($861) Cost to ship a car from Fort Worth, TX to Detroit, MI
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $861 to $1,361 to ship your car 1,183 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Detroit, Michigan. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Detroit to Fort Worth car shipping guide.
The best Fort Worth to Detroit car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Fort Worth to Detroit:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Fort Worth
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Fort Worth, TX:
- Auto Transport Co: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Crestline Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from TX to MI
If you’re relocating from Fort Worth to Detroit, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Fort Worth to Detroit, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,183-mile journey from Fort Worth to Detroit could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Texas to Michigan. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Fort Worth. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Detroit.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Detroit is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Fort Worth to Detroit car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Fort Worth to Detroit, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Fort Worth to Detroit, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Fort Worth tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Detroit, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Fort Worth is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Detroit will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,183 miles from Fort Worth to Detroit is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Texas.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Fort Worth and Detroit play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Fort Worth are most likely.
Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Fort Worth to Detroit in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,183-mile trip from Fort Worth to Detroit, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Fort Worth to Detroit takes two to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Fort Worth and Detroit vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Fort Worth: Contact the City of Fort Worth in order to obtain the proper permits to allow for a seamless move. The earlier you get permits, the better.
- Detroit: Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
Car insurance requirements
- Fort Worth: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Detroit: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Fort Worth: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Driver’s license
- Fort Worth: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Detroit: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Fort Worth to Detroit?
The cost to ship a car from Fort Worth, TX to Detroit, MI varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Fort Worth to Detroit will range from $861 to $1,361.
How long will it take to ship my car from Fort Worth to Detroit?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,183 miles from Fort Worth to Detroit. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Fort Worth to Detroit?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Fort Worth to Detroit. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Fort Worth to Detroit?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Fort Worth to Detroit than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,183-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
2201 Main St #205, Dallas, TX 75201 US
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