How much does it cost to ship a car from Michigan to Texas?

For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $925–$1,325 from Detroit to Dallas (1,180 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $875–$1,450. An SUV costs about $1,025–$1,475, a pickup $1,200–$1,725, and an enclosed trailer $1,375–$1,975 for a sedan.

How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to Texas?

Transit is usually 3–5 days after pickup for the 1,180-mile trip from Detroit to Dallas. Getting the car picked up takes another 1–5 days on a standard booking; expedited pickup within 1–2 days costs about 30% more.

When is the cheapest time to ship a car from Michigan to Texas?

March–May and September is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in December, up to about 25% more. Whatever the month, a flexible pickup date booked 2–3 weeks out gets the best price.

How soon do I have to register my car in Texas after moving?

Texas requires new residents to register within 30 days of becoming a resident. Get Texas insurance first. Cars in 17 emissions counties — including Harris (Houston), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth) and Travis (Austin) — need an emissions test; then register at the county tax assessor-collector.

Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from Michigan to Texas?

Driving 1,180 miles takes about 3 days: roughly $150 in gas and 2 nights of hotels and meals (about $280). Shipping a sedan costs about $925–$1,325. Add wear on the car and 3 days off work, and the two come out close.

Which car shipping companies go from Michigan to Texas?

Our directory lists 32 companies based in Michigan and 120 based in Texas, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 195 that ship nationwide.

Ship a Car from Michigan to Texas: Cost & Carriers (2026)

From	Dallas	Houston	San Antonio	Austin
Detroit	$925–$1,3251,180 mi · 3–5 days	$975–$1,3751,300 mi · 3–5 days	$1,000–$1,4251,460 mi · 3–6 days	$975–$1,4001,370 mi · 3–6 days
Grand Rapids	$875–$1,2751,090 mi · 3–5 days	$950–$1,3501,250 mi · 3–5 days	$975–$1,4001,380 mi · 3–6 days	$975–$1,3751,300 mi · 3–5 days
Lansing	$900–$1,3001,130 mi · 3–5 days	$950–$1,3501,270 mi · 3–5 days	$1,000–$1,4251,420 mi · 3–6 days	$975–$1,3751,330 mi · 3–6 days
Flint	$925–$1,3251,180 mi · 3–5 days	$975–$1,3751,320 mi · 3–5 days	$1,000–$1,4501,470 mi · 3–6 days	$975–$1,4001,380 mi · 3–6 days

Vehicle	Open carrier	Enclosed
Sedan or small car	$925–$1,325	$1,375–$1,975
Midsize SUV or crossover	$1,025–$1,475	$1,550–$2,225
Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition)	$1,150–$1,650	$1,725–$2,475
Pickup truck	$1,200–$1,725	$1,800–$2,575
Motorcycle	$550–$800	$825–$1,200

RC

Reliable Carriers

FMCSA verified

Detroit, MI · Carrier · 292 trucks · USDOT 242599

Satisfactory safety rating
Open car transport
Enclosed car transport
Door-to-door delivery
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Shipping a car from Michigan to Texas

Price by vehicle type

Best time to ship

Why so many cars go from Michigan to Texas

How the price compares

Distance and transit time

On the road