($1,219) Cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to St. Paul, MN

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,980 miles from Oakland, California, to St. Paul, Minnesota, generally falls between $1,219 and $1,967. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Paul to Oakland 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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The best Oakland to St. Paul car shipping companies

Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Oakland to St. Paul:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Oakland

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Oakland, CA:

  1. McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  2. Viper Transportation: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. Direct Express Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Pasha Hawaii ship your car: 3.5 out of 5 stars

McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.

45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 257-9595

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Heavy equipment

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
  • McCollister's Transportation

Viper Transportation

4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA 94601 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the fast loading times and helpful security staff, though frustrations arise from the first-come-first-serve policy as it sometimes favors company drivers, leading to longer waits for others.

Get a Quote (925) 798-8014

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Car Shipping Carriers

39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Customers frequently praise the company's exceptional communication, reliable service, and excellent pricing, contributing to their loyalty. However, no significant negatives were reported, indicating strong overall satisfaction with the service provided.

Get a Quote (866) 744-2540

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Direct Express Auto Transport

321 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Direct Express Auto Transport provides fast service and competitive pricing for vehicle shipping, but experiences vary widely. Many customers praise the company's responsive customer service and timely vehicle delivery, often receiving their cars sooner than expected. However, several reviewers report significant delays and issues with communication, leading to frustration and unmet expectations. Overall, while some users had excellent experiences, others strongly advise caution, suggesting it may be wise to consider alternative transport companies for greater reliability.

Get a Quote (800) 600-3750

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Student

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • All Pro Auto Transport

Pasha Hawaii ship your car

1425 Maritime St, Oakland, CA 94607 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Pasha Hawaii provides vehicle shipping services that have received a mix of positive and negative reviews from customers. Many appreciate the fast service and good communication regarding shipping schedules, while others have experienced significant delays and damage during transport. Customers often report issues with customer service responsiveness, handling of claims for damages, and overall organization of operations. Returns and pick-ups can occasionally be confusing due to misleading information or changes in schedule that were not communicated properly. While some report smooth experiences, others stress the importance of thorough documentation and preparation to avoid problems.

Get a Quote (866) 363-7485

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • The Pasha Group
  • Pasha Freight
  • Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines LLC
  • Pasha Distribution Services

How we chose the best car shipping companies

We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.

Here’s what we considered:

  • Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
  • Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
  • Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation 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: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.

Car shipping alternatives from CA to MN

If you’re planning a move from Oakland to St. Paul, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from Oakland to St. Paul, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.

Drive your car

Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,980 miles from Oakland to St. Paul might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.

Use a driving service

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from California to Minnesota is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Oakland to St. Paul. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to St. Paul—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Oakland to St. Paul car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Oakland to St. Paul, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Oakland to St. Paul, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Oakland are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to St. Paul? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Oakland. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to St. Paul will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.

Distance and route

Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 1,980 miles from Oakland to St. Paul will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within California.

Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in Oakland and St. Paul play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.

St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Oakland to St. Paul in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,980-mile distance between Oakland and St. Paul and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Oakland to St. Paul typically takes between three and eleven days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Oakland and St. Paul vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
  • St. Paul: Construction or commercial vehicles with special permits may park in a metered space without payment between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Those without a permanent special permit are subject to ticketing if the meter has expired. Commercial Vehicle Permits are issued by license inspectors, are numbered, and expire one year after issuance. This placard shall be placed between the driver’s side dashboard and windshield ensuring that the entire placard is visible through the windshield.

Car insurance requirements

  • Oakland: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
  • St. Paul: 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Oakland: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
  • St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.

Driver’s license

  • Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • St. Paul: 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Oakland to St. Paul?

The cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to St. Paul, MN varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Oakland to St. Paul will range from $1,219 to $1,967.

How long will it take to ship my car from Oakland to St. Paul?

It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,980 miles from Oakland to St. Paul. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Oakland to St. Paul?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Oakland to St. Paul. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Oakland to St. Paul?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Oakland to St. Paul than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,980-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Oakland resources