($790) Cost to ship a car from Plano, TX to Lansing, MI
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $790 to $1,370 to ship your car 1,096 miles from Plano, Texas, to Lansing, 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 Lansing to Plano car shipping guide.
The best Plano to Lansing car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Plano to Lansing:
- 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 Plano
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Plano, 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
When you’re moving from Plano to Lansing, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Plano to Lansing, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,096-mile journey from Plano to Lansing 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Texas to Michigan, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Plano to Lansing safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Lansing, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Plano to Lansing car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Plano to Lansing, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Plano to Lansing, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Lansing, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Plano depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Lansing will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
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 1,096 miles from Plano to Lansing 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
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Plano and Lansing can impact car shipping prices.
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 Plano are most likely.
Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Plano to Lansing during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,096-mile trip from Plano to Lansing, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Plano to Lansing is two to eight days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Plano and Lansing vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Plano: Although Plano, Texas doesn't require a parking permit, it's always a good idea to double check with the city or county and also take into account that any subdivision or housing development that you may be moving to may have their own rules about parking.
- Lansing: Check with the City of Lansing for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lansing.
Car insurance requirements
- Plano: 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.
- Lansing: 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
- Plano: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Lansing: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Driver’s license
- Plano: 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.
- Lansing: 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 Plano to Lansing?
The cost to ship a car from Plano, TX to Lansing, 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 Plano to Lansing will range from $790 to $1,370.
How long will it take to ship my car from Plano to Lansing?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,096 miles from Plano to Lansing. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Plano to Lansing?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Plano to Lansing. 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 Plano to Lansing?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Plano to Lansing 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 1,096-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.
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