($1,219) Cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,912 miles from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Lancaster, California, generally falls between $1,219 and $2,025. 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lancaster to St. Paul car shipping guide.
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
The best St. Paul to Lancaster car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from St. Paul to Lancaster:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in St. Paul
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving St. Paul, MN:
- Auto Driveaway: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Express Auto Transport Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 MN to CA
Getting your car from St. Paul to Lancaster 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
On moves from St. Paul to Lancaster, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 1,912 miles from St. Paul to Lancaster can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Minnesota to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from St. Paul to Lancaster carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Lancaster. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting St. Paul to Lancaster car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from St. Paul to Lancaster, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from St. Paul to Lancaster, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from St. Paul 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 Lancaster? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of St. Paul 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 Lancaster will cost more than moving a smaller car.
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 1,912 miles from St. Paul to Lancaster will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Minnesota.
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
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both St. Paul and Lancaster.
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
If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from St. Paul to Lancaster during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,912 miles between St. Paul and Lancaster, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from St. Paul to Lancaster usually takes three–eleven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing St. Paul and Lancaster vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Lancaster: Check with the City of Lancaster for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lancaster.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Lancaster: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
- Lancaster: 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.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Lancaster: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from St. Paul to Lancaster?
The cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA 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 St. Paul to Lancaster will range from $1,219 to $2,025.
How long will it take to ship my car from St. Paul to Lancaster?
It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,912 miles from St. Paul to Lancaster. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Paul to Lancaster?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Paul to Lancaster. 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 St. Paul to Lancaster?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from St. Paul to Lancaster 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 1,912-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.
4570 West 77th Street, Suite 215, Edina, MN 55435 US
80 S 8th St Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55402 US
3169 Dodd Rd, St Paul, MN 55121 US
22015 Canton Ct, Farmington, MN 55024 US
1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 US