10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Minnesota (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Minnesota, giving them 4.7 out of 5 stars. While there are several factors that will impact cost, the average range is between $758 to $1,278 to ship your 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. 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 613 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 typically pay between $758 and $1,278. 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): $493 and $829
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $862 and $1,237
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,141 and $1,340
Check out these typical price ranges by distance:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota to Illinois | $932 | $1,223 |
| Minnesota to Arizona | $1,426 | $1,990 |
| Minnesota to Georgia | $1,369 | $1,920 |
| Minnesota to Florida | $1,522 | $2,252 |
| Minnesota to North Carolina | $1,210 | $1,884 |
| Michigan to Minnesota | $870 | $1,210 |
| California to Minnesota | $1,592 | $2,369 |
| Texas to Minnesota | $1,234 | $1,709 |
| New York to Minnesota | $1,185 | $1,809 |
| Ohio to Minnesota | $986 | $1,561 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Minnesota:
- Your move distance: Distance is key. Shipping your car within Minnesota or to neighboring states is generally more affordable than longer treks across the country.
- Where you're shipping from and to: Starting and ending points affect your price. Moves between major cities like Minneapolis tend to be more affordable, but rural or out-of-the-way areas in Minnesota can bump up costs.
- Vehicle details: Your car's size and type affect the bottom line. Smaller cars tend to be more affordable to ship. If you own a classic or specialty vehicle in Minnesota, expect to pay more for the extra attention and handling.
- Shipping style in the North Star State: Want to save cash? Open-air transport is the most budget-friendly, but if you're worried about Minnesota's unpredictable weather or need extra protection, enclosed carriers are worth considering, even if they bump up your total cost.
- Gas prices: Don't forget fuel costs. Gas prices in Minnesota can change quickly and might bump your car shipping price up, particularly if you're moving long distance.
- Delivery time frame: You'll ultimately pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Savings and discounts: Don't forget to ask about deals! Many Minnesota auto shippers offer discounts for students, military, or people who are moving more than one vehicle. For more tips, see our guide to car shipping discounts.
Want the most accurate estimate for your move? Try our car shipping calculator. You can also compare all the popular Minnesota car shipping routes here.
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 $758–$1,278, 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 — 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 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 wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates 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 cheapest company to ship your car in Minnesota?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Minnesota will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn't always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in Minnesota, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
Do Minnesota car shippers offer discounts?
In Minnesota, car shippers do not offer discounts for police or law enforcement. Military members will find 1 car shippers with discounts for active service and veterans in Minnesota. There are no student discount programs offered by car shippers in Minnesota. There are no AAA membership rebates available from car shipping providers in the state.
Does Minnesota require a vehicle inspection?
Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
Does weather in Minnesota impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Minnesota. Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Minnesota?
In Minnesota, car shipping durations are largely governed by the shipment's distance and path. Deliveries that remain within state lines typically occur within one to three days. On the other hand, shipments that cover a greater distance, particularly cross-country routes, often require seven to 14 days.
Elements such as traffic patterns, local weather in Minnesota, and the definite starting and destination points can impact these time estimates. It's advisable to talk to your shipping provider for an estimation that closely fits your precise needs.
| 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 |
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.
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