Minneapolis, MN Car Shipping

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Minneapolis, MN Car Shipping
Planning to move your vehicle to or from Minneapolis, MN? Car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a car online, professional auto transport services make the process simple and secure. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping from Minneapolis, including costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Popular Routes from Minneapolis, MN

Key Takeaways From This Article
Minneapolis, MN Auto Transport
Car shipping from Minneapolis typically costs $850-$1375 and takes 2-6 days, with pricing based on distance and destination accessibility.
Our Minneapolis and Minnesota Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings, and comprehensive insurance coverage for Minneapolis customers.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Minneapolis shipping, with winter months offering lower rates but potential weather delays.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season, choose flexible pickup dates, and use open trailers to save money on Minneapolis car shipping.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is proper vehicle preparation – remove personal items, clean thoroughly, and document existing damage with photos.
State Insights
Minneapolis benefits from excellent highway access via major interstates, but winter weather can affect delivery timing from December through February.
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 Minneapolis, MN
Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Minneapolis
to Phoenix
|
1,688 mi
|
$1075–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Los Angeles
|
1,926 mi
|
$1100–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Cape Coral
|
1,708 mi
|
$1100–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to New York City
|
1,197 mi
|
$925–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to San Diego
|
1,987 mi
|
$1100–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Naples
|
1,742 mi
|
$1100–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Riverside
|
1,892 mi
|
$1225–1375
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to San Francisco
|
1,977 mi
|
$1150–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Seattle
|
1,656 mi
|
$1175–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Washington
|
1,104 mi
|
$850–1025
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Miami
|
1,792 mi
|
$950–1100
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Dallas
|
939 mi
|
$925–1050
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Rome
|
1,128 mi
|
$850–950
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Houston
|
1,176 mi
|
$925–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Minneapolis
to Portland
|
1,730 mi
|
$1200–1600
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Minneapolis, MN Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance is the biggest factor in car shipping costs to and from Minneapolis. Shorter routes within the Midwest cost less than cross-country shipments to places like California or Florida. Minneapolis sits centrally, making it affordable to ship to most major cities compared to remote locations.
Route
Minneapolis benefits from excellent highway access via I-35, I-94, and I-90. These major routes keep costs lower than shipping to small towns or rural areas. Routes to other major cities like Chicago, Denver, or Dallas are typically more affordable due to heavy traffic on these corridors.
Season
Winter months (December-February) often see lower shipping rates to Minneapolis due to harsh weather reducing demand. Summer and fall are peak seasons with higher prices. Spring can be busy with college students and families relocating, driving up costs.
Vehicle Type
Standard cars are cheapest to ship to Minneapolis. Large SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more due to extra weight and space requirements. Some carriers can’t handle very large vehicles, limiting options and increasing prices. Compact cars typically get the best rates.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week or summer holidays when roads are crowded. Winter weather can cause delays on routes to Minneapolis. Plan around Minnesota’s harsh winter conditions, which can slow delivery times and affect scheduling.
Carrier Availability
Minneapolis has good carrier availability year-round due to its central location and major highways. Summer months may require booking 1-2 weeks ahead. Winter typically offers more immediate availability but weather can cause delays. Book early during peak moving seasons.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers work well for Minneapolis shipping and cost much less. Minnesota’s weather is manageable for most of the year. Consider enclosed transport only for luxury vehicles or if shipping during severe winter storms. Open transport saves hundreds of dollars on typical routes.
Population Density
Minneapolis metro area has good accessibility compared to dense cities like New York. Suburban pickup and delivery is usually available at standard rates. Downtown Minneapolis may have some access challenges, but it’s far easier than major coastal cities. Rural Minnesota locations cost more due to limited carrier access.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Save money by shipping during off-peak months when demand is lower. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moving periods. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant cost savings.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offer flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce costs. Choosing a five-day window instead of exact dates gives carriers more scheduling options, leading to lower rates and better availability for your Minneapolis shipment.
Hub City Advantages
Choose pickup locations near major highways around Minneapolis for better rates. Highway-accessible locations offer more carrier options and competitive pricing. Consider meeting at highway-adjacent spots rather than remote residential areas to save money.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for most vehicles. Unless you’re shipping a luxury or classic car requiring extra protection, open transport offers reliable service at budget-friendly prices for Minneapolis routes.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Minneapolis, MN Work?

Car shipping from Minneapolis, MN follows a simple process that typically takes 2-6 days depending on your destination. The average shipping distance from Minneapolis is around 1,677 miles, with costs ranging from $850-$1375. Auto transport begins when you book your shipment and provide pickup details. A carrier will then be assigned to collect your vehicle from Minneapolis at your chosen location.
Minneapolis car shipping benefits from the city’s central location and excellent highway access via I-35, I-94, and I-494. This makes pickup and delivery efficient for auto transport carriers. Winter weather can affect timing, so plan accordingly during Minnesota’s snowy months. The process involves vehicle inspection, secure loading onto the carrier, GPS tracking during transit, and final delivery with another inspection. Most car shipping companies offer both open and enclosed transport options from Minneapolis, MN to protect your vehicle during the journey.
Minneapolis, MN Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning car shipping to Minneapolis, 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 DMV]. The registration process requires a vehicle inspection, proof of insurance, and emissions testing for vehicles in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area, including Minneapolis [MN PCA].
Minnesota has specific vehicle regulations that differ from other states. Window tinting laws allow 50% light transmission for front side windows, while rear windows can be darker [MN Statute 169.71]. Vehicle lift and lowering modifications have restrictions, with bumper height limits varying by vehicle weight [MN DMV]. For auto transport customers, these modifications may affect shipping costs and carrier selection.
Minneapolis winters demand vehicle preparation. Consider installing winter tires and ensuring your battery, antifreeze, and heating system work properly before or after car shipping [MN DOT]. Minnesota requires minimum liability insurance of 30/60/10, plus personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage [MN Commerce]. These requirements often exceed other states’ minimums, so review your policy when moving. Many auto transport companies recommend scheduling winter shipments early, as weather can impact delivery times in Minneapolis during peak winter months.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Minneapolis, Minnesota that we Serve
Downtown Minneapolis: 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55405, 55406
Northeast Minneapolis: 55413, 55418, 55421
North Minneapolis: 55411, 55412, 55422
Southeast Minneapolis: 55414, 55454, 55455
Southwest Minneapolis: 55408, 55409, 55410, 55416, 55419
South Minneapolis: 55407, 55417, 55419
West Minneapolis: 55426, 55427, 55435
University of Minnesota Area: 55455, 55414
Uptown/Lake Area: 55408, 55409
Camden/Folwell: 55411, 55412
We serves the entire Minneapolis region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Minneapolis, MN
When planning car shipping to Minneapolis colleges, understanding campus parking policies is crucial for students and families. The University of Minnesota requires parking permits ranging from $500-$1,200 annually, with limited on-campus availability [University of Minnesota Parking Services]. Most dorms don’t include parking, so students should register early or consider off-campus options.
Winter preparations are essential for Minneapolis car shipping. Snow tires or all-season tires are recommended from November through March [Minnesota DOT]. Students should verify their roadside assistance coverage extends to MN before shipping their vehicle [AAA]. During winter break, many students utilize campus storage lots for $50-$100 monthly [Campus Parking Services]. Consider these factors when selecting your car transport timing and destination to ensure a smooth transition to college life.
Minneapolis, MN Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Minneapolis, MN is simple but important. Start by removing all personal items from inside your car, including toll passes, GPS devices, and any fragile items. Clean your vehicle thoroughly – this helps you spot any existing damage and makes the inspection process smoother.
Make sure to have less than a quarter tank of gas to reduce weight and meet safety requirements. Remove or secure any loose exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or custom antennas that could be damaged during transport.
Document your car’s current condition with photos from multiple angles, noting any existing scratches or dents. Finally, ensure you have a working set of keys available for the carrier.
For a complete preparation checklist, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your Minneapolis vehicle transport goes smoothly from pickup to delivery.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Minneapolis, MN. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your Minneapolis car shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is current and valid. We also require all contracted carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy for extra protection.
This comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle throughout the entire journey from Minneapolis to your destination. You can ship with confidence knowing your car is protected by professional-grade insurance from pickup to delivery.
For car shipping from Minneapolis, MN, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and reliable carriers.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle shipments
- More carrier options: Popular routes from Minneapolis fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options
Peak season tip: During summer months (May-September) and winter holidays, book 3-4 weeks ahead. Minneapolis sees high shipping demand during these times.
Need faster service? We offer expedited shipping, but expect higher costs. Last-minute bookings (under 1 week) are possible but may limit your carrier choices and increase prices.
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 is the most common and budget-friendly option. Your car travels on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. It’s safe and reliable for most vehicles.
Enclosed transport costs 30-50% more but provides complete protection inside a covered trailer. This shields your car from weather, dust, and road debris during the journey from Minneapolis.
Choose enclosed transport if you have a:
- Classic or antique car
- Luxury vehicle
- Custom paint job or modifications
- High-value sports car
For regular daily drivers, open transport works great and saves money. Most cars shipped from Minneapolis use open trailers without any issues. See our complete open vs enclosed guide to help you decide which option fits your needs and budget.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door service for Minneapolis customers. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in Minneapolis and deliver it directly to your destination.
Our drivers will contact you 24-48 hours before pickup to confirm the exact time and location. In most Minneapolis neighborhoods, our carriers can access your driveway or street without issues. However, if your location has tight spaces, low-hanging branches, or weight restrictions, we’ll work with you to find a safe nearby spot like a shopping center or gas station.
Door-to-door service is included in our standard pricing – no extra fees. This saves you time and hassle compared to dropping off your vehicle at a terminal across town.
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!