($1,210) Cost to ship a car from Tampa, FL to St. Paul, MN
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,578 miles from Tampa, Florida, to St. Paul, Minnesota, ranges from $1,210 to $1,663. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Paul to Tampa car shipping guide.
The best Tampa to St. Paul car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Tampa to St. Paul:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Tampa
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Tampa, FL:
- Car Shipping Carriers Orlando: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Transglobal Auto Logistics: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Simple Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from FL to MN
If you’re relocating from Tampa to St. Paul, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Tampa to St. Paul, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,578 miles from Tampa to St. Paul might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Florida to Minnesota, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Tampa to St. Paul safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to St. Paul, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Tampa to St. Paul car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Tampa to St. Paul, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Tampa to St. Paul, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
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 on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Tampa depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to St. Paul will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,578 miles from Tampa to St. Paul will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Florida.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Tampa and St. Paul often affect the cost of auto transport.
Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
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
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Tampa to St. Paul in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,578-mile trip from Tampa to St. Paul, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Tampa to St. Paul takes three to nine days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Tampa and St. Paul vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tampa: Permits are only valid at on-street, unrestricted parking spaces (not to exceed four hours). Not valid at Load/Unload, Freight Zone, No-Park or Handicapped spaces. The vehicle tag number will serve as your permit credential. Permits issued to Federal, State, County and City vehicles may be valid for up to one (1) calendar year at a cost of $156.00 per permit. Permits issued to public utility companies will be valid for a maximum of six (6) months at a cost of $117.00 per permit.
- 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
- Tampa: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- 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
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Tampa: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- 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 Tampa to St. Paul?
The cost to ship a car from Tampa, FL to St. Paul, MN varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Tampa to St. Paul will range from $1,210 to $1,663.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tampa to St. Paul?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,578 miles from Tampa to St. Paul. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tampa to St. Paul?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tampa to St. Paul. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Tampa to St. Paul?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Tampa to St. Paul than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,578-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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