($1,181) Cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to Gainesville, FL
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,448 miles from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Gainesville, Florida, will run you about $1,181 to $1,707. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
rating
4.7 / 5
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
rating
4.5 / 5
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
rating
4.4 / 5
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Gainesville to St. Paul car shipping guide.
The best St. Paul to Gainesville car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from St. Paul to Gainesville:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in St. Paul
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in 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
Auto Driveaway
4570 West 77th Street, Suite 215, Edina, MN 55435 US
autodriveaway.com
3.62 / 5.0
Reviews highlight significant issues regarding the company's service and staff behavior, with many customers expressing strong dissatisfaction. However, there are also individual accounts of positive interactions with specific employees who provided helpful support.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- MWW Ltd.
Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group
80 S 8th St Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55402 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-minnesota/minneapolis
3.58 / 5.0
Overall, the company receives high praise for its vehicle shipping services, particularly for the excellence in customer service and communication provided by employees such as Felicia Williams and Jason Brackens. Felicia is repeatedly mentioned for her outstanding communication, ensuring customers are well-informed throughout the shipping process. Similarly, Jason is lauded for his proactive updates and excellent customer service. Common themes across the reviews include the efficiency of the shipping process, vehicles arriving in good condition, and the process being smoother and more affordable than expected. Customer satisfaction is evidently high, with many praising the company's reliability and professionalism. The four most frequent sentences that encapsulate the positive experiences shared by customers are likely to include commendations of the exceptional service provided by Felicia and Jason, the smoothness of the transportation process, and the condition of the vehicles upon arrival.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Ceva Logistics
3169 Dodd Rd, St Paul, MN 55121 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Express Auto Transport Inc
22015 Canton Ct, Farmington, MN 55024 US
expressautotrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Express Auto Transport offers knowledgeable service with mechanics like Tony, but customer safety and accountability of drivers are major concerns as reported by some customers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 653539
Global Auto Transportation
1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 US
globalautotransportation.com/minneapolis-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
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 FL
If you’re planning a move from St. Paul to Gainesville, 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
When relocating from St. Paul to Gainesville, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,448-mile drive from St. Paul to Gainesville into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Minnesota to Florida, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from St. Paul to Gainesville safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Gainesville, 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 St. Paul to Gainesville car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from St. Paul to Gainesville, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from St. Paul to Gainesville, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Gainesville, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from St. Paul depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Gainesville will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,448 miles from St. Paul to Gainesville will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Minnesota.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in St. Paul and Gainesville can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
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
April, November and October are the most pleasant months in Gainesville, while August and July are the least comfortable months.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from St. Paul to Gainesville during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,448-mile distance between St. Paul and Gainesville 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 St. Paul to Gainesville typically takes between three and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing St. Paul and Gainesville 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.
- Gainesville: Check with the City of Gainesville for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Gainesville.
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.
- Gainesville: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
Vehicle inspections
- St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
- Gainesville: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
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.
- Gainesville: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from St. Paul to Gainesville?
The cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to Gainesville, FL 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 Gainesville will range from $1,181 to $1,707.
How long will it take to ship my car from St. Paul to Gainesville?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,448 miles from St. Paul to Gainesville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Paul to Gainesville?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Paul to Gainesville. 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 Gainesville?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from St. Paul to Gainesville 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 1,448-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.