Minnesota Car Shipping: 2026 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 for transit in Minnesota requires attention to the state's unique climate and road conditions. Here's what you need to do:

Remove Winter Accessories
Minnesota winters are harsh. Before shipping, remove snow chains, ice scrapers, roof racks, and any other winter gear from your vehicle. These items can be damaged during transit or cause damage to your car.

Clear Road Salt and Residue
Minnesota roads are heavily treated with salt and de-icing chemicals during winter months. Wash your vehicle thoroughly before pickup to remove any salt buildup, which can accelerate rust and corrosion if left on your car during transit.

Check Tire Pressure and Fluid Levels
Minnesota's temperature swings—from below zero in winter to warm summers—can affect tire pressure and engine fluids. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your coolant and oil levels are topped off before your carrier picks up your vehicle.

Remove Toll Transponders and Personal Items
Minnesota doesn't have a state toll system like some other states, but if your vehicle has any electronic toll devices from other states or regions, remove them. Also remove all fragile items, personal belongings, and interior accessories that could be damaged or lost during transport.

Provide a Working Key
Make sure you have a working key available for the carrier. This is essential for loading and unloading your vehicle safely.

For more detailed guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Taking these steps ensures your vehicle arrives in the best possible condition.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during shipping in Minnesota. All carriers we work with are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport.

This coverage protects your vehicle throughout the shipping process. We take insurance seriously because we know your car matters to you—it's why we've worked since 2012 to make sure you get reliable, transparent service from carriers we trust.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for Minnesota shipments. This lead time gives carriers enough time to find compatible loads and plan efficient routes.

Winter weather is the biggest scheduling factor in Minnesota. From November through March, snow and ice storms can cause delays. If you're shipping during these months, add an extra week to your timeline and stay flexible. Carriers may need to reroute or adjust schedules based on road conditions, especially for longer hauls from the Twin Cities to southern states.

Peak seasons require even more lead time:

• Winter to warm states (November-March): Many Minnesotans ship cars to Arizona, Florida, and Texas to escape harsh winters. This is peak season, and carriers fill up fast. Plan for 3-4 weeks lead time.
• College move season (August-September): With major universities like University of Minnesota, carriers are busy with student relocations. Book early if you're shipping during these months.
• Summer (June-August): Generally good for shipping with stable weather, but carriers stay busy. Two weeks is typically sufficient.

The bottom line: Post your shipment as soon as you know your timeline. The earlier you book, the more carrier options you'll have, and the better rates you'll get. Minnesota isn't a low-demand state, but winter weather unpredictability means flexibility and advance planning protect you from last-minute stress and delays.

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 guide on shipping a car with personal items 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. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

When shipping a car in Minnesota, you'll choose between open and enclosed auto transport. Here's what you need to know:

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road conditions. It's reliable for most cars and works well if you're shipping a daily driver or standard vehicle.

Enclosed Transport means your car travels in a covered trailer, protected from weather, debris, and road hazards. This option costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but it's worth considering if you have a classic car, luxury vehicle, or a custom paint job you want to protect.

The Bottom Line: Choose open transport if you want to save money and your vehicle can handle exposure to the elements. Choose enclosed transport if your car has special value or you want maximum protection during transit. Both options get your vehicle safely to its destination.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Minnesota. This means we'll pick up your vehicle from your preferred location and deliver it directly to your destination address.

When you book with us, tell us where you'd like your car picked up and where it should be delivered. Our carriers will do their best to accommodate your exact addresses. However, if there are safety concerns or access restrictions at either location, the carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative, like a parking lot or gas station.

This service gives you the convenience and peace of mind that comes with direct pickup and delivery, without the hassle of arranging multiple drop-off points.

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!