Best Car Shipping Companies in Waconia, MN (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Waconia, MN, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you’ll typically spend between and $1,456 to ship your car from Waconia.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Minnesota car shipping guide.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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Top car shipping companies in Waconia, MN
Whether your car needs to be shipped around Minnesota or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in Waconia:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group
Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a comprehensive range of services, including interstate and international car shipping, as well as specialized transport for boats, motorcycles, RVs, and even heavy equipment.
They are fully insured and cater to a variety of customer needs with options like enclosed transport and expedited delivery, which can be particularly beneficial for those in a hurry or with precious vehicles. Additionally, they provide military discounts, but customers should note that they require a deposit to book their services, and they do not offer the option to pay by cash or cryptocurrency.
The company boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, although they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, which prospective clients might find as a consideration when researching their options.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Auto Driveaway
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) is a car shipping company that provides a range of services, including fully insured transport and damage-free guarantees, with a reputation backed by an impressive A+ rating from the BBB and a notable Google rating of 2.7. The company effectively handles interstate and international shipping, and offers specialized solutions for electric vehicle transport and multi-car transport. However, a potential downside for some customers is the lack of inoperable car transport services, which might limit options for those needing to ship cars that don’t run.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics (DOT: 187774) is a car shipping company that offers a range of services including interstate and international shipping, motorcycle and trailer transport, and terminal-to-terminal delivery. They are fully insured and also provide expedited and guaranteed delivery options, allowing customers to have peace of mind with their shipments. Although Ceva Logistics excels in most areas, they do not offer shipping for inoperable cars or electric vehicles, which might be a limitation for some potential customers. While they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp, they have a Google rating of 3.2 and an excellent BBB rating of A+.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
Global Auto Transportation
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) offers a range of specialized services, including boat, motorcycle, and trailer shipping, as well as open and enclosed transport options. They provide expedited delivery for those in a hurry and ensure all shipments are fully insured.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. Customers should note that Global Auto Transportation does not handle inoperable car transport, which may be a consideration for those needing such a service. While they do require a deposit, they offer multiple payment options, including cash and credit card.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Express Auto Transport Inc
Express Auto Transport Inc (DOT: 653539) is an active car shipping company that stands out by offering interstate transport and the ability to ship cars that don’t run. However, customers should note that they do not provide enclosed transport, which may be a consideration for those needing extra protection for their vehicles.
While the company embraces modern payment options by accepting credit cards, they do not offer some insurance benefits, as they are not fully insured. In terms of online presence, Express Auto Transport Inc has a mixed reputation with a low Yelp rating of 1.0 and a moderate Google rating of 3.7. The company has yet to establish a rating with the BBB.
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Comparing Waconia car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 6 local car shipping companies in Waconia, 6 across Minnesota, and 518+ nationwide to compare service availability and help you choose the best option for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Waconia, across Minnesota, and nationwide:
- Inoperable car transport: 2 in Waconia (33.33%), 2 in Minnesota (33.33%), 242 nationwide (39.54%)
- Multi-car shipping: 4 in Waconia (66.67%), 4 in Minnesota (66.67%), 415 nationwide (67.81%)
- Real-time tracking: 4 in Waconia (66.67%), 4 in Minnesota (66.67%), 338 nationwide (55.23%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 2 in Waconia (33.33%), 2 in Minnesota (33.33%), 176 nationwide (28.76%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 1 in Waconia (16.67%), 1 in Minnesota (16.67%), 172 nationwide (28.1%)
| Company | Inoperable car transport | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Driveaway | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ceva Logistics | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Express Auto Transport Inc | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Waconia, across Minnesota, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 1 in Waconia (16.67%), 1 in Minnesota (16.67%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Driveaway | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ceva Logistics | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Express Auto Transport Inc | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Our team conducted a comprehensive analysis of 2,400 car shipping firms across the nation, examining and ranking them by key criteria utilizing our exclusive methodology.
We took into account the following factors:
- Service diversity: We assessed the array of services available from each company. This review included checking if they provide open, enclosed transport options, or both. Further, we looked at whether they offer door-to-door service or terminal-based delivery, and the types of vehicles they handle. Companies that cater to unique vehicles like RVs and motorcycles ranked higher than those focusing solely on cars.
- Add-on services: Companies offering premium optional services, like quick shipping, fixed pickup times, complimentary car washes, and reimbursement for rental cars, received additional points.
- Service evaluation: By analyzing comments on platforms such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot, we determined if a car shipping company upholds prompt service, good communication, and cost efficiency. We further evaluated each company’s position in the industry by validating their USDOT credentials and their engagement with trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: Our review considered how simple it is for customers to arrange services and calculate costs with clear quotes, price comparison, flat-rate pricing, and other advantages. Car shippers that offer binding estimates or guarantee prices received higher marks than those lacking transparency in their pricing.
Average cost to ship a car out of Waconia
Home to around 12,773 people, Waconia is one of Minnesota’s mid-sized towns. With an average home value of $ and a cost of living index of 113, it tends to see moderate demand, leading to typical shipping prices that are neither the cheapest nor the highest.
Moving your car from Waconia, Minnesota will vary but usually falls between to $1,456. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Waconia, Minnesota to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minnesota to California | $1,239 – $1,919 |
| Minnesota to New York | $941 – $1,511 |
| Minnesota to Texas | $943 – $1,500 |
| Minnesota to North Carolina | $1,020 – $1,571 |
| Minnesota to Michigan | $740 – $941 |
| Georgia to Minnesota | $1,045 – $1,587 |
| Illinois to Minnesota | $726 – $961 |
| Florida to Minnesota | $1,244 – $1,806 |
| Arizona to Minnesota | $1,156 – $1,664 |
| Ohio to Minnesota | $799 – $1,203 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Waconia
The cost of living index in Waconia is 113, which is well above the national average. This can increase the price of car shipping due to higher labor and operational costs in the region.
- Move distance: You’ll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Waconia or within Minnesota, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you’re moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Waconia vs. the suburbs.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Waconia might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Shipping method choices in Waconia: Pick between standard open-air carriers for budget-friendly transport or enclosed trailers for extra protection against the elements. Enclosed shipping costs more but shields your car from the unexpected.
- Gas prices: The going rate for fuel in Waconia can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Waconia, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Winter snowfall averaging 49 inches and cold temperatures in Waconia, Minnesota can increase car shipping prices due to hazardous road conditions and potential delivery delays. Summer’s milder weather with highs around 83°F usually makes transport more reliable and may help keep costs down.
Tips for choosing the right Waconia car shipping company
- Request quotes: Look for Waconia companies with clear pricing so you don’t get stuck with surprise fees. In Minnesota, expect to pay about $1,100 to ship a standard vehicle.
- Check insurance details: Look for companies offering strong insurance options, multiple coverage plans, and a clear claims process. Some may even provide a damage-free guarantee.
- See what others are saying: Reading real reviews from people in Waconia will help you find trustworthy transporters and steer clear of scams.
- Vet the companies: Before booking, check the FMCSA company snapshot for USDOT numbers and compliance status.
- Compare value, not just price: Check which services are included. Sometimes, premium services are worth the added cost.
- Understand delivery timelines: Review pickup and drop-off expectations carefully. They’ll vary based on location, route, and carrier type.
- Ask about add-ons: Carriers in Waconia may offer extras like door-to-door or expedited shipping. These can help tailor your move to your exact needs.
- Ask around: Referrals from friends, family, or coworkers in Waconia are one of the most trusted ways to find a good shipper.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Waconia?
Many car shipping companies in Waconia, Minnesota, provide real-time tracking services. Customers can usually track their vehicle’s journey via the company’s website or app. You can check when your vehicle departs Waconia, its estimated arrival time, and any possible delays during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Waconia?
Interstate 94 connects Waconia to Minneapolis and runs east to Chicago. Interstate 35 links to Duluth and south to Iowa. Interstate 494 and 694 form loops around Minneapolis-St. Paul, providing access to regional highways. Interstate 90 works for long-haul east-west shipments.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company’s license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT’s FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Waconia or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Waconia?
Most carriers don’t need to inspect your car before shipping it out of Waconia. But if it’s a classic or high-value car, you might have to provide proof of insurance. Always look up the delivery state’s inspection laws because they can differ.
Take Minnesota regulations as an example. Minnesota doesn’t require regular safety inspections for personal vehicles.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Waconia?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It’s a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Waconia to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Waconia?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in Waconia specializing in open carrier delivery include Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group (offers military discounts), Auto Driveaway, and Ceva Logistics.
Who ships classic cars out of Waconia?
Waconia-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group.
More Minnesota car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Minnesota, these resources should help:
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