Car Shipping in Minnesota: 2025 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We’re a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle properly helps avoid delays and damage. Follow these steps before your Minnesota pickup or drop‑off:

• Clean the car inside and out. A quick wash lets the carrier spot existing dents, scratches, or leaks.
• Remove personal items. Take out all valuables, toll tags, aftermarket accessories, roof racks, bike racks, and any loose items that could shift.
• Check fluid levels. Keep the gas tank about a quarter full; top off oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
• Secure or disable alarms. Provide the carrier with a working key (or remote) and, if possible, disable any anti‑theft devices that could prevent loading.
• Document the condition. Take photos of the exterior and interior from multiple angles; note any existing damage.
• Ensure the car is operable. The engine should start, brakes work, and steering be functional for loading.

For a deeper dive, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. Following these steps will make the transit smooth and keep your car safe on the road.

Yes. When you ship a vehicle with Sakaem Logistics, every carrier we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your car leaves Minnesota, we verify that the carrier’s policy is active and in good standing for the entire trip. This coverage protects you against loss, theft, or damage while the vehicle is in transit. If a claim is needed, the carrier’s insurance pays up to the policy limits, and we assist you in filing the paperwork.

Plan ahead. In Minnesota we suggest booking your pickup at least 14 days in advance. If you can secure a spot 3–4 weeks ahead, you’ll give carriers more time to group your load with other nearby shipments, which often lowers cost and improves reliability.

During peak moving periods – summer, holidays, and the end of the school year – demand spikes, so adding extra days to your timeline can prevent delays. Conversely, in slower months you may find carriers with open space on shorter notice.

In short: the sooner you post your shipment, the more options you’ll have. Aim for two weeks minimum, and four weeks if you want the best rates and flexibility.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our Auto Transport Process Article for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. 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 a standard multi‑level trailer with the vehicles exposed to the elements. It is the most common and cost‑effective option in Minnesota. Prices are typically 40‑60 % lower than enclosed service. The trucks are designed to secure cars with straps, and the carriers have insurance that covers any damage that occurs while the vehicle is on the trailer. Open transport is ideal for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs that are not high‑value or have special paint finishes.

Enclosed auto transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. The enclosure shields the car from rain, snow, road debris, dust, and sun‑UV. Because the trailer holds fewer vehicles and requires more handling, the cost is usually at least 50 % higher than open. Enclosed service is recommended for classic cars, collector vehicles, luxury models, custom paint jobs, or any car you want extra protection for during the long Minnesota winter or cross‑country haul.

Both methods include tracking, door‑to‑door pickup and delivery, and the same level of carrier insurance. The main trade‑off is cost versus protection. Choose open for budget‑friendly, standard shipments; choose enclosed when the vehicle’s value or finish warrants the added safety.

Yes. Sakaem Logistics offers door‑to‑door auto transport throughout Minnesota. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses you want. Our carrier will go to those locations, load your vehicle, and drop it off at the destination address you gave.

If a street is too narrow, a weight limit exists, or safety concerns arise, the driver will call you to arrange a nearby safe spot—such as a well‑lit gas station, a commercial parking lot, or a dealership—so the shipment stays on schedule.

Because we are a scrappy, independent team that started in 2012 to give people better value and break the broker monopoly, we keep costs low and keep you informed at every step. Our high ratings show that Minnesota drivers trust us to move their cars safely and on time.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don’t run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics’ FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!