Looking to ship your car from Florida to Michigan? Whether you’re a snowbird returning north, a student moving for school, or relocating for a new job opportunity, Unlimited Auto Trans makes the process fast, affordable, and worry-free.
With 15+ years of experience and thousands of vehicles successfully shipped between FL and MI, our team of dedicated coordinators ensures your vehicle is picked up on time and delivered safely—no matter the season.

Car Shipping From Florida to Michigan
Shipping a car from Florida to Michigan involves more than just covering over 1,200 miles—it means choosing a trusted partner who understands the logistics, traffic patterns, and weather differences between the Sunshine State and the Wolverine State.
Whether you’re shipping from Miami, Orlando, or Tampa and need delivery to Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Ann Arbor, Unlimited Auto Trans is your reliable solution.
We offer flexible transport services tailored to your needs and budget, including:
- Open Car Transport – Our most cost-effective and widely used option, ideal for standard vehicles.
- Enclosed Car Transport – Maximum protection for high-value, exotic, or classic cars.
- Door-to-Door Delivery – We pick up and deliver your car at your preferred addresses in Florida and Michigan.
How It Works – Simple 3-Step Process
1. Get a Quote
Enter your pickup and delivery info, vehicle type, and preferred date. No commitment.
2. Schedule Your Pickup
Choose a convenient date and location anywhere in Florida.
3. Track & Receive Your Vehicle
Stay updated in real-time until delivery at your Michigan destination.

Popular Florida to Michigan Routes, Costs and Transit Time
Real Shipping Examples
Common Routes & Highways
Our most frequently traveled shipping lanes from Florida to Michigan include:
- Miami → Detroit
- Orlando → Grand Rapids
- Tampa → Lansing
- Jacksonville → Ann Arbor
- Fort Lauderdale → Warren
These routes commonly utilize Interstate 75 (I-75), a major north-south corridor connecting Florida directly with Michigan. This makes the route efficient, direct, and suitable for both open and enclosed carriers.
City-Specific Shipping Information and Challenges
Florida Cities
- Miami, FL: Known for dense urban traffic and high-rise residential zones. Many pickups occur in surrounding suburbs like Doral or Hialeah for better accessibility.
- Orlando, FL: Located near major highways with consistent demand due to students, tourists, and seasonal residents. Reliable for both pickup and delivery.
- Tampa, FL: A top location for car shipping with easy access to I-275 and I-75. Expect seasonal fluctuations in winter and summer.
- Jacksonville, FL: As one of the largest cities in the U.S. by area, truck access is excellent. Port proximity can also streamline logistics.
- Fort Lauderdale, FL: High demand in winter months due to snowbird migration. Expect busy shipping schedules between November and March.
Michigan Cities
- Detroit, MI: High vehicle volume, especially for auto industry-related transport. Urban areas can have limited truck access—expect curbside service in nearby neighborhoods.
- Grand Rapids, MI: Easy access and efficient drop-offs. Consistent demand from families and businesses moving in or out of West Michigan.
- Lansing, MI: State capital with steady year-round demand. Carrier availability is strong thanks to proximity to major interstates.
- Ann Arbor, MI: Popular among students and families. Limited parking in some university areas may affect exact pickup points.
- Warren, MI: Part of Metro Detroit with convenient access and high residential demand.
Rural Area Considerations
If you’re shipping to or from rural ZIP codes in Florida or Michigan, expect minor delays or adjustments in cost due to limited carrier availability. We often recommend meeting near highway exits or well-known pickup locations to streamline service and reduce costs.
Why choose Unlimited Auto Trans?
What Sets Us Apart
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
We work around your schedule
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinator
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
We work around your schedule
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Types of Vehicles We Ship from Florida to Michigan
We’re equipped to handle almost every kind of vehicle, including:
- Sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
- Classic and collector cars
- Electric vehicles and hybrids
- Motorcycles, ATVs, and inoperable vehicles (with winch/lift support)
Car Brands We Ship from Florida to Michigan
Our Clients in Florida and Michigan
- Snowbirds relocating seasonally between FL and MI
- Military personnel stationed between bases in Pensacola and Selfridge ANGB
- Students moving to or from the University of Florida, Michigan State, or the University of Michigan
- Dealerships shipping inventory between states
- Families and professionals moving for work or lifestyle changes
Notable Events & Local Insights
Florida:
- Peak snowbird season: October–March sees a surge in auto shipments to Michigan.
- College move-outs: Gainesville, Tallahassee, and Miami create seasonal demand.
- Car auction hubs in Tampa and Orlando draw buyers shipping cars north.
Michigan:
- Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS – September): Boosts inbound/outbound transport demand.
- Summer relocations: Popular in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Lansing.
- Online vehicle sales: Many MI buyers purchase vehicles from Florida dealerships or auctions.
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars from Florida to Michigan
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Get an Instant Florida to Michigan Car Shipping Quote
Curious How Much It Costs to Ship a Car from Florida to Michigan? Our pricing is transparent, competitive, and customized to your unique shipment needs.
Estimated Price & Time Frame
- Cost Range: $950 – $1,400
- Transit Time: 4–7 business days
(Exact pricing depends on the vehicle type, route, carrier availability, and seasonal demand.)
Whether you’re moving a sedan from Orlando to Lansing or a pickup truck from Fort Lauderdale to Detroit, we’ll connect you with a top-rated carrier and ensure a smooth delivery from start to finish.
Factors Affecting Price
- Vehicle Type: Larger vehicles like SUVs or lifted trucks take more space on the trailer and may cost slightly more.
- Transport Method: Open car transport is the most budget-friendly. Enclosed transport provides additional protection for luxury or classic cars.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: Shipments between major metros like Miami and Detroit are more affordable. Remote or rural ZIP codes may require extra routing or off-route coordination.
- Time of Year: Snowbird season (fall and spring) sees increased demand. Winter storms in Michigan and summer heat in Florida can also impact scheduling and availability.
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport from Florida to Michigan
Best Times of Year to Ship
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are the most efficient seasons to schedule your shipment. These months offer moderate demand, milder weather, and fewer delays.
- Winter (December–February) can pose challenges—especially in Michigan, where snow, ice, and low temperatures may slow down carriers or restrict access to rural roads.
- Summer (June–August) is peak moving season in Florida due to college moves and family relocations. Demand for carriers often surges, which may result in higher pricing and limited availability.
Events That May Impact Your Schedule
- Detroit Auto Show (September) – Boosts demand for enclosed auto transport and reduces carrier availability throughout Michigan. Book early if shipping during this time.
- Snowbird Migration (October–March) – Thousands of seasonal residents move vehicles north in spring and south in fall. Expect high demand both directions during these windows.
- College Move-Ins (August) – Cities like Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Gainesville, and Tallahassee see student-related shipping spikes.
- Holiday Season (Late November – Early January) – Both Florida and Michigan experience slower transit and reduced driver availability during major holidays.
What Slows Things Down?
- Weather Conditions – Snowstorms and icy roads in Michigan can delay winter deliveries. Florida’s hurricane season (June to November) may also disrupt scheduling in coastal areas like Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
- Route Complexity – Deliveries into downtown Detroit or dense areas of Miami may require alternative meeting points due to narrow roads or truck restrictions.
- Carrier Demand Surges – Auto shows, school start dates, and seasonal relocations create temporary bottlenecks in transport capacity.
- Rural Areas – Pickup or delivery to remote ZIP codes may increase wait times and incur route adjustment fees.
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Peak Rates
- Book in Advance – We recommend booking your auto shipment 2–3 weeks ahead of time during peak seasons (spring, summer, and snowbird windows).
- Stay Flexible – Allowing a flexible pickup or delivery window improves scheduling and may lower your overall price.
- Meet at Major Terminals – If you’re in a remote area, consider meeting your carrier near Orlando, Jacksonville, Detroit, or Lansing to reduce delays and cost.
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in Florida and Michigan
Vehicle Registration & Title Requirements
- Florida:
Before shipping your vehicle out of Florida, make sure it has current registration and that the title is free of active liens. If you’re selling the vehicle and shipping it to Michigan, the title must be properly signed over to the buyer prior to pickup. If you’re keeping the vehicle, no special authorization is required to ship it out of state.
- Michigan:
If you’re relocating your vehicle to Michigan permanently, the Secretary of State (SOS) requires that you register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. To register in Michigan, you’ll typically need:
- A valid out-of-state title
- Proof of Michigan auto insurance
- Identification and residency documents
- Odometer reading (for 2011 or newer vehicles)
Emission Standards
- Florida: The state does not require emissions testing for vehicle registration as of 2025. However, vehicles should still meet basic safety and operational standards before being shipped.
- Michigan: Michigan also does not enforce emissions testing statewide, although some counties may have local ordinances for specific commercial vehicle types. Emissions inspection is not required for personal vehicle registration.
Transport Regulations
- Insurance Coverage: All vehicles shipped with Unlimited Auto Trans are fully insured by USDOT-compliant carriers. You are not required to purchase additional coverage. A Bill of Lading and inspection report are provided at both pickup and delivery.
- Permits & Truck Access:
- In dense Florida cities like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, carriers may require alternate pickup/drop-off points due to gated communities or condo restrictions.
- In Michigan urban areas such as Detroit or Ann Arbor, our dispatch team ensures carriers comply with commercial vehicle regulations, avoiding restricted streets and loading zones. If needed, we’ll coordinate a nearby parking lot or transport hub as a safe alternative.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Florida to Michigan Car Shipping
Vehicle Shipping Checklist
- Clean Your Car (Inside & Out)
- Remove Personal Items
- Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues
- Disable Alarms
- Check Tire Pressure & Battery
- Document the Condition
- Keep Fuel Tank 1/4 Full
State Specific Notes
- Florida Pickups: If you live in a gated community, apartment complex, or densely populated area like Miami or Orlando, your carrier may suggest a nearby parking lot or service station for smoother access.
- Michigan Deliveries: Some urban drop-off areas, such as downtown Detroit or Ann Arbor, may have loading restrictions. In such cases, our dispatcher will coordinate with you to finalize a nearby alternative location for safe unloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Florida to Michigan Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Michigan?
The average cost to ship a car from Florida to Michigan ranges between $950 and $1,400, depending on the pickup/drop-off locations, time of year, vehicle size, and transport type (open vs enclosed). For example, a standard sedan shipped from Orlando to Detroit via open transport may cost around $1,050 during spring or fall.
How much does it cost to drive from Florida to Michigan?
Driving from Florida to Michigan can cost between $450 and $700, depending on fuel efficiency, gas prices, tolls, meals, and overnight stays. It also adds 1,100–1,400 miles to your vehicle’s odometer and typically requires 2–3 days of travel time.
Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive?
While driving may seem cheaper upfront, shipping your car can actually save money when factoring in fuel, lodging, time off work, and wear-and-tear. It also avoids long-distance driving stress, especially during winter months or peak relocation season.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car across the US?
The most cost-effective way to ship a car is via open carrier transport with flexible pickup and delivery windows. Booking 2–3 weeks in advance and choosing major metro areas (e.g., Miami to Detroit) also helps keep costs low. Avoid enclosed trailers unless your vehicle requires added protection.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, we provide safe and on-time car transport at competitive prices. Ship your car stress-free, knowing we’re licensed, bonded, and insured.
From passenger cars to SUVs, motorcycles, and even luxury cars, we can ship nationwide.
Use our calculator for a free instant quote today.
Book online or call us toll-free at
(888) 278-9855.
