Shipping a Car from Phoenix, AZ to Minneapolis, MN
Moving a car from Phoenix to Minneapolis means about 1,521 miles heading northeast, across six states, from Arizona to Minnesota. Transit after dispatch is about 3–4 days (30 hours of driving, plus stops). Volume is middling, so most customers find a carrier without much waiting.
What Phoenix to Minneapolis Costs
We estimate open transport for a standard sedan at $760–$1,065, which is about $0.60 per mile over 1,521 miles. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($850–$1,195); enclosed sedan transport is $1,100–$1,545, roughly 45% more than open. Delivery to St. Paul, 11 miles from Minneapolis, would be $765–$1,070. For scale, Austin, TX to Fresno, CA is a similar 1,585-mile move at $790–$1,110.
| Trailer | Vehicle | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $760–$1,065 | Lowest cost, most common |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $850–$1,195 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $850–$1,195 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,100–$1,545 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
Spring brings a rush of northbound cars from Phoenix, so lock in dates early between March and May. From December to March, mountain weather is the biggest timing risk, and carriers may wait out a storm. Desert heat rarely stops trucks, but midday loading can be hard, so early-morning pickups are common. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 1,521 miles. Across Arizona expect desert heat above 110°F in summer and snow near Flagstaff on I-40; across Minnesota, deep winter cold and heavy snow.
The Route and Corridor
Along the way the route touches Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota. Expect blizzards and high winds in South Dakota. Arizona: I-10 and I-40 cross long desert stretches with few services. In Nebraska, I-80 follows the Platte River valley across the state. Metros near that straight-line path include Colorado Springs (CO), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. Pickup is on Mountain time and delivery on Central time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Phoenix. Carriers usually load around I-10 and I-17. Winter residents arriving or leaving Phoenix drive seasonal demand. Phoenix sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability.
Delivery in Minneapolis. Upper Midwest hub on I-35W/I-94 where deep winter cold shapes scheduling. Minneapolis sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability. Carriers typically arrive around I-35W and I-94.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $760–$1,065 fits most cars; enclosed at $1,100–$1,545 suits luxury, classic or low cars.
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Phoenix and again in Minneapolis, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Expect a rolling arrival. Over 1,521 miles the truck makes several stops, so give a flexible delivery day in Minneapolis.