickup, we verify that your assigned carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy, giving you extra protection and peace of mind.
This insurance coverage is included in your quote at no extra cost. You don’t need to purchase additional insurance to ship your vehicle safely from Dearborn, MI.
For car shipping from Dearborn, MI, we recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you better options and pricing.
Here’s why advance booking helps:
- Better carrier availability – More drivers service the Detroit metro area
- Lower costs – Carriers can group your car with other shipments
- Flexible pickup dates – You’ll have more scheduling options
If you need rush shipping, we can often arrange pickup within 2-3 days. But expect higher rates for expedited service.
Peak seasons (summer and early fall) get busy fast. During these times, book 3-4 weeks ahead when possible.
The bottom line: book as soon as you know your moving dates. This ensures smooth pickup from Dearborn and gets you the best deal.
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 transport uses open trailers that expose your car to weather and road debris. It’s the most common and affordable option, costing about 50% less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service costs more but offers maximum protection.
Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money. Most cars ship safely this way.
Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, or custom car with special paint. The extra cost is worth protecting your investment.
For Dearborn residents shipping valuable vehicles like classic Mustangs or luxury cars, enclosed transport provides peace of mind. See our complete open vs enclosed guide for detailed comparisons and pricing.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service for Dearborn, MI residents. When you book your car shipment, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your location in Dearborn to collect your vehicle and deliver it right to your new address.
In most cases, we can pick up from your home or business. However, if your street has restrictions for large trucks (like narrow roads or low-hanging branches), our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot such as a shopping center or gas station. This ensures your vehicle stays protected while making the process as easy as possible for you.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle – no need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. It’s our most popular service option for good reason!
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!