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Route guide · CA → MN
Car shipping from California to Minnesota
Car transport from California to Minnesota runs 1,810 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Los Angeles to Minneapolis costs about $1,100–$1,575 on an open carrier and $1,650–$2,350 in an enclosed trailer, with 4–7 days in transit. It ranks #174 among the 250 busiest car-shipping lanes, based on Census moving data.
- Open carrier, sedan
- $1,350
- Road miles
- 1,810
- Days in transit
- 4–7
- People moving a year
- 5.7K
- Companies at both ends
- 104
City to city
Cost to ship a car from California to Minnesota, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose and Minneapolis, Rochester, Duluth and St. Cloud — 1,770 to 1,990 road miles apart.
| From | Minneapolis | Rochester | Duluth | St. Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,100–$1,5751,810 mi · 4–7 days | $1,100–$1,5751,820 mi · 4–7 days | $1,125–$1,6251,920 mi · 4–7 days | $1,100–$1,5501,770 mi · 4–7 days |
| San Francisco | $1,125–$1,6001,900 mi · 4–7 days | $1,125–$1,6251,940 mi · 4–7 days | $1,150–$1,6501,990 mi · 4–8 days | $1,125–$1,6001,860 mi · 4–7 days |
| San Diego | $1,100–$1,5751,800 mi · 4–7 days | $1,100–$1,5751,810 mi · 4–7 days | $1,125–$1,6251,920 mi · 4–7 days | $1,100–$1,5501,770 mi · 4–7 days |
| San Jose | $1,100–$1,6001,850 mi · 4–7 days | $1,125–$1,6001,880 mi · 4–7 days | $1,125–$1,6251,940 mi · 4–7 days | $1,100–$1,5751,810 mi · 4–7 days |
Estimate, not a quote
A pickup or delivery far from these metros usually adds $75–$150. Quotes move with fuel prices and truck space, so treat these as a yardstick. Price your own addresses →
By vehicle
Price by vehicle type
Los Angeles to Minneapolis, 1,810 miles. Bigger and heavier vehicles take more room and weight on the trailer, so they cost more.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan or small car | $1,100–$1,575 | $1,650–$2,350 |
| Midsize SUV or crossover | $1,225–$1,775 | $1,850–$2,650 |
| Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition) | $1,375–$1,975 | $2,050–$2,950 |
| Pickup truck | $1,425–$2,050 | $2,150–$3,075 |
| Motorcycle | $650–$950 | $1,000–$1,425 |
By month
Best time to ship
Prices on this lane peak in December (the holidays and winter weather up north), running about 10% above the quietest months. The cheapest time to ship from California to Minnesota is March–May and September–November.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cheapest: about $1,325 Peak: about $1,475
About this route
Why so many cars go from California to Minnesota
About 5,717 people moved from California to Minnesota in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (4,505 in 2023, 6,928 in 2024). That is 0.8% of everyone who left California for another state.
Only about 3,119 people a year go back from Minnesota to California, so demand here is mostly one-way. With trucks toward Minnesota in steady demand, expect quick pickups and little room to haggle.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,325, shipping from California to Minnesota costs more than sending a car to Missouri ($1,275) and Texas ($1,225) but less than to Illinois ($1,425) and Wisconsin ($1,425). That works out to about 73¢ a mile — long hauls cost less per mile because loading and paperwork are spread over more distance.
Distance and transit time
Count on 4–7 days on the truck for the 1,810 road miles from Los Angeles to Minneapolis — federal rules cap drivers at 11 hours a day behind the wheel, and a full carrier makes several stops on the way. The car heads northeast and crosses 2 time zones — from Pacific to Central time — so confirm whether the delivery window you are given is in local time.
On the road
- The route crosses mountain passes in the West; from November to March, snow and chain laws can hold trucks for a day or two.
- Winter storms in Minnesota can slow pickups and deliveries in December through February — leave slack in your schedule.
Companies
Car transport companies from California to Minnesota
Companies headquartered at either end of the route usually run this lane often. Filter by services, company type and safety record — every listing is matched to its FMCSA record.
- Pickup end California 88 companies · 67 carriers · 24 brokers · 1,921 trucks · 12 yrs avg.
- Delivery end Minnesota 16 companies · 16 carriers · 2 brokers · 334 trucks · 22 yrs avg.
Each move is unique, factoring in variables like size, distance, and more. Moreover, each auto transport company or moving firm has its distinct pricing and…
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Auto Express Inc. started in Long Island, NY—a market most drivers avoided. We fearlessly traversed the entire country, accustomed to every challenge we faced…
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in North Hollywood, California, BAH Logistics LLC is a federally licensed auto transport broker. We connect customers with a…
In 2004, Direct Express Auto Transport changed the vehicle logistics industry forever. Before we launched, getting a car shipping quote meant hours of phone…
San Jose auto transport broker operating as CarHauler247, with instant online quotes and booking.
LISCA Auto Transport is your trusted nationwide shipping solution. We specialize in transporting cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and RVs safely and…
We are a family owned and operated business. Our goal is to get your vehicle to its destination safely and on time. With our several years of pertinence we…
Relocate with ease! Moveauto transports vehicles across North America for individuals, families, and businesses. With 30 years of experience, you can trust us…
At Nationwide United Auto Transport our goal is simple, provide fast, safe and reliable vehicle transport.
Revoway was founded for one reason: to revolutionize the industry and address existing gaps. Committed to constant growth, we have developed outstanding and…
At Send It Car Shippers, we offer a diverse range of auto transport services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our comprehensive vehicle…
Shelby Auto Transport – the difference. In an industry as expansive as auto transport, a company’s reputation isn’t just built on efficiency but on a deeper…
Tempus Logix has a vast network of mandatory insured and bonded carriers with whom we continually work.
Cross-border car shipping between the USA and Canada with customs handling, in business since 1985.
H&
Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Inc
FMCSA verifiedLarge Los Alamitos, CA auto carrier with 30+ years of experience, moving new and remarketed vehicles coast to coast.
AA
Advanced Auto Transport Inc
FMCSA verifiedMinnesota driveaway company moving corporate fleet and commercial vehicles across the U.S. and Canada.
DA
Deluxe Auto Carriers
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California car carrier in the Proficient Auto Logistics group, moving finished vehicles to dealerships.
DA
DBN Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedWoman-owned Anaheim car carrier established in 2012, with soft-tie trailers and camera/GPS on every truck.
QC
Quality Car Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned Murrieta, CA car carrier serving dealers, rental companies, auctions and OEMs across the lower 48.
AL
Auto Line Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedGardena, CA car carrier moving thousands of finished vehicles a year across the U.S. and Canada since 2013.
EA
Express Auto Transport Inc
FMCSA verifiedMinnesota car carrier offering nationwide vehicle shipping from its base in Farmington, MN.
IL
Intercity Lines, Inc
FMCSA verifiedSA
SKD Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedSaint Paul, Minnesota car carrier covering 32 states across the Midwest, Southwest and South since 2016.
AP
A Plus Auto Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedLicensed and bonded auto carrier from the Phoenix and Palm Desert area shipping cars and trucks nationwide.
AS
All Star Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedChino, California auto carrier moving vehicles in California and Texas since 2005.
CA
CA Auto Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California motor carrier shipping vehicles on its own trucks, coast to coast and within California.
GK
Golden Key Express
FMCSA verifiedLS
Lucky Star Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned San Jose car carrier offering open, door-to-door auto transport nationwide since 2012.
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Related routes
Nearby alternatives
Moving close to Minnesota but not into it — or coming from somewhere near California? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
From California to states near Minnesota
To Minnesota from states near California
FAQ
California to Minnesota car shipping: questions
Numbers on this page come from our price model, Census moving data and Minnesota's DMV.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Minnesota?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $1,100–$1,575 from Los Angeles to Minneapolis (1,810 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $1,100–$1,650. An SUV costs about $1,225–$1,775, a pickup $1,425–$2,050, and an enclosed trailer $1,650–$2,350 for a sedan.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Minnesota?
Transit is usually 4–7 days after pickup for the 1,810-mile trip from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. The wait for pickup is separate: typically 1–5 days, or 1–2 days if you pay about 30% more for expedited service.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car from California to Minnesota?
March–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in December, up to about 10% more. If you must ship in peak months, book three to four weeks ahead.
How soon do I have to register my car in Minnesota after moving?
Minnesota requires new residents to register within 60 days of becoming a resident. Register at a deputy registrar office or by mail.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from California to Minnesota?
Driving 1,810 miles takes about 4 days: roughly $230 in gas and 3 nights of hotels and meals (about $420). Shipping a sedan costs about $1,100–$1,575. Add wear on the car and 4 days off work, and the two come out close.
Which car shipping companies go from California to Minnesota?
Our directory lists 88 companies based in California and 16 based in Minnesota, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 191 that ship nationwide.