Cost to ship a car from Detroit to St. Paul

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 682 miles from Detroit to St. Paul ranges from $757 to $1,095. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in St. Paul, MN in 1–6 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Paul to Detroit car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Detroit to St. Paul car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Detroit to St. Paul, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Detroit to St. Paul, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Detroit, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to St. Paul, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Detroit. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to St. Paul will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the America's Comeback City to the Pigs Eye — approximately 682 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Detroit and St. Paul can impact car shipping prices.

Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.

St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Detroit to St. Paul during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 682-mile distance between Detroit and St. Paul and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Detroit to St. Paul typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Detroit to St. Paul car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Detroit to St. Paul:

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Detroit and St. Paul vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Detroit: Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
  • St. Paul: Construction or commercial vehicles with special permits may park in a metered space without payment between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Those without a permanent special permit are subject to ticketing if the meter has expired. Commercial Vehicle Permits are issued by license inspectors, are numbered, and expire one year after issuance. This placard shall be placed between the driver’s side dashboard and windshield ensuring that the entire placard is visible through the windshield.

Car insurance requirements

  • Detroit: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
  • St. Paul: Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.

Vehicle inspections

  • Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
  • St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.

Driver’s license

  • Detroit: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
  • St. Paul: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Detroit to St. Paul?

The cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to St. Paul, MN varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Detroit to St. Paul will range from $757 to $1,095.

How long will it take to ship my car from Detroit to St. Paul?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 682 miles from Detroit to St. Paul. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Detroit to St. Paul?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Detroit to St. Paul. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Detroit resources