Michigan to Texas

Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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MICHIGAN TO TEXAS
Shipping from Michigan to Texas
Planning to move your vehicle from the Great Lakes State to the Lone Star State? Michigan to Texas car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding south for winter, choosing the right auto transport company makes all the difference. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping between these states, including costs, timelines, and expert tips.
Average Distance, Time and Cost

MI
Michigan

TX
Texas
Popular Routes from Michigan to Texas

Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Michigan to Texas
Shipping a car from Michigan to Texas costs $1,000-$1,400 and takes 1-5 days to travel the 1,295-mile distance between states.
Our Michigan & Texas Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating, and BBB A+ accreditation for worry-free Michigan to Texas shipping.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Michigan to Texas shipping, with the 1,200+ mile journey requiring more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear than shorter regional routes.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Michigan to Texas car shipment 2-3 weeks in advance during off-peak winter months to secure the best rates and avoid busy snowbird season pricing.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is preparing your vehicle properly by removing personal items, cleaning the car, taking photos, and having keys ready for the driver at pickup.
State Insights
Texas requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days and has different insurance requirements than Michigan’s no-fault system, so contact your provider before shipping.
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 Michigan to Texas
Factors that Affect Michigan to Texas Shipping Prices
Distance
The 1,200+ mile journey from Michigan to Texas significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making this cross-country route more expensive than shorter regional shipments.
Route
Michigan to Texas follows major interstate highways like I-75 and I-35, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes have better carrier availability and lower prices compared to remote areas requiring special detours.
Season
Winter months offer cheaper Michigan to Texas shipping as fewer people relocate. Summer and early fall see higher demand from snowbirds and college students, increasing prices by 10-20% during peak seasons.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship from Michigan to Texas than trucks or SUVs. Larger vehicles take more trailer space, add weight for fuel costs, and require specialized equipment, increasing shipping expenses significantly.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during Thanksgiving week or major holiday periods when highways between Michigan and Texas become congested. Heavy traffic delays deliveries and increases costs due to extended transit times and fuel consumption.
Carrier Availability
Summer months may require 1-2 weeks to find carriers for Michigan to Texas routes due to high demand. Off-season shipping typically secures carriers within 3-5 days, offering faster service and better pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost $200-400 less for Michigan to Texas shipping and work well for most vehicles. Enclosed transport protects luxury cars from weather and road debris but increases costs significantly.
Population Density
Shipping to major Texas cities like Dallas or Houston costs less than rural areas. Dense urban areas have better carrier access and multiple delivery options, reducing final-mile transportation expenses considerably.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom and saves you money.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in Michigan and Texas. Hub cities offer more carrier options and competitive rates compared to remote rural locations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed ones for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday cars ship safely on open trailers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Michigan to Texas Work?

Car shipping from Michigan to Texas involves transporting your vehicle across approximately 1,295 miles through multiple states. This popular auto transport route connects the Great Lakes region to the Lone Star State, making it essential for families relocating, students attending college, or anyone purchasing vehicles across state lines. Michigan to Texas car shipping typically costs between $1,000-$1,400, depending on your specific pickup and delivery locations, vehicle size, and transport options.
The car shipping process begins when you request a quote and book your transport. Our team coordinates pickup from major Michigan cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Ann Arbor, then routes your vehicle through key transportation corridors. Carriers travel through states like Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma before reaching Texas destinations including Houston, Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio. Weather considerations are important for this route, especially during winter months when Michigan experiences snow and ice conditions.
Your Michigan to Texas auto transport follows several key steps. First, we schedule pickup at your preferred location and conduct a thorough vehicle inspection. Next, your car is loaded onto a multi-car carrier trailer designed for safe long-distance transport. Throughout the journey, you receive tracking updates so you know your vehicle’s location. Upon arrival in Texas, we coordinate delivery to your specified address and complete a final inspection to ensure your car arrives in perfect condition.
The typical timeline for car shipping from Michigan to Texas ranges from 1-5 days, depending on carrier schedules and route efficiency. Express auto transport options can expedite delivery, while standard service offers the most economical choice. Peak moving seasons during summer months may extend delivery times slightly, so booking in advance ensures the best rates and availability for your Michigan to Texas car shipping needs.
Michigan to Texas Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning Michigan to Texas car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Texas requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency, while Michigan allows 30 days from the date of purchase or move. The registration process in Texas involves obtaining a Texas title, which typically costs more than Michigan’s fees, so budget accordingly for your auto transport move.
Vehicle regulations vary significantly between these states. Texas doesn’t require emissions testing for most counties, unlike Michigan’s stricter standards in certain areas. However, Texas has specific window tinting laws allowing only 25% tint on front side windows, compared to Michigan’s more restrictive 4-inch strip rule. Frame height regulations also differ, with Texas having specific limits for lifted vehicles that may affect modified trucks or SUVs during car shipping.
Preparing your vehicle for the climate change is crucial when moving from Michigan to Texas. Remove winter-specific items like snow tires, ice scrapers, and emergency winter kits before auto transport. Consider scheduling maintenance for your air conditioning system, as Texas heat can be demanding on cooling systems accustomed to Michigan’s milder summers. Your car shipping company should advise removing personal items, but double-check for cold-weather gear that won’t be needed.
Insurance considerations differ notably between states. Texas requires higher minimum liability coverage than Michigan and follows a traditional tort system, unlike Michigan’s no-fault insurance structure. Contact your insurance provider before your Michigan to Texas car shipping to understand coverage changes and potential rate differences. Some insurers offer better rates in Texas, while others may increase premiums. Getting quotes from Texas-based insurers can help you find the best coverage options for your relocated vehicle.
Michigan to Texas Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Michigan to Texas is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Before pickup:
- Remove all personal items from inside your car
- Take off toll passes, GPS devices, and phone chargers
- Remove or secure loose exterior items like bike racks or spoilers
- Clean your car and take photos for your records
- Check fluid levels and tire pressure
- Leave only 1/4 tank of gas or less
Have ready for the driver:
- A working set of keys
- Your driver’s license and insurance info
- Any special instructions for your vehicle
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps helps ensure your car arrives safely in Texas and speeds up the pickup process.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Michigan to Texas. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car leaves Michigan, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection throughout your Michigan to Texas shipment.
Our quotes include all insurance coverage at no extra cost. You can ship with confidence knowing your vehicle is protected every mile from Michigan to Texas.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Michigan to Texas at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and reliable carriers.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading to Texas
- More carrier options: Popular routes like Michigan to Texas fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
If you need faster service, we can often arrange pickup within 1-7 days, but expect higher costs for expedited shipping. For the most savings and peace of mind, book as early as possible once you know your moving timeline.
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 trailers that expose your car to weather and road debris. It costs less and works well for most everyday vehicles. Enclosed auto transport uses covered trailers that fully protect your car from the elements.
For Michigan to Texas shipping, enclosed transport costs 40-60% more than open transport. Choose enclosed if you have a luxury car, classic vehicle, or custom paint job that needs extra protection during the 1,200+ mile journey. Most people shipping regular cars from Michigan to Texas use open transport since it’s reliable and budget-friendly.
Weather exposure is minimal with professional carriers, but enclosed gives complete peace of mind. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for detailed comparisons and pricing.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service for shipments from Michigan to Texas. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or preferred location in Michigan and deliver it right to your doorstep in Texas.
When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup address in Michigan and your delivery address in Texas. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule both pickup and delivery at these exact locations whenever possible.
In some cases, large transport trucks may not be able to access certain residential streets due to low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or parking restrictions. If this happens, don’t worry – our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station that’s easy for you to reach.
This door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of driving to distant terminals, making your Michigan to Texas car shipping experience as smooth and convenient as possible.
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!