The Detroit Auto Show returns to Huntington Place January 14-25, 2026. Most people focus on the shiny new vehicles and concept cars on display. Few stop to think about how those vehicles actually get there.
Moving 500 vehicles from manufacturers across the country to one convention center creates a real puzzle. The answer involves special carriers and tight deadlines. Understanding this process reveals why vehicle transport prices jump across Metro Detroit during the show.
Behind the Curtain: How 41 Car Brands Actually Get Their Vehicles to the Detroit Auto Show
Getting display vehicles to an auto show is different from shipping your personal car. These vehicles need to arrive in perfect condition. A single scratch or chip means the manufacturer loses its chance to make that critical first impression.
Most manufacturers start planning transport six to eight weeks before the show opens. They work with special carriers who handle high-value vehicles daily. The timeline matters because these vehicles must arrive before Media Days on January 14-15.
The Enclosed Transport Standard
Open carriers won’t cut it for auto show vehicles. Manufacturers use enclosed transport exclusively for display vehicles. Hard-sided enclosed trailers protect against weather and road debris. They also provide security during overnight stops.
These enclosed carriers typically haul two to seven vehicles per load. The reduced capacity compared to standard open carriers drives up the cost. A standard open carrier might haul nine vehicles. An enclosed trailer carries fewer vehicles but offers better protection.
The equipment itself costs more to run. Enclosed trailers run between $15,000 to $25,000 more than open ones in equipment costs alone. That expense gets passed down through pricing.
Loading Methods for Low-Clearance Vehicles
Many concept cars and sports cars sit extremely low to the ground. A 2022 Lamborghini Huracan has just 3.5 inches of ground clearance. Loading these vehicles requires special equipment.
Carriers use hydraulic tilt-bed rollbacks or liftgates for low-clearance vehicles. Some use Go-Jaks dollies that slide under the wheels. These methods prevent undercarriage damage during loading.
The loading process for one exotic vehicle can take 60 to 90 minutes. Multiply that by hundreds of vehicles arriving within a tight window. The team coordinates arrival times down to specific hours.
Insurance Requirements
Standard cargo insurance covers $100,000 to $500,000 per load. Auto show vehicles often exceed these limits significantly. A single concept car might be worth several million dollars.
Manufacturers require carriers to carry $2 million to $5 million in cargo coverage. Some exotic vehicles demand even higher limits. The premium pricing for enclosed exotic transport reflects these insurance costs.
Federal rules require all carriers to maintain at least $1 million in public liability coverage. This is the accepted industry standard for vehicles containing fuel. Higher coverage protects everyone involved in the transport chain.
Dealer-Supplied Vehicles
Not every vehicle at the show comes directly from manufacturers. Local dealerships supply many of the display vehicles. This is especially true for brands like BMW and Honda that don’t exhibit directly.
Metro Detroit dealerships work with manufacturers to provide showroom-ready vehicles. These cars often arrive via local transport within Michigan. The distances are shorter but the care requirements remain identical.
Dealerships benefit from the exposure. Attendees who see a specific model at the show often visit that dealership afterward. This creates a relationship that works for both manufacturers and local dealers.
Timing and Coordination
Media Days happen January 14-15. Industry professionals get exclusive access before the public show opens. Vehicles must be in place and detailed by January 13 at the latest.
This creates a compressed arrival window. Carriers converge on Detroit during a 48 to 72-hour period. Loading docks at Huntington Place run around the clock during setup.
Weather adds another variable. January in Detroit means potential snow and ice. Carriers build buffer time into schedules to account for weather delays. A snowstorm can push arrival times back by 12 to 24 hours.
See also: How to Safely Transport Your Classic Car to the Next Auto Show
Detroit Auto Show Dealer Preview: Which 2026 Models Will Cost the Most to Transport
Vehicle weight and dimensions directly impact transport costs. Understanding these factors helps dealerships forecast total purchase costs. The 2026 model year brings several vehicles that present transport challenges.
How Weight Affects Pricing
Federal rules limit gross vehicle weight to 80,000 pounds. An empty car hauler weighs 30,000 to 35,000 pounds. This leaves 45,000 to 50,000 pounds of cargo capacity.
Average sedans weigh 4,000 to 4,500 pounds. Full-size pickups run 5,000 to 6,500 pounds. Heavy vehicles like lifted trucks can reach 6,000 to 8,000 pounds.
A carrier can fit seven to ten vehicles per load depending on weight distribution. One heavy vehicle reduces total capacity. Fewer vehicles per load means higher per-vehicle costs.
Large SUVs and Electric Vehicles
Three-row SUVs and full-size trucks take up significant space. They also weigh more than standard vehicles. This combination makes them expensive to transport.
Electric vehicles add another dimension. Many EVs weigh 500 to 1,000 pounds more than comparable gas vehicles. The battery pack accounts for this extra weight.
A Tesla Model X weighs about 5,500 pounds. A comparable gas SUV might weigh 4,800 pounds. That 700-pound difference matters when loading a carrier to maximum capacity.
Low-Clearance Performance Vehicles
Sports cars and performance vehicles often require enclosed transport. Ground clearance under four inches makes standard ramp loading risky. The special loading equipment adds to costs.
Enclosed exotic transport costs roughly 180% to 400% more per mile than standard open transport. A Corvette Z06 or Porsche 911 falls into this category. Dealers ordering these vehicles need to budget accordingly.
The premium reflects real equipment costs and reduced capacity. A two-car enclosed trailer provides maximum protection. It also means the carrier hauls fewer vehicles per trip.
Size Restrictions for Oversized Vehicles
Some trucks and SUVs exceed standard trailer dimensions. Vehicles over 80 inches wide or 14 feet tall require special permits. This adds complexity and cost to transport.
Hummer EVs and certain lifted trucks fall into this category. The permit process varies by state. Some routes become unavailable because of bridge or tunnel clearances.
Carriers charge premium rates for oversized loads. The additional paperwork and route restrictions justify higher pricing. Dealers should expect 25% to 40% increases for these vehicles.
Distance and Regional Factors
Detroit sits in the Midwest. Vehicles arriving from the West Coast travel 2,000 to 2,400 miles. East Coast shipments cover 600 to 800 miles.
Standard transport averages $0.75 to $1.20 per mile for open carriers. Enclosed transport runs $1.30 to $2.10 per mile. These rates vary based on route popularity and demand.
A vehicle shipped from Los Angeles to Detroit would cost approximately $1,800 to $2,500 via enclosed transport. The same vehicle from New York might run $900 to $1,400.
Tempus Logix provides nationwide auto transport in any direction, including enclosed and oversized loads. You can get an accurate shipping estimate before you commit using our AI-based calculator.
To support Detroit Auto Show attendees who purchase vehicles during this year’s event, Tempus Logix is announcing an exclusive 10% discount on vehicle transportation services, available only to attendees
Detroit Auto Show 2026: What Attendees Wish They’d Known About Parking, Tickets, and Timing
The public show runs January 17-25. Over 250,000 visitors are expected during this nine-day period. Planning ahead makes the experience smoother.
Parking
Downtown Detroit fills up fast during the auto show. Huntington Place doesn’t have dedicated parking for all attendees. Most people use nearby lots or garages.
Rates typically increase during major events. Expect to pay $20 to $40 for garage parking near the venue. Arriving early gives you better parking options.
The Detroit People Mover offers an alternative. This elevated rail system stops at multiple downtown locations. A ride costs just $0.75 and connects to Huntington Place.
Ticket Pricing and Advance Purchase
Public show tickets run about $20 for adults. Children under 12 typically get discounted rates. Group sales of 30 or more receive reduced pricing at $18 per ticket.
Buying tickets online before the show saves time at the entrance. Lines form during peak hours on weekends. Weekday mornings see lighter crowds.
The show opens at 10 AM most days. It closes at 8 PM except Sunday January 25 when it ends at 7 PM. Last entry happens 15 minutes before closing.
Best Days to Visit
Weekends draw the largest crowds. Saturday January 17 and both Sundays will be packed. Families with children often choose these days.
Weekday visits offer a more relaxed experience. Tuesday January 20 is Racing Day with special programming. This attracts motorsports fans but remains manageable.
The final weekend sees attendance drop slightly. People who waited until the end often find shorter lines and easier parking.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes are essential. Huntington Place spans over one million square feet of exhibit space. You’ll walk several miles viewing all the displays.
Bring a portable phone charger. Most people take photos and use social media throughout their visit. Battery life drains quickly with constant use.
The venue allows small bags and backpacks. Security screening happens at entrances. Plan a few extra minutes for this process during busy periods.
Why ‘Expedited Shipping’ Is the Most Requested Service After the Detroit Charity Preview
The Charity Preview happens Friday January 16 from 5 PM to 9 PM. This black-tie fundraiser has raised over $125 million for children’s charities since 1976. Robin Thicke headlines the 2026 event.
The Gallery and High-End Sales
The Gallery showcases ultra-luxury vehicles on January 13. Over 50 exotic and luxury vehicles appear in this exclusive section. Brands include Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Rolls-Royce.
Some of these vehicles sell during the Charity Preview. Buyers want immediate possession. The vehicles must leave Huntington Place to make room for public show operations.
Why Speed Matters
Auto show operations run on tight schedules. The public show opens Saturday January 17 at 10 AM. Setup crews need access to floor space by early Saturday morning.
Sold vehicles can’t remain on the show floor. They must be removed and transported to their new owners quickly. This creates urgent demand for expedited transport services.
Expedited Transport Costs
Standard auto transport takes seven to ten days coast-to-coast. Regional shipments complete in two to five days. Expedited service cuts these timeframes significantly.
Guaranteed pickup within 24 hours costs 30% to 50% more than standard service. Rush delivery to specific dates adds another premium. Total costs can double for true expedited service.
A luxury vehicle sold at the Charity Preview might need delivery to California within three days. The buyer paid $150,000 for the car. Paying an extra $1,500 for expedited enclosed transport seems reasonable.
Carrier Availability
Fewer carriers offer expedited service. Most run on regular routes with multiple pickups and deliveries. Dedicating a truck to one vehicle costs the carrier potential revenue.
The carrier must have equipment available immediately. During peak seasons this becomes difficult. Detroit in mid-January coincides with snowbird season.
The Luxury Positioning
Expedited service positions itself as a luxury necessity. High-net-worth buyers expect exceptional service. Waiting two weeks for vehicle delivery doesn’t align with their expectations.
Transport companies market expedited service as white-glove treatment. The messaging emphasizes speed and exclusivity. This justifies premium pricing.
The Detroit Squeeze: Why 250,000 Visitors Are Spiking Car Shipping Rates
The auto show creates unique market dynamics. Understanding these factors helps explain pricing fluctuations around the event.
The Localized Demand Surge
Huntington Place expects 250,000 visitors over nine days. Many fly into Detroit specifically for the show. Some decide to purchase vehicles from Metro Detroit dealerships during their visit.
Local dealerships run “Auto Show Specials” during this period. These promotions drive sales. Buyers often live out of state and need their new vehicles shipped home.
Pickup requests in the Detroit metro area spike during the two-week period around the show. Carriers face more demand than available capacity.
The Uber Effect
Car carriers work on supply and demand like any marketplace. When everyone wants service at once, prices increase. Brokers bid higher to secure carriers for their customers.
A standard Michigan to Florida shipment might cost $800 outside auto show season. During the show that same route could jump to $950 to $1,000. That represents a 15% to 20% increase.
The spike affects pickups within 50 miles of Detroit most severely. Shipments starting in outlying areas see smaller increases. The concentration of demand drives the premium.
Carrier Route Preferences
Carriers prefer routes where they can secure loads in both directions. Deadhead miles cost money without generating revenue. A carrier hauling vehicles from Florida to Detroit wants a return load.
During the auto show, return loads from Detroit become easier to find. This should theoretically reduce rates. However, the sheer volume of requests allows carriers to maintain higher pricing.
The Snowbird Conflict
The Detroit Auto Show happens in January. This timing creates a perfect storm. January is peak snowbird season for vehicle transport.
Snowbirds are retirees who spend winters in warm climates. They ship vehicles from Midwest states like Michigan to Florida and Arizona. This seasonal migration happens October through January.
Carriers make excellent profits on snowbird routes. Michigan to Florida is one of the busiest corridors. Detroit to Phoenix follows similar patterns.
Competition for Carrier Space
A buyer at the auto show ordering a new vehicle to be shipped to Florida faces competition. Thousands of snowbirds booked transport months earlier. They have priority with carriers.
This drives prices up by $200 to $400 above yearly averages. A typical Michigan to Florida shipment averages $750 to $900. During snowbird season it jumps to $950 to $1,300.
Add auto show demand on top of snowbird season. The combination creates pricing pressure. Buyers shipping to southern states during late January pay premium rates.
Booking Timeline Matters
Most transport companies recommend booking two to four weeks ahead. During peak seasons they suggest six to eight weeks advance notice. This secures better rates and carrier availability.
Someone buying a car at the auto show on January 20 wants immediate pickup. Last-minute bookings always cost more. The combination of short notice and peak season compounds expenses.
Smart buyers plan ahead. If you know you’ll purchase at the auto show, book transport before arriving. Provide the dealership address as the pickup location. Adjust the booking once you finalize the purchase.
Industry Perspective
Transport brokers understand these seasonal patterns. They adjust customer expectations accordingly. Honesty about pricing helps maintain trust.
A broker should explain why rates are higher during specific periods. Weather factors also impact January pricing. Snow and ice create delays. Carriers build buffer time into schedules.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates hours of service. Drivers can work 11 hours maximum per day within a 14-hour window. They must take a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving.
These rules mean realistic transit times are seven to ten days coast-to-coast. Coast-to-coast averages 2,800 miles. At 450 miles per day, that takes six to seven days of driving time.
Planning Your Auto Show Transport
Knowing more about the transportation sector gives you better perspective for setting proper expectations. Here are some helpful tips for anyone moving a vehicle during the Detroit Auto Show.
Book as early as you can. Two to four weeks notice is worth the discount. Six to eight weeks is best during January.
Be flexible about pickup times. Day-of pickup is expensive. A two-day or three-day window is cheaper. Carriers value flexibility and reward it with good rates.
Get your car ready. Take out your personal stuff. Clean your car and photograph it. This helps you in case your car gets damaged during shipping.
Understand your coverage. Request proof of coverage from the companies. Compare the coverage amounts to your vehicle’s worth. Get extra coverage for expensive vehicles.
Share clear details about any special requirements. Low clearance requires special transport equipment. Non-running cars need carriers with winch capabilities. This helps avoid delays in car pickup.
Track the shipment. Reliable carriers usually offer this. GPS technology makes it a reality now. You always know where your vehicle is.
Inspect at delivery. Carefully examine your vehicle before signing the Bill of Lading. Document any damage. Take photographs if it looks different.
“Each Detroit Auto Show is a manifestation of America’s passion for autos,” explains Wright Dunbar Jr., a Detroit lawyer with a passion for alternative modes of transportation. “But let me tell you: a great deal of work goes into organizing such a show,” he adds.
Whether you’re a dealer estimating purchase costs or a buyer arranging home delivery of your new vehicle, it helps to know. The car show presents its own set of pricing challenges.
Detroit is still Motor City. The car show proves it every January. The cars get delivered safely because experts handle their transport. It’s important to acknowledge their expertise.
