10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Minneapolis, MN

Top car shipping companies in Minneapolis, MN

If you need to transport your vehicle either within Minnesota or beyond its borders, here are the top car shipping providers serving Minneapolis. Not all of them are headquartered in Minneapolis, but all of them cover it:

Compare Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis.

Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Minneapolis, across Minnesota, and nationwide:

Here's a closer look at the companies serving Minneapolis and which of these services they offer:

Compare by discounts

Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Minneapolis, across Minnesota, and nationwide:

• Military discount: 1 in Minneapolis (16.67%), 1 in Minnesota (16.67%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)

Average cost to ship a car out of Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is one of Minnesota's major cities, with a population of 425,115 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Minneapolis compared to smaller towns nearby.

On average, shipping a vehicle from Minneapolis, Minnesota costs $739 - $1,410. The ultimate charge will hinge on aspects such as mileage and fuel expenses.

Below are some example price brackets for transporting your car from Minneapolis, Minnesota to different states:

Check out all car shipping routes.

Factors influencing car shipping costs from Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis's size works in its favor here: more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability tend to keep costs competitive. According to Minneapolis's cost of living index, the Minnesota city is about 7% 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 Minneapolis or to a nearby city in Minnesota usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
• Location: Pickups from busier, higher-traffic parts of Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis might require special handling, increasing the price. 16% of the 6 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis: 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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.
• How fast you need it: Standard open transport typically runs $0.60 - $1 per mile, while expedited delivery runs $1 - $1.50 per mile. Adding expedited or guaranteed delivery in Minneapolis costs, on average, an extra $200 - $500.
• Timing matters: Rates climb in summer and around month-end when demand peaks. Shipping in the off-season can save you 10% - 30% compared to peak pricing.

How to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN

Use this Minneapolis-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper:

1. Confirm your shipping route. Figure out whether you're shipping within Minnesota or sending your car to another state. Local and regional routes are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your exact pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
2. Factor in local market conditions. Minneapolis has more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. Its cost of living runs 7% above the national average.
3. Compare national and local carriers. National auto transport partners can cover long interstate routes, while the local shippers listed on this page (we track 5 here) may offer faster pickup in the area.
4. Pick open vs. enclosed transport. Open transport is the budget-friendly option for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport suits classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need extra protection during loading and transit.
5. Verify MC and DOT registration. Ask for each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and check them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before signing a contract.
6. Get 3+ quotes and book off-peak. Request written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator. Book off-peak when possible: summer and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. Winter lows around 7°F can delay pickup, so confirm your carrier's weather policy before booking a winter ship date.

FAQ