Find the Best Car Shipping Companies in Detroit, MI

How to choose a car shipping company in Detroit

When choosing an auto transport company, it’s important to consider cost, reliability and your personal needs. In fact, your transport needs will impact the cost of the service. Take a look at a few of the factors that influence cost:

• The size/type of car: Large trucks and cars, SUVs, collectibles and luxury vehicles cost more to transport than mid-line sedans because they take up more space in a carrier. Inoperable cars tend to cost more as well.
• Closed vs. open carriers: Closed carriers provide extra protection for your vehicle, shielding it from road debris and weather, which makes the service more expensive. People with antique or expensive vehicles typically pay for closed carriers, whereas most personal vehicles are transported in open carriers.
• Pick-ups vs. drop-off: Some companies offer pick-up services, whereas others make you drop your vehicle off at a terminal. Pick-up services tend to be more expensive than a standard drop-off.
• Rural vs. urban: If your vehicle needs to be transported to/from a rural area, there may be an extra fee.
• Gas prices & season: The price of gas and seasonal demand can fluctuate throughout the year, causing an increase or decrease in operating costs for auto transport companies in Detroit.

Despite variables, the average cost of shipping a vehicle to/from Detroit is between 60 cents and 75 cents per mile during peak season, which runs from May to August. Local rates drop to about 50 cents per mile from September to mid-November. Take a look at some estimates below:

Estimated transport rates to/from Detroit

After evaluating your needs and getting a quote from a company, it's important to ask a few more questions:

• Does the quote cover all fees and insurance?
• Is the price guaranteed?
• If not, what events/circumstances will increase the price?
• When is payment rendered?
• Who do I pay and what forms of payment are accepted?

In the case of an accident, you want to understand who pays for damages. Before leaving your vehicle with any company, request a hard copy of their insurance and any additional protections offered, then read a few customer reviews to see if they are as reliable as they advertise. Coverage varies widely from company to company. To increase your likelihood of the best outcome, make sure you understand the coverage before signing any contract.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or the FMCSA, has noted an increase in fraudulent and deceptive practices from small online-based auto transport brokers. Vehicle hauling companies and auto transport brokers are required by law to register with and be permitted by the FMCSA. You can verify the license of your preferred company on the Department of Transportation FMCSA Licensing and Insurance page by using their USDOT number.

As an extra measure, you can inquire if the company is a member of any professional organizations, like:

• Auto Haulers of America Association
• National Association of Small Trucking Companies
• State transportation authorities
• The auto haulers division of the American Trucking Association

Membership isn’t a guarantee of professionalism or customer satisfaction, but most professional organizations require members to follow best practices, guidelines and/or a code of conduct.

After you’ve chosen a company, signed a contract and are ready to drop your car off, there are a few things you should do. First, thoroughly clean your car, removing everything that isn’t essential. Next, take pictures of any scratches, dents or dings. Finally, top off all your fluids with the exception of fuel. Experts say the safest way to transport a vehicle is with a quarter tank of gas.

Now that you know the basics about hiring a vehicle transport company, its time to look at companies. Read the descriptions below about the best car shipping companies in Detroit.