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Minneapolis, MN Car Shipping: 2025 Costs & Routes

Last updated: October 2025

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
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ON THIS PAGE

1 Minneapolis Car Shipping Overview
2 Top Destination Cities
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to Minneapolis?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Minneapolis, MN

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has been the scrappy, customer‑focused alternative that broke the monopoly of big brokers. Our decade‑plus experience and glowing reviews make us the trusted choice for car shipping and auto transport in Minneapolis, MN. We give you clear, honest pricing, straightforward steps, and real value, so your vehicle moves safely and affordably across the country.

Average Cost FROM Minneapolis

$875 – $1,100
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Minneapolis

$900 – $1,175
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Minneapolis, MN

1
California
391 shipments
$1,000 – $1,150
2
Florida
336 shipments
$925 – $1,100
3
Arizona
162 shipments
$975 – $1,125
4
Texas
139 shipments
$850 – $1,000
5
Washington
74 shipments
$1,050 – $1,200
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Minneapolis, MN

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Minneapolis, showing average costs and specific routes. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination Cities Updated: October 2025
Rank Destination City Avg Cost Range Route
1 Phoenix, AZ $950 – $1,100 Minneapolis, MN to Phoenix, AZ
2 Los Angeles, CA $975 – $1,100 Minneapolis, MN to Los Angeles, CA
3 San Diego, CA $975 – $1,150 Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA
4 Cape Coral, FL $975 – $1,150 Minneapolis, MN to Cape Coral, FL
5 New York, NY $825 – $950 Minneapolis, MN to New York, NY
6 Seattle, WA $1,050 – $1,150 Minneapolis, MN to Seattle, WA
7 Riverside, CA $1,100 – $1,225 Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, CA
8 San Francisco, CA $1,025 – $1,200 Minneapolis, MN to San Francisco, CA
9 Naples, FL $975 – $1,100 Minneapolis, MN to Naples, FL
10 Dallas, TX $825 – $925 Minneapolis, MN to Dallas, TX
Minneapolis, MN CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
My shipping experience with Sakaem logistics is very great. Shipping my car from Minnesota to NY went brilliantly well and on time. Thank you guys for a job well done.
Tunji Adesina
Jul 2022
Google logo
My wife bought a car located in Minnesota and we needed it shipped to Nebraska. Sakaem Logistics gave a fair price to ship it and their reputation seemed pretty good so I moved forward. The car arrived on time without issue. I would use them again.
Rob Willman
Jul 2025
Google logo
Great experience working with Sakaem, I hired them to transport my son’s vehicle from Chicago to Air Force base in Mississippi, vehicle was delivered as expected, driver was flexible with drop off location since he was not able to access into military base. So he arranged with my son to deliver at an outside location. Would work again with Sakaem Logistic in future.
alvaro lopez
Jul 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Minneapolis

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you’re paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don’t pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs in Minneapolis

Distance

Shipping a car to or from Minneapolis is priced mainly by the number of miles traveled. Longer hauls, such as from the West Coast, add fuel, driver time, and wear‑and‑tear costs, while nearby trips in the Upper Midwest stay relatively cheap.

Season

Winter brings snow, ice, and occasional road closures around the Twin Cities, so carriers often raise rates from November through March to cover extra equipment and slower speeds. Summer sees higher demand for open‑air moves, which can also push prices up during vacation months.

Route

Most carriers use I‑35W, I‑94, and US‑52 to reach Minneapolis, so routes that stay on these major interstates are cheaper because they avoid toll roads and detours. When a route must cross the Mississippi River bridge or navigate the downtown loop, a small surcharge may apply.

Vehicle Type

Large trucks, classic cars, and SUVs need more space or special tie‑down rigs, raising the cost compared with standard sedans. Heavy‑duty or low‑clearance vehicles may require an enclosed trailer for protection, adding a premium.

Traffic Considerations

Rush‑hour congestion on I‑35W and I‑94, plus frequent construction in the downtown area, can add waiting time and fuel use, so carriers factor a modest traffic surcharge for peak‑hour pickups or deliveries.

Carrier Availability

Minneapolis sits in a dense Midwest carrier market, so multiple brokers compete for business, often keeping rates competitive. However, during peak moving seasons the number of available trucks can tighten, nudging prices upward.

Population Density

Minneapolis’s moderate population density and central location make it a hub for cross‑country routes, allowing carriers to combine loads efficiently and keep costs lower than in more remote areas.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship in late fall (mid‑October to early November) or early spring (late March to early May) when Minnesota’s moving season slows and carriers have empty capacity, resulting in lower rates. Avoid the harsh winter months of December through February when snow and ice drive up demand and prices.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days to avoid peak summer moving weeks or holiday traffic, carriers can fill gaps in their schedules and often quote a discount. Flexible dates also let you take advantage of last‑minute load‑matching tools that lower costs.

3

Hub city advantages

Minneapolis sits at the crossroads of I‑35, I‑94 and I‑90 and is a major rail hub, so carriers can combine your car with other Midwest shipments for better pricing. The city’s large pool of licensed auto transport companies means more competition and options, driving rates down.

4

Weather considerations

Minnesota’s snowstorms and sub‑zero temps can delay loading, so build an extra 2‑3 days into your schedule and keep the vehicle’s battery charged. In summer, thunderstorms can cause temporary road closures on I‑35W, so monitor local forecasts and stay flexible.

5

Booking in advance

Securing a spot 4‑6 weeks ahead gives carriers time to plan optimal routes and lock in lower off‑peak rates before the summer surge. Early bookings also protect you from the winter price spike that occurs when weather delays create urgent, higher‑priced moves.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are typically 10‑15% cheaper than enclosed ones and are plentiful on the I‑35 corridor through Minneapolis. In dry months they protect most vehicles adequately; just be sure to clear snow and ice off your car before loading to avoid damage.

7

Flexible dates

Offering a window of several days lets carriers route your car with other Midwest deliveries, reducing deadhead miles and cutting your price. For example, a Tuesday pickup can be paired with a Thursday delivery to Chicago, optimizing the carrier’s route through the Twin Cities.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your Minneapolis car shipping needs. We will match any competitor’s quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Minneapolis

Professional auto transport service for Minneapolis moves

When you register a vehicle in Minnesota, the DMV requires a signed title, a completed Application for Registration, proof of Minnesota liability insurance, and a valid driver’s license. Most counties, including Hennepin (Minneapolis), still require an emissions inspection for gasoline‑powered cars, while diesel vehicles are exempt [Minnesota DMV]. Window tint on the front side must let at least 30% of light through, and any aftermarket lighting must meet state standards. Minneapolis drivers should note downtown parking permits, residential permit zones, and the city’s strict snow‑removal rules that affect curbside loading for auto transport services [City of Minneapolis].

If you’re moving to or from Minneapolis, prepare your car for harsh winters: switch to winter tires or add tire chains, and consider a battery heater to avoid cold‑crank failures. Minnesota’s fault‑based insurance law mandates $30,000/$60,000/$10,000 liability limits and requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on registration [Minnesota Statutes]. Shipping your vehicle by car shipping or auto transport is smoother when you have current registration, proof of insurance, and a clean emissions report ready for the carrier. These steps help avoid delays and keep your move hassle‑free.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Minneapolis Vehicle Transport FAQs

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.

See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details about how to prepare your vehicle for shipping. In Minneapolis, be sure to clear any snow or ice, remove winter accessories such as chains or snow tires, and keep the gas tank at least a quarter full; also take off any MnPass transponder and any loose interior or exterior items that could shift in cold weather.

Yes, our quotes are all‑inclusive for Minneapolis shipments. All carriers serving the Twin Cities must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify their policy is active for the entire move. Your vehicle is protected under these minimum coverages while it travels to or from Minneapolis, MN.

In Minneapolis, we recommend booking your pickup at least two weeks in advance, and ideally as soon as you know your moving date. Early scheduling lets carriers group your car with other shipments from the Twin Cities area and helps avoid delays from winter weather or peak moving seasons.

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.

In Minneapolis, open transport is the most common and budget‑friendly way to ship a car, while an enclosed trailer typically runs about 50% higher in cost. Because the Twin Cities see snow, ice, and road salt that can damage high‑value or custom‑paint vehicles, many owners choose enclosed transport for extra protection against rust and debris. Both options are readily available through our vetted carrier network, so you can select the level of coverage that matches your vehicle’s value and your budget.

Door-to-door auto transport service is the epitome of convenience in vehicle shipping. In Minneapolis, MN, we will ask for your preferred pickup and delivery address—whether it’s a home, business, or a nearby location such as a gas station or the Minneapolis‑St. Paul International Airport. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your car to the exact spots you specify, adjusting only if local restrictions or safety concerns require a short detour.

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!

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun Facts About Minneapolis

Discover interesting insights about the state you’re shipping to or from

Minneapolis, MN blends bustling city life with a surprising amount of water, making it a unique hub for car shippers and new residents alike.

  • Land of Lakes: The city sits on the Mississippi River and boasts 13 major lakes, earning its nickname “City of Lakes,” perfect for scenic drives and waterfront parking.
  • Iconic Skyline: The 57‑story IDS Center towers over downtown, while the historic Stone Arch Bridge offers a pedestrian view of river traffic and passing trucks.
  • Winter Weather: Expect cold, snowy winters with average January lows around 10°F; snow‑plow routes are clearly marked, and many streets have seasonal vehicle weight limits.
  • Transportation Network: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport handles millions of passengers yearly, and the city is intersected by I‑35, I‑94, and I‑494, providing easy access for auto transport.
  • Economic Engine: Home to major retailers like Target and a thriving tech scene, the city’s logistics sector makes it a key freight corridor in the Upper Midwest.
  • Vehicle Laws: Minnesota requires all cars to have winter tires or chains during severe snow; local ordinances also ban parking on certain bridge sections during spring melt.
  • Diverse Demographics: Over 430,000 residents enjoy a mix of cultures, with a strong arts community that fuels festivals and public art installations throughout the city.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping, also called auto transport, can feel new and confusing for anyone in Minneapolis, MN. This 101 guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to expect from the moment you call a broker to the moment your vehicle arrives at its new home.

First, understand the two main players: brokers and carriers. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, does not own a truck. Instead, the broker finds a carrier – the company that actually drives the trailer. The broker’s job is to match your shipment with a reliable carrier, check insurance, and make sure the carrier has good reviews. Choosing a reputable broker ensures you get a carrier who follows safety rules and protects your car.

Step 1: Call a broker for a quote. Give the broker details about your car, pickup address, and destination. The broker will ask about any special needs, like an enclosed trailer for a high‑end vehicle.

Step 2: The broker selects a carrier. A good broker screens carriers for licensing, insurance, and performance history. This protects you from scams and damage.

Step 3: Carrier pick‑up. The driver arrives on the agreed date. Before they load, clear out all personal items, make sure the car rolls freely, and leave about a quarter tank of gas. This helps the driver secure the vehicle safely.

Step 4: Transport. Your car travels on an open or enclosed trailer, depending on the service you chose. Enclosed trailers are best for luxury or classic cars because they shield the vehicle from weather and road debris.

Step 5: Delivery. The carrier drops off the car at the destination address you provided. Inspect the vehicle for any new damage before signing the delivery paperwork.

Step 6: Payment. You pay the broker or carrier at pick‑up or delivery, based on the agreement you made earlier. The payment covers the entire auto transport service.

Key tips for a smooth ride: use an enclosed trailer for high‑value cars, remove all loose items, ensure the car can roll, and keep the fuel tank at least a quarter full. Follow these steps and you’ll enjoy a transparent, stress‑free car shipping experience from Minneapolis, MN to wherever you need to go.