10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Missouri (2026 Cost Guide)

Best car shipping companies in Missouri

Our team has dedicated more than 400 hours to researching and evaluating 612 car shipping companies nationwide, including 15 based in MO. This work allows us to provide unbiased, trustworthy recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.

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

Average cost of transporting a car out of MO

The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in Missouri ranges from $757 to $1,278, 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 Missouri

• Your move distance: Shipping within Missouri or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
• Location: Shipping from a rural part of Missouri often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Kansas City 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 Missouri cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 40% of Missouri shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Shipping options in the Show-Me State: 66% of Missouri auto transporters offer open transport, and 93% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Missouri's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
• Gas prices: Fuel costs in Missouri factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.67 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 Missouri, 4 companies offer military discounts, 15 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 Missouri car shipping routes.

How to ship a car from Missouri

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

1. Estimate your shipping cost. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Missouri typically costs $757 - $1,278, 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 Missouri'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 15 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Missouri. 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 Missouri, in-state shipments typically deliver in 1 - 3 days; cross-country routes often take 7 - 14 days depending on distance and weather.

FAQs

What percentage of Missouri car shippers offer guaranteed delivery?

Only 28% of car shipping companies nationwide offer guaranteed delivery dates. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, Nexus Auto Transport is worth considering.

What is the most reliable car shipping company in Missouri?

Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Missouri, 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.

Does weather in Missouri impact car shipping?

Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Missouri. Although temperature in Missouri doesn't get extreme, being in the heart of tornado alley means that storms in the area are common. Be sure to check the weather forecast before move day to prepare for any upcoming weather.

Do Missouri car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or other specialty vehicles?

Yes, plenty of Missouri shippers handle specialty vehicles. 53% ship motorcycles. 40% ship RVs. 46% ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when requesting quotes.

How long do I have to update my drivers license in Missouri?

As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.