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 a few key steps to protect your car during shipping. Start by removing your toll transponder if you have one—Minnesota doesn't have a toll system like some states, but if your vehicle has an E-ZPass or similar device from travel to other states, remove it before shipping to avoid charges.

Since Minnesota experiences harsh winters, clear away any snow chains, ice scrapers, and winter accessories from your vehicle. Also check for salt and road treatment residue on the undercarriage and exterior—these corrosive materials can cause rust during transit, so a quick rinse before shipping is worth considering if your car has been exposed to winter roads.

Remove all personal items and fragile accessories from inside and outside your vehicle. This includes roof racks, bike racks, antennas, side mirrors (if removable), and anything in the trunk or cabin. Carriers aren't responsible for damage to personal belongings or aftermarket accessories.

Make sure you have a working key available to give to your carrier. They'll need it to load, unload, and move your vehicle if needed during transit.

Finally, check your tire pressure and fluid levels—Minnesota's temperature swings can affect both. Make sure your gas tank is no more than a quarter full to reduce weight and minimize fire risk during transport.

For a complete walkthrough of the shipping process, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. 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 means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We take insurance seriously because we know how important your vehicle is to you. That's why we've made it our mission since 2017 to help people like you get fair value and reliable service—without the hassle that big brokers create.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for Minnesota shipments. However, the sooner you book, the better your options and pricing will be.

Winter Weather Impact (November-March)
Minnesota's harsh winters are a major factor. Heavy snow, ice storms, and sub-zero temperatures can delay pickups and slow transit times. If you're shipping during winter months, plan for an extra week of lead time. Carriers often reduce their Minnesota routes during severe weather, so early booking is crucial to secure a spot.

Spring and Fall Transition Seasons (April-May, September-October)
These are moderate demand periods. Two to three weeks is typically sufficient, though spring moves (especially late April and May) see increased activity as people relocate before summer.

Summer Peak Season (June-August)
Minnesota experiences high shipping demand during summer months due to relocations and road trip season. Book three to four weeks ahead during this period to secure carrier availability. Heat can also affect carrier schedules, though Minnesota summers are milder than southern states.

College Move Seasons
If you're shipping to or from Minnesota's major universities (University of Minnesota, Carleton, St. Olaf, etc.), expect tight carrier availability in late August and early September (move-in) and late April and May (move-out). Plan extra lead time during these windows.

The Bottom Line
Book as soon as you know your moving date. Early booking lets carriers bundle your shipment with others heading the same direction, which helps you get better value. This is especially true in Minnesota, where winter weather and seasonal demand create scheduling constraints that other states don't face.

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 transport. Here's what sets them apart:

Open Transport is the standard option. Your car rides on an open trailer exposed to weather and road conditions. It's the most affordable choice and works great for everyday vehicles. The trade-off is that your car faces potential exposure to rain, wind, dust, and road debris during transit.

Enclosed Transport means your vehicle travels in a covered trailer. This shields your car from weather and debris. It costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but offers extra protection. Enclosed transport makes sense if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or a car with a custom paint job you want to keep pristine.

The Bottom Line: Open transport gets your car where it needs to go affordably. Enclosed transport protects your investment if your vehicle is worth the extra cost. Think about your car's value and what matters most to you. At Sakaem Logistics, we help you pick the right option for your needs and budget.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Minnesota. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations whenever possible.

We're transparent about the reality of shipping: sometimes a driveway or location isn't accessible due to road conditions, narrow streets, or safety concerns. If that happens, our carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative—like a gas station, parking lot, or local business—that works for everyone.

Since 2012, we've been committed to giving people real value in car shipping and breaking up the old broker monopoly. Our highly rated reviews show we deliver on what we promise. We'll be straight with you about what's possible in your specific situation.

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!