($1,314) Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,013 miles from San Jose, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, ranges from $1,314 to $1,993. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
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 Minneapolis to San Jose car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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
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The best San Jose to Minneapolis car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Jose to Minneapolis:

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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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in San Jose

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in San Jose, CA:

  1. McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  2. Ats Transportation Svc: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Viper Transportation: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  5. Global Auto Transportation: 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

Ats Transportation Svc

8195 Parish Way, #27 Gilroy, CA 95020 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the professionalism, communication, and reliability of Randy and the transport service. Many highlight fair pricing and recommend ATS for vehicle transportation needs, particularly noting its trustworthiness. A few reviews mention comparisons to larger companies, emphasizing ATS's superior service and competitive rates. Overall, the feedback reflects a high level of satisfaction with the vehicle shipping experience.

Get a Quote (408) 842-5341

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • First Class Shipping, Inc.

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

Global Auto Transportation

2268 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (877) 645-2288

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Global Auto Transportation, Inc.

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

Getting your car from San Jose to Minneapolis can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from San Jose to Minneapolis, 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

There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,013-mile journey from San Jose to Minneapolis could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.

Use a driving service

If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from California to Minnesota. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from San Jose to Minneapolis carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.

Ship your car via train

Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Minneapolis, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting San Jose to Minneapolis car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from San Jose to Minneapolis, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

There are a few ways to ship your car from San Jose to Minneapolis, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.

Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Minneapolis, our comparison guide can help.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of San Jose has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Minneapolis will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,013 miles from San Jose to Minneapolis will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in California.

Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in San Jose and Minneapolis play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel

Minneapolis has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Minneapolis experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

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

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,013-mile drive between San Jose and Minneapolis, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from San Jose to Minneapolis is four to twelve days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing San Jose and Minneapolis vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.
  • Minneapolis: In Minneapolis, moving trucks may require a parking permit if parked on the street and obstruct traffic or parking spaces for an extended period. You can apply for temporary "No Parking" signs to reserve a space for your moving truck, but this must be done at least 7 business days in advance. Additionally, if you need to park in metered spaces, you can request to have the meters hooded at a rate of $25 per meter per day. Specific requirements and applications can be handled through the Minneapolis Public Works department.

Car insurance requirements

  • San Jose: 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.
  • Minneapolis: 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

  • San Jose: 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.
  • Minneapolis: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.

Driver’s license

  • San Jose: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Minneapolis: 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 San Jose to Minneapolis?

The cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, 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 San Jose to Minneapolis will range from $1,314 to $1,993.

How long will it take to ship my car from San Jose to Minneapolis?

It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,013 miles from San Jose to Minneapolis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Jose to Minneapolis?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Jose to Minneapolis. 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 San Jose to Minneapolis?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from San Jose to Minneapolis 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 2,013-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 San Jose resources