7 Best Car Shipping Companies in Montana (2026 Cost Guide)

Best car shipping companies in Montana

Our team has dedicated more than 400 hours to researching and evaluating 612 car shipping companies nationwide, including 2 based in MT. This work allows us to provide unbiased, trustworthy recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.

Whether you're shipping from Billings or another city in Montana, explore our top picks for reliable auto shippers below:

Average cost of transporting a car out of MT

The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in Montana ranges from $762 to $1,283, though the exact amount could be more or less depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.

Here are a few examples:

What affects car shipping costs from Montana

• Your move distance: Shipping within Montana or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
• Location: Shipping from a rural part of Montana often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Billings or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
• Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Montana cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 50% of Montana shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Shipping options in the Big Sky Country: 100% of Montana auto transporters offer open transport, and 100% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Montana's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
• Gas prices: Fuel costs in Montana factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $3.02 per gallon right now.
• Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
• Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
• Discounts: In Montana, 2 companies offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.

For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Montana car shipping routes.

How to ship a car from Montana

Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Montana.

1. Estimate your shipping cost. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Montana typically costs $762 - $1,283, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
2. Choose open vs enclosed transport. Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. This is especially relevant given Montana's weather patterns.
3. Verify MC/DOT licensing. Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
4. Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes. Compare at least three of the 2 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Montana. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
5. Book an off-peak ship date. Book off-peak when your timeline allows. Summer, holidays, and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. In Montana, in-state shipments typically deliver in 1 - 3 days; cross-country routes often take 7 - 14 days depending on distance and weather.

FAQs

What is the most reliable car shipping company in Montana?

Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Montana, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its range of services, pricing accuracy, and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.

What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Montana?

Delivery times for car shipping in Montana depend on distance and route: in-state shipments typically take one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points can all affect these estimates, so confirm timing with your shipping provider.

Are Montana car shippers insured against damage?

100% of car shippers in Montana are fully insured, and 50% offer a damage-free guarantee. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.

Does weather in Montana impact car shipping?

Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Montana. Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.

Can I ship a car internationally from Montana?

Yes, 50% of car shippers in Montana offer international shipping services. Confirm customs requirements and delivery timelines with the carrier before booking.