St. Paul, MN Car Shipping
Certified by
Auto Transport Expert
WHY CHOOSE SHERPA?
With 4.9 Stars out of 8,000+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating: Sherpa Auto Transport stands out as the premier auto transport company in the United States, offering upfront, transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise.
Our Price Lock PromiseTransport My Vehicle From…
St. Paul, MN Car Shipping
Moving your car to or from St. Paul, MN? You’re in the right place. This guide covers everything about car shipping in Minnesota’s capital city. We’ll break down auto transport costs, shipping times, and insider tips. Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a car online, reliable car shipping from St. Paul makes the process simple and stress-free.
Popular Routes from St. Paul, MN
Key Takeaways From This Article
St. Paul, MN Auto Transport
Car shipping from St. Paul, MN typically costs $850-$1375 and takes 2-6 days, with rates varying based on distance and destination.
Our St. Paul and Minnesota Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport provides transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star customer rating, and comprehensive insurance coverage for all St. Paul shipments.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for St. Paul car shipping, with longer routes like Los Angeles costing more than nearby destinations like Chicago.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your St. Paul car shipping 1-2 weeks in advance and choose flexible pickup dates to secure better rates and carrier availability.
How Car Shipping Works
The car shipping process involves getting a quote, preparing your vehicle, scheduling pickup in St. Paul, tracking during transit, and completing delivery inspection.
State Insights
Minnesota requires new residents to register vehicles within 60 days and obtain emissions testing in the Twin Cities metro area including St. Paul.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from St. Paul, MN
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
St. Paul
to Phoenix
|
1,647 mi
|
$1075–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Los Angeles
|
1,925 mi
|
$1100–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Cape Coral
|
1,708 mi
|
$1100–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to New York City
|
1,197 mi
|
$925–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to San Diego
|
1,987 mi
|
$1100–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Naples
|
1,742 mi
|
$1100–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Riverside
|
1,892 mi
|
$1225–1375
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to San Francisco
|
1,977 mi
|
$1150–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Seattle
|
1,656 mi
|
$1175–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Washington
|
1,104 mi
|
$850–1025
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Miami
|
1,792 mi
|
$950–1100
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Dallas
|
939 mi
|
$925–1050
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Rome
|
1,128 mi
|
$850–950
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Houston
|
1,176 mi
|
$925–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Paul
to Portland
|
1,729 mi
|
$1200–1600
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect St. Paul, MN Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your St. Paul car shipping costs. Shipping from St. Paul to nearby Minneapolis costs much less than shipping to Los Angeles or Miami. Longer routes mean more fuel, driver time, and wear on equipment – all of which increase your final price.
Route
St. Paul sits along major interstate highways like I-94 and I-35, which helps keep shipping costs lower. Routes that use these main highways cost less than shipping to remote areas in northern Minnesota or rural locations that require carriers to travel off major routes.
Season
Winter months (December-February) often see higher prices for St. Paul car shipping due to harsh weather conditions and increased demand from snowbirds heading south. Summer months typically offer better rates and more reliable scheduling for your vehicle transport.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans cost less to ship from St. Paul than large SUVs or pickup trucks. Bigger vehicles take up more space on the carrier, weigh more (increasing fuel costs), and can be harder to load. Standard passenger cars always get the best shipping rates.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during peak travel times like the week before Thanksgiving or major holiday weekends. These busy periods create traffic delays that increase costs and delivery times. Plan your St. Paul car shipping during quieter weeks for better rates.
Carrier Availability
During busy seasons, you might wait 1-2 weeks for a carrier to pick up your vehicle in St. Paul. Off-peak times usually mean faster service – sometimes within 2-3 days. Book early during popular moving months (summer) to secure better rates and timing.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for St. Paul car shipping and work great for most vehicles. Enclosed trailers cost 40-60% more but protect luxury cars, classics, or vehicles from harsh Minnesota weather. Most customers choose open transport to save money.
Population Density
St. Paul’s urban setting means carriers can easily access most neighborhoods, keeping costs reasonable. However, downtown pickups near narrow streets or areas with parking restrictions may cost slightly more than suburban locations with easy truck access.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money on transport costs. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant savings.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offer flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce shipping costs. Choosing a five-day window instead of exact dates gives carriers more scheduling options, leading to lower rates for your St. Paul shipment.
Hub City Advantages
Choose pickup locations near major highways around St. Paul for better rates and more carrier options. Highway-accessible spots offer competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations that require extra detours.
Open Trailers
Select open trailers over enclosed ones to cut shipping costs significantly. Open transport works great for standard vehicles, while high-end or classic cars may justify the extra expense of enclosed protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from St. Paul, MN Work?
Car shipping from St. Paul, MN follows a simple process that connects your vehicle to destinations nationwide. Auto transport typically takes 2-6 days, covering an average distance of 1,674 miles with costs ranging from $850-$1375. The process begins when you request a quote and book your shipment with Sherpa Auto Transport.
St. Paul’s location offers excellent access to major interstate highways, making car shipping efficient for both pickup and delivery. The Twin Cities area provides strong carrier availability year-round, though winter weather can occasionally impact schedules. Your vehicle will be loaded onto a specialized car carrier truck and transported safely to your destination.
The auto transport process involves several key steps: booking your shipment, preparing your vehicle, scheduling pickup in St. Paul, MN, tracking your car during transit, and completing delivery inspection. Our team handles all logistics while keeping you updated throughout the journey. Most customers find car shipping from St. Paul straightforward and stress-free when working with experienced auto transport professionals.
St. Paul, MN Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to St. Paul, MN, understanding Minnesota’s vehicle requirements helps ensure a smooth transition. New residents have 60 days to register their vehicle and obtain a Minnesota driver’s license after establishing residency [MN DVS]. The state requires annual safety inspections for vehicles over 4,000 pounds, and all vehicles need emissions testing in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area, including Ramsey County where St. Paul is located [MN PCA].
Minnesota has specific regulations that may affect your auto transport preparations. Window tinting must allow at least 50% light transmission on front side windows, while rear windows can be darker [MN Statute 169.71]. Vehicle lift and lowering modifications have strict height requirements that differ from other states [MN DVS]. For insurance, Minnesota follows no-fault coverage laws requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and higher minimum liability limits than many states [MN Commerce].
Winter preparations are crucial for St. Paul’s harsh climate. Consider having winter tires installed after your car shipping arrives, as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March. Engine block heaters, battery warmers, and emergency kits become essential equipment. Many residents switch to winter-grade motor oil and keep ice scrapers, jumper cables, and blankets in their vehicles year-round [MN DOT].
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of St. Paul, Minnesota that we Serve
St. Paul Auto Transport Service Areas
Downtown St. Paul: 55101, 55102, 55103, 55104
East Side: 55106, 55119, 55120, 55128
West Side: 55107, 55118
Highland Park: 55105, 55116
Macalester-Groveland: 55105, 55116
Summit-University: 55104, 55105
Como Park: 55103, 55108
North End: 55103, 55117
Dayton’s Bluff: 55106, 55119
West 7th: 55102, 55107
We serves the entire St. Paul region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in St. Paul, MN
St. Paul’s major universities present unique parking challenges that students should consider when planning car shipping services. At the University of St. Thomas, parking permits are required and cost approximately $400-600 annually, with limited on-campus availability [University of St. Thomas Parking Services]. Macalester College offers restricted student parking with permits starting at $300, though many students rely on nearby street parking [Macalester College]. Most residence halls don’t include guaranteed parking spots, so early registration is crucial.
Winter storage becomes essential during holiday breaks, as St. Paul, MN experiences harsh winters requiring snow tires or all-season alternatives [Minnesota DOT]. Students should verify their auto insurance covers Minnesota before using auto transport services, and confirm roadside assistance extends to their new location [Minnesota Department of Commerce]. Planning ahead with a reliable car shipping company ensures your vehicle arrives ready for campus registration deadlines.
St. Paul, MN Vehicle Transport FAQs
Getting your vehicle ready for shipping from St. Paul, MN is simple when you follow these key steps:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box, trunk, and console. Carriers are not responsible for personal property.
Clean your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection.
Check fluid levels: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and other fluids for loading and unloading.
Remove or secure loose parts: Take off custom accessories, spoilers, or anything that might fall off. Remove toll passes and GPS devices.
Document everything: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup.
Provide a working key: Make sure you have a spare key available for the driver.
For complete preparation guidelines, check our detailed Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will ensure smooth pickup and delivery for your St. Paul vehicle transport.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from St. Paul, MN. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry minimum insurance coverage of $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo protection.
Before we assign your St. Paul car shipment, we verify that:
- The carrier’s insurance is active and valid
- Coverage remains in effect throughout your entire transport
- Sherpa is listed as a Certificate Holder on their policy
This insurance covers your vehicle from pickup in St. Paul until delivery at your destination. You don’t need to purchase additional coverage – it’s included in your shipping quote at no extra cost.
Important: While rare, if damage occurs during transport, report it immediately to both the driver and Sherpa. We’ll help you file any necessary insurance claims quickly.
For car shipping from St. Paul, MN, we recommend booking your pickup service at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you better options and pricing.
Here’s why advance booking helps:
- Better carrier availability – More drivers service the St. Paul area with advance notice
- Lower costs – Carriers can group your car with other shipments heading the same direction
- Flexible scheduling – You get more pickup date options that work with your timeline
During busy seasons (summer months and winter holidays), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. St. Paul’s central location in the Midwest makes it easier to find carriers, but popular routes fill up quickly.
Need faster service? We offer expedited shipping options, though these cost more than standard scheduling.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open auto transport uses open trailers where your car is exposed to weather and road debris. It’s the most common and affordable option, costing about 50% less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed auto transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dirt, and road debris. This premium service costs more but offers maximum protection.
Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money. Most cars shipped from St. Paul use this safe, reliable method.
Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, or custom car that needs extra protection from Minnesota’s harsh weather conditions.
Both options are safe and insured. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for detailed comparisons and pricing.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service to and from St. Paul, MN. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose and deliver it directly to your destination.
When you book with Sherpa Auto Transport, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses in St. Paul or wherever you’re shipping to. Our carrier will come right to your location – no need to drive to a terminal or depot.
However, some St. Paul neighborhoods have narrow streets, low-hanging branches, or parking restrictions that make it hard for large car carriers to access. If this happens, don’t worry – our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby spot like a grocery store parking lot or gas station within a few blocks of your address.
This door-to-door service saves you time and hassle, making your St. Paul car shipping experience as smooth as possible.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!