($896) Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to St. Paul, MN
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,182 miles from Houston, Texas, to St. Paul, Minnesota, ranges from $896 to $1,404. 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 Houston car shipping guide.
The best Houston to St. Paul car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Houston 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 Houston
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Houston, TX:
- New World Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Nexgen Auto Transport LLC: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Compass Transport Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Horizon Auto Shipping: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Fast Motion Auto Transport: 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 TX to MN
Getting your car from Houston to St. Paul can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Houston to St. Paul, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,182 miles from Houston 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Texas to Minnesota. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Houston to St. Paul carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to St. Paul is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Houston to St. Paul car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Houston to St. Paul can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Houston 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
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Houston. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to St. Paul will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,182 miles from Houston to St. Paul will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Texas.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Houston and St. Paul can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect 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
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Houston to St. Paul during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,182-mile journey from Houston to St. Paul makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Houston to St. Paul usually takes two–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Houston and St. Paul vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading 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
- Houston: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- 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
- Houston: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Houston: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- 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 Houston to St. Paul?
The cost to ship a car from Houston, TX 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 Houston to St. Paul will range from $896 to $1,404.
How long will it take to ship my car from Houston to St. Paul?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,182 miles from Houston to St. Paul. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Houston to St. Paul?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Houston 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 Houston to St. Paul?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Houston 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 1,182-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.
3945 Greenbriar Dr ste b 1, Stafford, TX 77477 US
7900 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77063 US
21 Waterway Ave Ste 300, The Woodlands, TX 77380 US