($961) Cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN to Lansing, MI
Quick answer: Shipping a car 632 miles from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lansing, Michigan, typically costs between $961 and $1,305. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lansing to Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Lansing car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Minneapolis to Lansing:
- 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
- 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 Minneapolis
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Minneapolis, 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 MI
Getting your car from Minneapolis to Lansing 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
When relocating from Minneapolis to Lansing, 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
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 632 miles from Minneapolis to Lansing 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
Having a driver transport your car from Minnesota to Michigan is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Minneapolis to Lansing. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Lansing, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Minneapolis to Lansing car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Minneapolis to Lansing, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Minneapolis to Lansing, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Minneapolis tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Lansing, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Minneapolis 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 Lansing will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 632 miles from Minneapolis to Lansing is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Minnesota.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Minneapolis and Lansing can impact car shipping prices.
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.
Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Minneapolis to Lansing during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 632 miles between Minneapolis and Lansing, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Minneapolis to Lansing typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Minneapolis and Lansing vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Lansing: Check with the City of Lansing for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lansing.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Lansing: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Minneapolis: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
- Lansing: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Lansing: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Minneapolis to Lansing?
The cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN to Lansing, MI 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 Minneapolis to Lansing will range from $961 to $1,305.
How long will it take to ship my car from Minneapolis to Lansing?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 632 miles from Minneapolis to Lansing. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Minneapolis to Lansing?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Minneapolis to Lansing. 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 Minneapolis to Lansing?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Minneapolis to Lansing 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 632-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