10 Best Car Shipping Companies in St. Paul, MN
Quick answer: If you're looking for an excellent car shipping company in St. Paul, MN, Nexus Auto Transport stands out for its impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, affordable rates, and lineup of services. While prices vary, you can usually expect to pay between $701 and $1,372 to ship your car from St. Paul.
- Discounts Available
- Refundable Deposit
- GPS Tracking
- Price Lock Promise
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Multiple discounts
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Minnesota car shipping guide.
Top car shipping companies in St. Paul, MN
Considering moving your vehicle locally or out of Minnesota? Here are the premier car transport companies serving St. Paul. Some are local to St. Paul and some are based nearby but cover the area:
Compare St. Paul, MN car shippers
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across Minnesota and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for St. Paul.
Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in St. Paul, across Minnesota, and nationwide:
| Service | St. Paul | MN | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inoperable car transport | 33.33% | 33.33% | 39.54% |
| Multi-car shipping | 66.67% | 66.67% | 67.65% |
| Real-time tracking | 66.67% | 66.67% | 55.23% |
| Guaranteed delivery | 33.33% | 33.33% | 28.43% |
| Damage-free guarantee | 16.67% | 16.67% | 27.94% |
Here's a closer look at the companies serving St. Paul and which of these services they offer:
| Company | Inoperable | Multi-Car | Real-Time Tracking | Guaranteed | Damage-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Auto Driveaway | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ceva Logistics | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Global Auto Transportation | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Express Auto Transport Inc | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in St. Paul, across Minnesota, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 1 in St. Paul (16.67%), 1 in Minnesota (16.67%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
| Company | Discounts offered |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group | Military |
| Auto Driveaway | None listed |
| Ceva Logistics | None listed |
| Global Auto Transportation | None listed |
| Express Auto Transport Inc | None listed |
Average cost to ship a car out of St. Paul, MN
St. Paul is one of Minnesota's major cities, with a population of 303,176 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from St. Paul compared to smaller towns nearby.
The average cost to ship a car out of St. Paul, Minnesota typically runs $701 - $1,372. Your final price will depend on how far you're going and current fuel costs.
Check out these estimated price ranges for moving a vehicle from St. Paul, Minnesota to another state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minnesota to North Carolina | $986 - $1,629 |
| Minnesota to California | $1,233 - $1,951 |
| Minnesota to New York | $997 - $1,536 |
| Minnesota to Arizona | $1,139 - $1,725 |
| Minnesota to Ohio | $861 - $1,324 |
| Florida to Minnesota | $1,253 - $1,783 |
| Michigan to Minnesota | $731 - $1,048 |
| Illinois to Minnesota | $716 - $1,007 |
| Georgia to Minnesota | $1,128 - $1,565 |
| Texas to Minnesota | $978 - $1,482 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from St. Paul, MN
St. Paul's size works in its favor here: more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability tend to keep costs competitive. According to St. Paul's cost of living index, the Minnesota city is about 2% more expensive than the national average. This can push car shipping costs higher due to increased labor and operational expenses in the region.
- Distance: Shipping your car within St. Paul or to a nearby city in Minnesota usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
- Location: Pickups from busier, higher-traffic parts of St. Paul tend to cost more than pickups in quieter suburban neighborhoods nearby.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from St. Paul might require special handling, increasing the price. 16% of the 6 St. Paul shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, in line with the Minnesota average, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Available shipping options in St. Paul: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards. Among the 6 St. Paul shippers we have service data for, 100% offer open transport , and 66% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in St. Paul can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in Minnesota is about $2.87 per gallon right now.
- Rush delivery costs more: Standard shipping runs about $0.60 - $1 per mile, while expedited runs $1 - $1.50 per mile. That typically adds $200 - $500 to your total for expedited or guaranteed delivery from St. Paul.
- Watch the calendar: Car shipping rates spike in summer and at month-end. Shipping during the off-season can cut your cost by 10% - 30%.
How to ship a car from St. Paul, MN
Here's a St. Paul checklist for comparing auto transport companies and booking a reliable shipper:
- Nail down your route. Decide whether St. Paul is your starting point for an in-state trip or a longer haul to another state. Distance and your specific ZIP codes are what really shape the quote.
- Size up local conditions. St. Paul tends to have more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. Cost of living here runs 2% above the national average.
- Compare your carrier options. National partners are built for cross-country routes, while the local companies listed here (5 tracked in our data) tend to offer quicker local pickup.
- Choose open vs. enclosed transport. Standard vehicles usually ship fine on open transport, the more affordable option, while enclosed transport protects classic, luxury, or high-value cars during loading and transit.
- Check MC/DOT credentials. Request the carrier's MC and USDOT numbers, then confirm them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign anything.
- Line up 3+ quotes and avoid peak dates. Get written estimates from at least three companies with the moveBuddha car shipping calculator, and steer clear of summer and end-of-month dates when prices spike. Winter lows near 7°F can delay pickup, so confirm the carrier's cold-weather policy first.
FAQ
Are car shippers in St. Paul fully insured?
83% of the 6 St. Paul shippers we have service data for are fully insured, and 16% offer a damage-free guarantee (nationally, about 76% of car shippers are fully insured). Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
Do St. Paul car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or other specialty vehicles?
Yes, several St. Paul shippers handle specialty vehicles. 50% ship motorcycles. 16% ship RVs. 50% ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when requesting quotes.
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in St. Paul?
Many car shipping companies in St. Paul, Minnesota offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves St. Paul, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
Is it cheaper to ship a car from a big city like St. Paul?
In many cases, yes. St. Paul is a major city with more car shipping carriers, which usually means lower prices and faster pickup times due to high demand and route density.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of St. Paul?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of St. Paul follow the major interstate corridors running through Minnesota. Carriers on high-traffic routes between large metros generally offer faster transit times and better pricing than those on less-traveled roads. Ask your carrier which interstates they use and whether your destination falls on a primary or secondary route.
80 S 8th St Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN, 55402
4570 West 77th Street, Suite 215, Edina, MN, 55435
3169 Dodd Rd, St Paul, MN, 55121
1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55418
22015 Canton Ct, Farmington, MN, 55024