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UPDATED 2026 COSTS

Lakeville, MN Car Shipping

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WHY CHOOSE SHERPA?

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Minnesota Car Shipping

Lakeville, MN Car Shipping

Looking for reliable car shipping in Lakeville, MN? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re moving across the country or buying a vehicle out of state, auto transport doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car from Lakeville, including costs, timelines, and expert tips. Discover why thousands trust Sherpa Auto Transport for their vehicle shipping needs.

Car Transport Truck
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Key Takeaways From This Article

Lakeville, MN Auto Transport

Shipping from Lakeville, MN averages 1,733 miles with costs ranging from $950-$1,350 and typical transit times of 2-6 days depending on your destination.

Our Lakeville and Minnesota Customers

Sherpa Auto Transport guarantees transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise—no hidden fees or surprises—backed by 8,000+ five-star reviews and an A+ BBB rating.

Factors that Impact Cost

Your shipping route matters most for Lakeville transport costs since the city’s excellent highway access via I-35 keeps prices competitive compared to rural Minnesota locations.

Tips and Tricks to Save

Booking your Lakeville pickup 1-2 weeks in advance ensures better pricing, more carrier options, and flexible scheduling for your vehicle transport.

How Car Shipping Works

Minnesota requires new residents to register vehicles within 60 days and maintain minimum liability insurance of 30/60/10, with no emissions testing required for most passenger vehicles.

State Insights

Open trailer transport costs significantly less than enclosed options and works perfectly for most vehicles, while enclosed trailers add 50-60% to costs but protect luxury and classic cars from weather and debris.

TESTIMONIALS

What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying

I know that gas prices are high, but Sherpa honored my contract which was very important. Robert, my driver, was in touch with me throughout, and my car arrived before I expected it. Great job, Sherpa.
Barbara of Lakeville, MN
Apr 2022
This experience far exceeded my expectations. The driver (Christian from RV Ninjas) in particular was outstanding. Great communication, professional, and fulfilled all promises. I would highly recommend Sherpa to anyone.
Fred of Lakeville, MN
Jan 2022
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Sherpa Auto Transport was great to work with and they fully explained the process to get my car shipped from MN to SC. They kept me informed during the entire process to make sure my car was delivered on time. I would use them again and I highly recommend them.
John Griscti
Mar 2022
WHY SHERPA AUTO?

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 8,000 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.

LAKEVILLE, MN AUTO TRANSPORT ROUTES

Popular Routes from Lakeville, MN

Route Distance Avg Cost Transit Time Quote
Lakeville
to Phoenix
1,620 mi
$10751250
2-6 days
Lakeville
to Los Angeles
1,904 mi
$11001225
2-6 days
Lakeville
to San Diego
1,966 mi
$11001300
2-6 days
Lakeville
to New York City
1,201 mi
$9501100
1-5 days
Lakeville
to Cape Coral
1,669 mi
$11001250
2-6 days
Lakeville
to Riverside
1,870 mi
$12001350
2-6 days
Lakeville
to San Francisco
1,961 mi
$11501325
2-6 days
Lakeville
to Naples
1,703 mi
$11001250
2-6 days
Lakeville
to Miami
1,753 mi
$9751150
2-6 days
Lakeville
to Seattle
1,680 mi
$11751300
2-6 days
Lakeville
to Dallas
917 mi
$9251050
1-4 days
Lakeville
to Washington
1,108 mi
$8501025
1-4 days
Lakeville
to Houston
1,154 mi
$9251100
1-4 days
Lakeville
to Tampa
1,545 mi
$10501200
2-6 days
Lakeville
to Orlando
1,527 mi
$9751225
2-6 days
Note: Updated for 2026. These figures are based on Sherpa’s actual data from the past 12 months of vehicle shipments from Lakeville, MN. When choosing an auto transport company, it is crucial to select the best car shipping company by considering factors such as reliability, customer satisfaction, and transparency in pricing.
REAL DATA • 4,618 SHIPMENTS

Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type

Based on 4,618 actual shipments involving Lakeville, here’s how pricing varies by vehicle size and trailer type.

By Vehicle Type

Car (Sedan/Coupe) Baseline
2,045 shipments
SUV / Crossover +$103
2,277 shipments
Pickup Truck +$282
296 shipments

By Trailer Type

Open Trailer Baseline
4,618 shipments
Enclosed Trailer +$596 (+67%)
342 shipments

Note: Updated 2026 pricing. Prices shown are averages based on actual Sherpa shipments over the last 12 months. Your quote may vary based on specific pickup/delivery locations, vehicle condition, current market demand, and time of year. Get an instant quote for accurate pricing.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Lakeville, MN Shipping Prices

Distance

Distance plays a major role in your shipping cost. The farther your vehicle travels, the more you’ll pay. Shipping from Lakeville to nearby states like Wisconsin or Iowa costs less than cross-country trips to California or Florida.

Route

Your route matters significantly. Lakeville sits near major highways like I-35, making it easy for carriers to access. Routes along major interstates cost less than deliveries to remote areas. Since Lakeville has good highway access, you’ll typically see better rates compared to rural Minnesota locations.

Season

Timing affects your price. Summer months and winter snowbird season (October through March) are peak times when demand is high. Shipping costs more during these busy periods. Spring and fall often offer better rates due to lower demand.

Vehicle Type

What you ship matters. Standard sedans are the cheapest to transport. SUVs and trucks cost more because they’re heavier, use more fuel, and take up more trailer space. Some carriers can’t even accommodate large vehicles. Compact cars always ship for less than full-size trucks.

Traffic Patterns

Heavy travel periods increase costs. The week before Thanksgiving, major holidays, and summer vacation weeks see crowded roads. This slows down carriers and drives up prices. Book during quieter times to save money.

Carrier Availability

Carrier availability changes with the season. During peak times, you might wait several weeks for pickup. Off-season shipping often means carriers are available within days. Planning ahead helps you avoid delays and premium pricing.

Open vs Enclosed

Trailer type impacts cost significantly. Open trailers are the standard and most affordable option. They work great for everyday vehicles. Enclosed trailers cost more but protect luxury, classic, or high-end cars from weather and road debris. Most Lakeville customers choose open transport to save money.

Population Density

Lakeville’s suburban location works in your favor. The city has accessible roads and isn’t as congested as downtown Minneapolis. Urban centers with narrow streets and heavy traffic cost more for delivery. If shipping to a major city, consider meeting your carrier in a suburban area with easier access to save money.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

Off Season Savings

Shipping during the off-season can significantly reduce your costs compared to peak times. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks during busy periods like snowbird season can lead to substantial savings on your Lakeville car transport.

Flexible Pickup & Delivery

Flexible pickup and delivery dates can lower your shipping costs. By offering a five-day window for both pickup and delivery instead of fixed dates, you give carriers more scheduling options, which translates to better rates for your Lakeville shipment.

Hub City Advantages

Choose pickup locations near major highways in Lakeville for better rates and more carrier options. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting carriers in nearby cities along major routes to reduce costs and increase availability for your vehicle transport.

Open Trailers

Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. They’re the standard choice for regular cars. However, if you’re shipping a luxury or classic vehicle, an enclosed trailer offers extra protection worth the additional investment.

WATCH

Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

HOW IT WORKS

How does Car Shipping from Lakeville, MN Work?

Picturesque view of Minnesota

Car shipping from Lakeville, MN is a straightforward process. First, you’ll request a quote and book your auto transport service. A carrier will then be assigned to pick up your vehicle from your Lakeville location. Most shipments from Lakeville, MN cover an average distance of 1,733 miles, with typical costs ranging from $950 to $1350. The entire transport process usually takes 2-6 days, depending on your destination and route.

Lakeville’s location in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area provides excellent access to major highways, making pickup and delivery convenient. When shipping a car to or from Lakeville, MN, you’ll need to prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. Choose between open or enclosed transport based on your needs and budget. Once your vehicle is loaded, you’ll receive tracking updates throughout the journey. Upon delivery, inspect your car carefully and sign the bill of lading. Auto transport from Lakeville, MN is reliable and efficient, connecting you to destinations nationwide with professional carriers who handle your vehicle with care.

INSIGHTS & REGULATIONS

Lakeville, MN Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

Auto transport truck carrying vehicles

When planning car shipping to Lakeville, MN, understanding Minnesota’s vehicle regulations is essential. New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency [MN DVS]. The state requires proof of ownership, a completed application, and payment of registration fees based on vehicle value. Minnesota does not require emissions testing for most passenger vehicles, making auto transport simpler [MN PCA]. However, window tinting laws limit front side windows to 50% visible light transmission, while rear windows have no restrictions [MN Statute 169.71].

Minnesota’s harsh winters make vehicle preparation crucial when moving to Lakeville, MN. Winter tires are highly recommended from November through March, as temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Consider adding engine block heaters and ensuring your battery can handle cold starts. The state requires minimum liability insurance coverage of 30/60/10, meaning $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage [MN Commerce]. Many insurers offer discounts for winter driving courses.

For those arranging auto transport from Lakeville, MN, plan shipments during spring or fall when weather conditions are optimal. Winter car shipping may experience delays due to snow and ice. Always verify your transport company is licensed and insured for Minnesota operations to ensure safe delivery of your vehicle.

Nearby Cities for Car Shipping

Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:

Areas of Lakeville, Minnesota that we Serve

Lakeville: 55024, 55044, 55068

Burnsville: 55306, 55337, 55378

Apple Valley: 55124, 55306

Farmington: 55024, 55025

Rosemount: 55068

Prior Lake: 55372

Savage: 55378

Eagan: 55121, 55122, 55123

Shakopee: 55379

Credit River Township: 55372

We serves the entire Lakeville region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Lakeville, MN Vehicle Transport FAQs

Preparing your vehicle for transport from Lakeville, MN is simple. Follow these key steps:

Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, toll passes, and loose items from your car. Carriers are not insured for personal property left inside.

Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car so you can document its condition with photos before shipping. This helps with any potential damage claims.

Check for Leaks and Maintenance: Make sure your vehicle has no fluid leaks and is in good running condition. Ensure the battery is charged and tires are properly inflated.

Secure or Remove Accessories: Take off or secure any loose parts like antennas, spoilers, bike racks, or custom accessories that could be damaged during transport.

Keep Fuel Low: Leave only about a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle. This reduces weight and meets safety requirements.

Provide a Key: Have a working key ready for the carrier to load and unload your vehicle.

For complete details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth pickup from Lakeville and safe delivery to your destination.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Lakeville, MN. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is valid and current. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection and peace of mind.

Your vehicle is covered from pickup in Lakeville through delivery at your destination. If you’d like to review the carrier’s insurance details, we’re happy to provide that information before transport begins.

We recommend scheduling your pickup from Lakeville, MN at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.

Here’s why early booking helps:

  • Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and offer competitive rates
  • More carrier options: You’ll have access to more available drivers in the Lakeville area
  • Flexible scheduling: You can choose pickup dates that work best for you
  • Route optimization: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading the same direction

Need to ship sooner? We can often accommodate rush orders with 2-5 days notice, though expedited service may cost more.

For the smoothest experience, contact us as soon as you know your moving dates. We’ll work with you to find the best solution for your timeline and budget.

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.

The main difference is protection and cost. Open auto transport ships your car on an open-air trailer (the kind you see on highways). Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s the most affordable option and perfectly safe for most cars.

Enclosed auto transport ships your car inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and debris. It costs 50-60% more than open transport, but it’s worth it for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom features.

Most Lakeville residents choose open transport—it’s reliable, cost-effective, and used for about 90% of all car shipments nationwide. Choose enclosed if your vehicle is high-value or requires extra protection.

Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.

Yes! We offer convenient door-to-door auto transport service to and from Lakeville, MN. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle directly from your home or business and deliver it right to your destination address.

When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery locations. Our assigned carrier will make every effort to access these exact addresses. However, if your street has low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or weight restrictions common in some Lakeville neighborhoods, we’ll work with you to choose a nearby alternative—like a shopping center parking lot or gas station.

Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. We handle the logistics so you can focus on your move.

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!

SHERPA AUTO TRANSPORT

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