Michigan Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Michigan requires attention to a few key details specific to our state's climate and infrastructure.

Remove toll transponders: If your vehicle has an I-PASS or other toll pass device attached to your windshield, remove it before shipping. Toll transponders can be damaged during transit and may interfere with carrier operations.

Clear winter residue: Michigan's harsh winters mean your vehicle likely has salt and road treatment buildup. Before shipping, wash your car thoroughly to remove salt, sand, and other corrosive materials that can accelerate rust during transport. Also remove any snow chains or ice scrapers you may have stored inside or on the vehicle.

Check your tires and fluids: Michigan's temperature swings—from freezing winters to warmer summers—can affect tire pressure and fluid levels. Make sure your tire pressure is at the manufacturer's recommended level and your coolant is topped off before the carrier picks up your vehicle.

Remove personal items and accessories: Take out any toll passes, air fresheners, phone mounts, GPS devices, or custom floor mats. Remove roof racks, bike racks, or any exterior accessories that could be damaged or lost in transit.

Provide a working key: Make sure you have a spare key available for the carrier. This helps them move your vehicle safely and efficiently during loading and unloading.

Check your fuel level: Keep your tank at a quarter full—enough for the carrier to operate your vehicle safely, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.

For more detailed guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. When you're ready to ship, we'll walk you through every step of the process.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during shipment in Michigan. All carriers we work with are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active before your shipment begins.

This insurance protects your vehicle during transit. However, we recommend reviewing your own auto insurance policy to understand what coverage may apply during shipping, as policies vary.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and availability in Michigan. The sooner you book, the better—this gives carriers time to bundle your shipment with others heading the same direction.

Winter is critical in Michigan. If you're shipping between November and March, plan for four weeks ahead when possible. Heavy snow, ice storms, and slick roads are common and can cause delays. Carriers often have fewer available trucks during winter months because of weather-related cancellations and slower travel times. The worst months are typically December through February.

Summer heat waves can also affect scheduling. July and August bring peak shipping demand across the country, so carriers fill up fast. Book at least three weeks out during these months to secure your spot.

College season matters in Michigan. If you're shipping to or from major universities like University of Michigan or Michigan State, expect tight carrier availability in August (move-in) and May (move-out). Book four weeks ahead during these windows.

Holiday periods—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's—see increased traffic and reduced carrier availability. If you need to ship during these times, aim for four to five weeks advance notice.

The bottom line: Two to three weeks is our baseline recommendation for Michigan. Add extra time if you're shipping in winter, during college season, or around holidays. Booking early also helps you find better rates, since carriers can plan their routes more efficiently.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. 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. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport is the standard option—your car rides on an open trailer exposed to the elements. Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and dirt.

Cost: Enclosed transport typically costs 50% more than open transport. Open transport is the budget-friendly choice for most vehicles.

When to choose open transport: Most cars, trucks, and SUVs ship fine on open trailers. If you're moving a standard vehicle and value savings, open transport works well.

When to choose enclosed transport: Consider enclosed if you have a classic car, luxury vehicle, custom paint job, or any car you want maximum protection for. The extra cost is worth it for high-value vehicles or if weather protection matters to you.

Both options get your vehicle to Michigan safely. The choice depends on your budget and how much protection your specific car needs. Since 2012, we've helped thousands of people find the right transport option for their situation—not just the most expensive one.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Michigan. This means we'll pick up your vehicle from your preferred location and deliver it directly to your destination address.

When you book with us, just let us know where you'd like your car picked up and where it should be delivered. We'll work with our carrier network to make that happen whenever possible.

In some cases, there may be logistical or safety challenges that prevent direct door-to-door delivery—like narrow driveways, low-hanging power lines, or rough terrain. When that happens, your carrier will contact you to find an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot, that works for both of you.

Since 2012, we've been helping people like you get fair value on car shipping without dealing with big broker monopolies. Our highly rated reviews speak to our commitment to making the process straightforward and transparent.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!