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California to Minnesota Car Shipping Made Easy

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Considerations

  • California to Minnesota car shipping typically costs $950–$1,500, depending on distance, vehicle type, and carrier availability.
  • Delivery time averages 5–8 days across the 1,800+ mile route, with faster service for major metro-to-metro transport.
  • All carriers are FMCSA-compliant and include door-to-door service, cargo insurance, and inspections at pickup and delivery.
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Open-Air or Enclosed Transport
Door-to-Door Delivery
Terminal-to-Terminal
Specialty Vehicle
Globe
190+
Countries
Served
Car
2M+
Delivered
Services
Car
97%
Customer
Recommended
Dave loved the fast deliveryDave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidanceCourtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair priceJeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safetyMaria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.
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California to Minnesota Car Shipping Made Easy

How Much Does Auto Transport from California to Minnesota Cost?

Shipping a car from California to Minnesota costs $1000-$1700 on average.

Several elements will be considered when estimating the entire cost of your vehicle transfer. It will detail the kind of car that will be hauled, the distance traveled from point A to point B, the services you have used, and if any special services have been performed to guarantee that your vehicle is in excellent condition when it arrives.

Minneapolis is the trading capital of the Midwest and home to the world's largest supercomputer and grain wholesaler. In contrast, California is located on the west coast of the United States. Because California is one of the wealthiest states in the US and home to the world's third-richest city, it is more expensive to live there than in Minnesota.

Choosing Between Open and Enclosed Transport

When transporting your vehicle across the country, you must decide between open and enclosed transport options. Open transport is more cost-effective and suitable for most standard cars, offering reliable service with exposure to the elements. Enclosed transport, while more expensive, protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars by shielding them from weather and road debris. Assessing your vehicle's needs and budget will help determine the best option for your situation.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipment

Properly preparing your vehicle for transport can help ensure a smooth shipping process. Start by cleaning your car inside and out to facilitate an accurate inspection. Remove all personal items and loose accessories to prevent potential damage or loss during transit. Ensure that your vehicle has no more than a quarter of a fuel tank, as a lighter vehicle is safer and more cost-effective to transport. Additionally, check for any leaks or mechanical issues and address them beforehand to avoid complications during loading and unloading.

Vehicle Condition and Transport Readiness

Ensuring your vehicle is ready for shipment can prevent delays and unexpected charges. Before pickup, ensure the car is in good running condition, or notify the carrier if it's inoperable—non-running vehicles require special equipment and may add to the cost. Remove personal items, disable alarms, and take dated photos of the vehicle’s current condition. This step streamlines the loading process and protects you in the rare case of transport-related damage. Preparing your truck thoroughly is a simple way to make the entire experience more efficient and stress-free.

black and yellow hauler

How Far and How Long Is the Estimated Delivery?

The distance from California to Minnesota is around 1,986.8 miles. The truck will take one route through Nevada and Idaho, straight to Montana and North Dakota, and finally reach its destination. Assuming the weather or accidents cause no delays, you can expect your shipment to arrive between 4 and 6 days.

Delivery Timeframes: What to Expect

Shipping a car from California to Minnesota typically takes 4 to 6 days, depending on the specific pickup and delivery locations, carrier schedules, and weather conditions. For example, the distance from Los Angeles, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, is approximately 1,925 miles, which translates to an estimated delivery time of about 4 days, assuming carriers travel around 500 miles per day. It's advisable to plan and coordinate with your shipping provider to ensure timely delivery.

Scheduling Around Seasonal Demand

Shipping demand can vary widely depending on the time of year, impacting cost and carrier availability. Summer months and early fall tend to be the busiest seasons, often leading to higher prices and longer wait times for pickups. If you want to save money or secure a faster turnaround, consider scheduling your transport during off-peak times like late fall or early spring. Planning gives you better control over timing and cost, especially when shipping from popular California cities like San Diego or San Jose.

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Pricing & Time To Ship Your Car Examples

To / From California to MinnesotaCostDistanceEstimated Time In Transit
Sacramento, CA to Saint Paul, MN$3418.2 - $4177.818996 - 8 days
Minneapolis, MN from the Area$3429 - $419119056 - 8 days
San Diego, CA to Maple Grove, MN$3544.2 - $4331.819696 - 8 days
Rochester, MN from San Jose, CA$3618 - $442220108 - 10 days
Local Delivery to Duluth, MN$3637.8 - $4446.220218 - 10 days
Bloomington, MN from Fresno, CA$3670.2 - $4485.820398 - 10 days
City Limits to Plymouth, MN$3448.8 - $4215.219166 - 8 days
Brooklyn Park, MN from Oakland, CA$3556.8 - $4347.219766 - 8 days
Bakersfield, CA to Woodbury, MN$3502.8 - $4281.219466 - 8 days
Lakeville, MN from this City$3412.8 - $4171.218966 - 8 days

What Are the Major Moving Firms?

The key hubs where vehicles will be delivered and unloaded are as follows:

  • Minneapolis
  • Saint Paul
  • Rochester
  • Duluth
  • Bloomington
  • Brooklyn Park
  • Plymouth
  • Saint Cloud
  • Eaga
a purple carrier

What Is the Cheapest Way?

A truck with an uncovered rear is the most cost-effective way to move an automobile from California to Minnesota. While the low cost of this option is intriguing, keep in mind that the vehicle will be exposed to the elements while being hauled.

The solution to this problem is enclosed delivery, which is slightly more expensive than open transportation.

We Can Also Help You Ship the Following Items

  • Heavy Equipment
  • RVs
  • ATVs

Scheduling Your Pickup

Your cars and other vehicles will be picked up from the following cities:

  • San Jose
  • Los Angeles
  • San Diego
  • Long Beach
  • San Francisco

Frequently Asked Questions

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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Brian Kessler
Cheaper Than Flying and Driving Myself
★★★★★

I originally planned to fly to California and drive my car back to Minnesota, but the time and cost just didn’t make sense. Shipping the car was not only easier, it saved me the hassle and expense. The entire process was straightforward and stress-free.

Mallory Dean
Nervous at First, But It Went Great
★★★★★

This was my first time shipping a vehicle from Michigan to California—and I was nervous about it. But the transport company handled everything smoothly. The driver was professional and the delivery was spot on. I'd use them again.

Jerome Fuller
Smooth Pickup and Friendly Driver
★★★★★

I had a car sent from Michigan to Connecticut, and the service was just what I was hoping for. The driver was easy to communicate with, and the pricing was very reasonable. It all went down without a single hiccup.

Stephanie Garrison
Great Updates and Fast Delivery
★★★★★

We shipped a new truck from Michigan to Tennessee using expedited delivery, and the communication throughout was excellent. They kept us posted from pickup to drop-off, and everything arrived in perfect condition. Worth every penny.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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