10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Minnesota (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: We picked Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Minnesota for its strong balance of price, service quality, and customer reviews. Our team gave them 4.7 out of 5 stars. Cost depends mainly on distance and transport type, but you'll pay between $756 and $1,277 to ship your car from Minnesota.
Minnesota car shipping facts
- 100% of Minnesota auto shipping companies rely on open transport, the most widely used and cost-efficient option.
- Meanwhile, 66% of car transporters in Minnesota provide enclosed shipping for extra security.
- Nationwide, only 28% of carriers guarantee delivery dates, compared to 33% of Minnesota shippers. For dependable scheduling, consider Nexus Auto Transport.
Best car shipping companies in Minnesota
Our team has spent more than 400 hours assessing 612 car shipping providers nationwide, including 6 in Minnesota. We verify every detail so the information we share stays reliable and unbiased, giving you clear guidance on the best car shipping companies in your area.
Planning to ship your car from Minneapolis or anywhere else in Minnesota? Check out our top choices for reliable auto shippers below:
Average cost of transporting a car out of MN
Shipping a car out of Minnesota runs between $756 and $1,277. But keep in mind, prices can vary depending on how far you're going and which transport method you use.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $541 - $852
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $861 - $1,099
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,132 - $1,345
For example:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota to New York | $997 | $1,536 |
| Minnesota to Michigan | $716 | $1,007 |
| Minnesota to Georgia | $1,106 | $1,662 |
| Minnesota to California | $1,233 | $1,951 |
| Minnesota to Texas | $1,007 | $1,526 |
| North Carolina to Minnesota | $1,058 | $1,536 |
| Arizona to Minnesota | $1,259 | $1,760 |
| Florida to Minnesota | $1,253 | $1,783 |
| Ohio to Minnesota | $795 | $1,248 |
| Illinois to Minnesota | $716 | $1,007 |
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 $756 - $1,277, 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. Book early and avoid peak summer windows when you can. In Minnesota, in-state car shipping usually takes 1 - 3 days, while longer interstate routes often require 7 - 14 days.
FAQs
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.
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.
Does Minnesota require a vehicle inspection?
Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
How many car shipping companies operate in Minnesota?
moveBuddha tracks 6 car shipping companies operating in Minnesota. Comparing at least three quotes among them can help you find the best combination of price and service for your route.
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.
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