10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Minnesota (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Our team rated Nexus Auto Transport the top car shipping company in Minnesota, earning 4.7 out of 5 stars. It stood out for its competitive pricing and consistently positive customer feedback. Distance and shipping method are the biggest factors in your final cost, which runs between $659 and $1,381 to ship a car out of Minnesota.
Minnesota car shipping facts
- 100% of auto transport providers in Minnesota use open carriers, the most common and affordable way to move a vehicle.
- 66% of Minnesota car shipping companies offer enclosed transport for added protection.
- Just 28% of auto shippers nationwide provide guaranteed delivery, versus 33% in Minnesota. If your move requires a set arrival date, we recommend Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Minnesota
Our research team has analyzed 612 auto transport providers nationwide, putting in more than 400 hours of work. That includes 6 companies serving MN. Using this extensive dataset, we create accurate, fact-driven recommendations so you can confidently choose from the best car shipping companies nearby.
Need to ship a car from Minneapolis or anywhere else in Minnesota? Check out our top choices for auto transport in the area:
Average cost of transporting a car out of MN
If you're moving a car from Minnesota to another state, you'll pay between $659 and $1,381. Your actual cost could vary depending on the total distance and whether your car travels on an open carrier or in an enclosed trailer.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $544 - $855
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $863 - $1,203
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,134 - $1,297
Check out these price ranges by distance:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota to Texas | $1,040 | $1,626 |
| Minnesota to Illinois | $810 | $1,174 |
| Minnesota to California | $1,439 | $2,318 |
| Minnesota to North Carolina | $1,197 | $1,720 |
| Minnesota to Ohio | $899 | $1,383 |
| Arizona to Minnesota | $1,369 | $1,873 |
| Florida to Minnesota | $1,445 | $2,098 |
| Georgia to Minnesota | $1,238 | $1,807 |
| Michigan to Minnesota | $810 | $1,208 |
| New York to Minnesota | $1,220 | $1,808 |
What affects car shipping costs from Minnesota
- Your move distance: Shipping within Minnesota or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
- Location: Shipping from a rural part of Minnesota often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Minneapolis or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
- Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Minnesota cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 16% of Minnesota shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Shipping options in the North Star State: 100% of Minnesota auto transporters offer open transport, and 66% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Minnesota's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
- Gas prices: Fuel costs in Minnesota factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.87 per gallon right now.
- Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
- Discounts: In Minnesota, 1 companies offer military discounts, 6 offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Minnesota car shipping routes.
How to ship a car from Minnesota
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Minnesota.
- Estimate your shipping cost. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Minnesota typically costs $659 - $1,381, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- Choose open vs enclosed transport. Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. This is especially relevant given Minnesota's weather patterns.
- Verify MC/DOT licensing. Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes. Compare at least three of the 6 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Minnesota. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
- Book an off-peak ship date. Off-peak booking (fall through spring, mid-week dates) typically saves on total cost. From Minnesota, local shipments arrive in 1 - 3 days; coast-to-coast routes commonly need 7 - 14 days.
FAQs
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Minnesota?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Minnesota depends on the services and transport type you choose, so use our car shipping calculator to compare rates for your specific move. Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best one. 7 car shippers in Minnesota offer discounts like military, student, or AAA savings that can help lower your total cost.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Minnesota?
Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Minnesota?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Minnesota, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its range of services, pricing accuracy, and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Minnesota?
Delivery times for car shipping in Minnesota depend on distance and route: in-state shipments typically take one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points can all affect these estimates, so confirm timing with your shipping provider.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
Are Minnesota car shippers insured against damage?
83% of car shippers in Minnesota are fully insured, and 16% offer a damage-free guarantee. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
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