Twin Cities
I-94, I-35, I-494 · To Sioux Falls, SD: $400–$525Minneapolis and St. Paul have constant carrier traffic, especially on routes to Chicago, Fargo and Des Moines. Snowbird routes to Arizona, Texas and Florida are very busy in fall.
Car Shipping in Minnesota: 2026 Costs, Transit Times & Vetted Carriers
Shipping a car out of the Twin Cities, up to Duluth, or south to Arizona for the winter. See what Minnesota routes cost, how long they take, and which carriers Minnesota shippers rate highest.
Updated Reviewed by Transportvibe Editorial Team
How much does it cost to ship a car in Minnesota?
Shipping a standard sedan to or from Minnesota costs $325–$1,350 on open transport in 2026, depending on distance. In-state moves run $350–$600, regional moves to neighboring states $425–$800, and coast-to-coast routes $1,075–$1,350. Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.
- Transit time: 1–3 days in state, 4–7 days coast to coast.
- Cheapest months: January and February. Snowbird routes to Arizona and Florida peak in fall.
- Main carrier corridors: I-94, I-35, I-90 and US-52.
- Average cost, sedan, open
- $325–$1,3502026 estimate, depends on distance
- Average transit time
- 1–7 daysPickup to delivery
- Cheapest months
- January and FebruaryLowest demand for Minnesota routes
- Enclosed transport adds
- 40–60%Over open-carrier price
Minnesota car shipping costs by route
Typical open-carrier prices for a standard sedan on the most-quoted Minnesota routes. SUVs and pickups usually add $100–$250.
| Route | Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Cities, MN to Los Angeles, CA | 1,830 mi | $1,075–$1,350 | $1,550–$2,150 | 4–7 days |
| Rochester, MN to Des Moines, IA | 210 mi | $375–$475 | $550–$750 | 1–3 days |
| Duluth, MN to Fargo, ND | 270 mi | $425–$550 | $625–$875 | 1–3 days |
| Miami, FL to Twin Cities, MN | 1,820 mi | $1,050–$1,350 | $1,525–$2,150 | 4–7 days |
| Twin Cities, MN to Seattle, WA | 1,670 mi | $1,025–$1,300 | $1,475–$2,075 | 3–6 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Rochester, MN | 260 mi | $425–$525 | $625–$850 | 1–3 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Duluth, MN | 1,670 mi | $1,025–$1,300 | $1,475–$2,075 | 3–6 days |
| St. Cloud, MN to Twin Cities, MN | 70 mi | $325–$475 | $475–$750 | 1–3 days |
What changes the price of shipping a car in Minnesota
Extreme cold
Minnesota winters regularly drop well below zero. Weak batteries, thick fluids and frozen locks can stall pickups, so have the car winterized before a winter shipment.
Snowbird routes
Minnesota sends large numbers of cars to Arizona, Texas and Florida each winter. Southbound prices rise from October through December and northbound from March through May.
Distance north
The Twin Cities are well served. Duluth, the North Shore and northern lake country see fewer carriers, so allow more time and expect higher prices.
Medical moves
Mayo Clinic in Rochester draws patients and staff from across the country, which keeps demand steady on routes to and from Rochester.
Shipping a car to and from Minnesota's main cities
The Twin Cities are Minnesota's main hub, where I-94 and I-35 meet. I-90 crosses the southern edge of the state.
I-35I-94US-52I-90
Schematic, not to scale. Tap a city to jump to it.
Rochester
US-52, I-90 · To Des Moines, IA: $375–$475Rochester is home to Mayo Clinic, which brings patients, families and staff from across the country. US-52 connects it to the Twin Cities and I-90.
Duluth
I-35 · To Fargo, ND: $425–$550Duluth sits at the northern end of I-35 on Lake Superior. Carriers coming this far north often return empty, which can raise prices, and winter weather is harsh.
St. Cloud
I-94 · To Sioux Falls, SD: $400–$500St. Cloud is on I-94 northwest of the Twin Cities, on the route to Fargo. Pickups here are quick for westbound carriers.
Moorhead
I-94 · To Sioux Falls, SD: $425–$550Moorhead sits across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota. Most carriers handle it through the Fargo corridor.
Highest-rated car shipping companies serving Minnesota
Ranked by TrustScore, using FMCSA records and reviews from people who shipped to or from Minnesota. Companies cannot pay to change their rank.
See every company that ships to and from Minnesota
Compare FMCSA-checked brokers and carriers side by side by TrustScore, verified Minnesota reviews, insurance and complaint history.
TrustScore weighs reputation, on-time performance, pricing accuracy, customer experience and FMCSA compliance. Companies cannot pay to change their score; sponsored placements are always labeled. How TrustScore works.
Open or enclosed transport for Minnesota?
Most Minnesota shipments go on open carriers. Choose enclosed when the car's value, finish or clearance makes road exposure a real risk.
| Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Minnesota price | $325–$1,350 | $475–$2,150 |
| Truck availability | High on I-94, I-35, I-90 and US-52. Fastest scheduling in the larger metros. | Lower. Often routed through the nearest major hub, so allow extra days. |
| Protection | Exposed to weather, road grime and debris | Fully covered. Keeps road salt, slush and sand off the car. |
| Best for | Daily drivers, leases, used cars, most relocations | Classics, exotics, show cars, low-clearance and new luxury vehicles |
| Insurance limit (typical) | $100,000–$250,000 cargo coverage | $250,000–$1,000,000 cargo coverage |
Best time to ship a car in Minnesota
Typical demand for Minnesota routes by month. Higher demand means higher prices and longer waits for a truck.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High demandModerateLow
Fall sends snowbirds south. Spring brings them home. Summer is peak season for relocations, while winter brings extreme cold and occasional storm delays.
How shipping a car in Minnesota works
Compare quotes
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIPs. Compare companies by TrustScore, Minnesota reviews and price, not price alone.
Verify and book
Check the company's USDOT or MC number and insurance. Get the pickup window, price and deposit terms in writing.
Prepare the car
Remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank, and photograph every side in daylight.
Inspect at delivery
Walk around the car with the driver and note any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
Moving to Minnesota with a car
What to do after your car arrives. Requirements can change, so confirm with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
- Register and title your vehicleNew residents register [VERIFY: new-resident registration deadline] through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). Bring your out-of-state title or lienholder details, ID and proof of Minnesota insurance.
- Switch to a Minnesota driver licenseHandled by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). Most states expect this within the same window as registration.
- Carry Minnesota minimum insurance[VERIFY: minimum liability insurance limits]
- Inspections and emissionsMinnesota has no state safety or emissions inspection for passenger vehicles.
Minnesota car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Minnesota?
Shipping a sedan to Minnesota costs $325–$1,350 on an open carrier in 2026. Shorter moves within the state run about $350–$600, while cross-country routes cost $1,075–$1,350. SUVs, pickups, non-running cars and enclosed transport cost more.
How long does it take to ship a car to or from Minnesota?
Most Minnesota shipments are delivered in 1–3 days within the state, 2–5 days to neighboring states, and 4–7 days coast to coast. Add one to five days for the carrier to schedule pickup, more for rural addresses far from an interstate.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car in Minnesota?
The cheapest option is an open carrier with flexible pickup dates, booked two to three weeks ahead. Meeting the driver near I-94, I-35, I-90 and US-52 instead of at a remote address usually lowers the price and shortens the wait.
Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?
Someone aged 18 or older needs to be present at both ends to hand over or receive the keys, inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading. It doesn't have to be you, but it should be someone you trust to note damage before signing.
Does Minnesota require an inspection for a car shipped from another state?
No. Minnesota has no state safety or emissions inspection for passenger vehicles. You'll need to title and register the car with Driver and Vehicle Services.
Can I ship a car to Arizona from Minnesota for the winter?
Yes. Minnesota to Arizona is one of the most popular snowbird routes. Book early in the fall, when southbound trucks fill up quickly.
How do I check that a Minnesota car shipping company is legitimate?
Look up the company's USDOT or MC number on FMCSA and confirm its operating authority is active and insurance is on file. Then check its TrustScore and reviews from people who shipped to or from Minnesota. Be cautious of quotes far below market and of companies asking for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned.
Keep planning
Neighboring states
Popular Minnesota routes
- Minnesota to California
- California to Minnesota
- Minnesota to Florida
- Florida to Minnesota
Guides and tools
- Open vs enclosed car shipping
- How to prepare your car for shipping
- What is a Bill of Lading?
- Car shipping in every state
Ready to ship your car in Minnesota?
Compare quotes from FMCSA-checked companies Minnesota shippers trust. Free, no obligation.