California to Minnesota
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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CALIFORNIA TO MINNESOTA
Shipping from California to Minnesota
Planning to move your vehicle across the country? California to Minnesota car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding between states, professional auto transport services make the 1,800-mile journey simple. This complete guide covers everything about car shipping costs, timelines, and tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
CA
California
MN
Minnesota
Popular Routes from California to Minnesota
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from California to Minnesota
California to Minnesota car shipping costs $1,150-$1,700 and takes 2-6 days to cover approximately 1,949 miles across the country.
Our California & Minnesota Customers
Sherpa customers love our transparent pricing with no hidden fees, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and our Price Lock Promise that guarantees your quoted rate.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for California to Minnesota shipping, but winter weather conditions can significantly increase both price and transit time.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment during off-peak months and choose flexible pickup dates to save the most money on your California to Minnesota car transport.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is properly preparing your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting existing damage with photos, and keeping your gas tank at quarter-full.
State Insights
Minnesota requires vehicle registration within 60 days of arrival and has different insurance requirements including mandatory no-fault coverage with higher minimum limits than California.
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 California to Minnesota
Factors that Affect California to Minnesota Shipping Prices
Distance
California to Minnesota spans approximately 1,800 miles, making distance a primary cost factor. This cross-country journey requires significant fuel and driver time, directly impacting your shipping quote.
Route
Major interstate highways like I-80 and I-35 connect California to Minnesota efficiently. These well-traveled routes offer lower costs compared to remote pickup locations in rural areas.
Season
Winter shipping from California to Minnesota costs more due to harsh Midwest weather conditions. Summer and fall typically offer better rates and faster delivery times.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars ship cheaper than SUVs or trucks from California to Minnesota. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, fuel, and specialized equipment, increasing transportation costs significantly.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving week create heavy traffic delays between California and Minnesota. Scheduling shipments during off-peak times helps avoid congestion and reduces potential delivery delays.
Carrier Availability
Peak moving seasons limit carrier availability on the California-Minnesota route. Booking during slower periods ensures faster pickup times and potentially lower rates for transportation.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost less for California to Minnesota shipping but expose vehicles to weather. Enclosed transport offers protection from Midwest snow but increases costs significantly.
Population Density
Dense California cities like Los Angeles cost more for pickup than suburban areas. Similarly, Minneapolis deliveries may cost more than rural Minnesota destinations with easier access.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom, resulting in better rates.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in California and Minnesota. Hub cities offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations with limited access.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday cars ship safely on open trailers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from California to Minnesota Work?
Car shipping from California to Minnesota covers approximately 1,949 miles and typically takes 2-6 days to complete. This cross-country auto transport route connects the West Coast to the Upper Midwest, making it one of the most popular long-distance shipping corridors in the United States. Sherpa Auto Transport specializes in California to Minnesota car shipping, offering both open and enclosed carrier options to meet your specific needs and budget.
The car shipping process begins with getting a free quote and booking your transport service. Once scheduled, our carrier will pick up your vehicle from your specified location in California, whether it’s Los Angeles, San Francisco, or any other city throughout the state. Your car will then be loaded onto a professional auto transport trailer and begin its journey across multiple states including Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa before reaching Minnesota.
Several factors make California to Minnesota car shipping unique compared to other routes. The significant distance means your vehicle will cross various climate zones and terrains, from desert landscapes to mountain passes and plains. Weather conditions can affect transit times, especially during winter months when Minnesota experiences harsh conditions. Our experienced drivers are well-versed in navigating these challenges to ensure safe delivery of your vehicle.
The typical timeline for auto transport on this route ranges from 2-6 days, depending on factors like pickup location, delivery destination, and current demand. Prices generally range from $1,150 to $1,700, varying based on vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. To ensure smooth car shipping, remove personal items from your vehicle, document existing damage with photos, and ensure your gas tank is no more than quarter full before pickup.
California to Minnesota Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning California to Minnesota car shipping, understanding the registration differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. California requires smog checks for most vehicles, while Minnesota focuses on safety inspections in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. After your auto transport arrives in Minnesota, you’ll have 60 days to register your vehicle and obtain new plates, compared to California’s 20-day requirement for new residents.
Vehicle regulations vary significantly between these states. California maintains stricter emission standards and allows darker window tinting (70% front windows) compared to Minnesota’s 50% requirement. Minnesota has specific winter driving laws, including mandatory headlight use during precipitation and fog. Frame height restrictions also differ, with Minnesota allowing slightly higher vehicle modifications than California’s stringent rules.
Preparing your vehicle for Minnesota’s harsh winters is crucial after car shipping from California. Consider installing winter tires, which provide better traction than all-season tires in snow and ice. Add an emergency kit with blankets, jumper cables, and a flashlight. Engine block heaters become essential for reliable cold-weather starting, especially for vehicles not previously exposed to sub-zero temperatures. Many Minnesota residents also invest in remote starters for comfort and safety.
Insurance considerations play a major role in your California to Minnesota car shipping transition. Minnesota requires no-fault insurance with higher minimum coverage limits than California, including personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Weather-related claims are more common in Minnesota due to hail, ice storms, and extreme cold affecting vehicle performance. Contact your insurance provider before auto transport to understand coverage changes and potentially lower rates, as Minnesota often has more competitive insurance markets than California’s high-cost environment.
California to Minnesota Vehicle Transport FAQs
Getting your car ready for the journey from California to Minnesota is simple. Follow these key steps:
Remove Personal Items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and loose items that could shift during transport.
Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This makes it easier to spot any damage during inspection.
Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and that the battery is charged. Fix any fluid leaks.
Document Everything: Take photos of your car from all angles. Note any existing scratches or dents.
Prepare Keys: Have a spare key ready for the driver. Keep one set for yourself.
Remove Accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or other add-ons that could get damaged.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper prep helps ensure your car arrives safely in Minnesota!
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from California to Minnesota. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car ships, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection throughout your California to Minnesota shipment.
Our insurance coverage is included in your quote at no extra cost. You can ship with confidence knowing your vehicle is protected from pickup to delivery.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from California to Minnesota at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives our carriers enough time to plan efficient routes and group your vehicle with other shipments heading to Minnesota.
Booking early offers several benefits:
- Better pricing: Early bookings often cost less than last-minute requests
- More carrier options: Popular routes fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons
- Flexible pickup dates: You’ll have more scheduling options to fit your timeline
If you’re moving during busy seasons (summer months or winter holidays), consider booking 4-6 weeks ahead. For urgent shipments, we can often accommodate 3-5 day notice, but expect higher costs and limited availability.
Pro tip: Contact Sherpa Auto Transport as soon as you know your moving date. We’ll help you find the best shipping window for your California to Minnesota move.
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 transport uses open-air trailers where your car is exposed to weather and road debris. This is the most common and affordable option, costing significantly less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road debris during the long journey from California to Minnesota. This premium service typically costs 40-60% more than open transport.
Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money. Most cars ship safely this way with minimal risk.
Choose enclosed transport if: You’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic car, or any car with custom paint or modifications that you want to keep in pristine condition.
For the California to Minnesota route (about 1,800 miles), both options are reliable. See our complete open vs enclosed transport guide to help you decide which is right for your move.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from California to Minnesota. This means we pick up your car from your home or office and deliver it directly to your new address.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your pickup address in California and delivery address in Minnesota. Our carrier will come to these exact locations whenever possible.
Sometimes we may need to use a nearby meeting spot instead. This happens when:
- Your street is too narrow for our large transport trucks
- There are low-hanging branches or power lines
- Local parking restrictions prevent truck access
Don’t worry – if this happens, we’ll work with you to find a safe, convenient nearby location like a shopping center or gas station. Door-to-door service is included at no extra cost and makes your California to Minnesota car shipping experience as easy 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!