7 Best Car Shipping Companies in Montana (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: We picked Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Montana for its strong balance of price, service quality, and customer reviews. Our team gave them 4.7 out of 5 stars. Cost depends mainly on distance and transport type, but you'll pay between $665 and $1,387 to ship your car from Montana.
Montana car shipping facts
- 100% of Montana auto shipping companies rely on open transport, the most widely used and cost-efficient option.
- Meanwhile, 100% of car transporters in Montana provide enclosed shipping for extra security.
- Nationwide, only 28% of carriers guarantee delivery dates, compared to 50% of Montana shippers. For dependable scheduling, consider Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Montana
Our team has spent more than 400 hours assessing 612 car shipping providers nationwide, including 2 in Montana. We verify every detail so the information we share stays reliable and unbiased, giving you clear guidance on the best car shipping companies in your area.
Planning to ship your car from Billings or anywhere else in Montana? Check out our top choices for reliable auto shippers below:
Average cost of transporting a car out of MT
Shipping a car out of Montana runs between $665 and $1,387. But keep in mind, prices can vary depending on how far you're going and which transport method you use.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $550 - $861
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $869 - $1,209
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,140 - $1,303
For example:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Montana to North Carolina | $1,536 | $2,318 |
| Montana to Ohio | $1,315 | $1,873 |
| Montana to Florida | $1,443 | $2,314 |
| Montana to Illinois | $1,127 | $1,720 |
| Montana to Michigan | $1,208 | $1,685 |
| Arizona to Montana | $1,117 | $1,693 |
| New York to Montana | $1,475 | $2,437 |
| Georgia to Montana | $1,490 | $2,318 |
| California to Montana | $1,220 | $1,808 |
| Texas to Montana | $1,288 | $1,825 |
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.
- 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 $665 - $1,387, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Book an off-peak ship date. Book early and avoid peak summer windows when you can. In Montana, in-state car shipping usually takes 1 - 3 days, while longer interstate routes often require 7 - 14 days.
FAQs
What is the minimum car insurance required in Montana?
In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
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.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
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.
4825 53rd Avenue SW, Great Falls, MT, 59404
5001 49th St. SW, Great Falls, MT, 59404