($1,284) Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Missoula, MT

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,143 miles from Montgomery, Alabama, to Missoula, Montana, generally falls between $1,284 and $2,057. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula to Montgomery car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Montgomery to Missoula car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Montgomery to Missoula:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Montgomery

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Montgomery, AL:

  1. SAKAEM Logistics LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  2. US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Iff Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars

SAKAEM Logistics LLC

1990 Lakeside Pkwy Ste 185, Tucker, GA 30084 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers frequently praise SAKAEM Logistics LLC for their clear communication, efficient service, and quick delivery times. Many mention professional staff and affordable rates, with several noting the process was smooth and stress-free. Most vehicles arrived on time and in good condition, and staff kept clients informed throughout the process. Some feedback highlights that SAKAEM offers better pricing and reliability compared to other transport companies. On the downside, a number of customers report unexpected price increases close to pickup, poor communication during issues, and delays in arrival or delivery. These negative experiences often involve last-minute changes to quotes and difficulty reaching staff for updates. SAKAEM stands out for its speed and customer care, but some clients have faced challenges with transparency and reliability, which are less common among top competitors.

Get a Quote (404) 801-4984

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • SAKAEM Logistics

US AutoLogistics

3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35203 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 235-7002

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping

Additional Information

Auto Driveaway

3485 N Desert Dr # 2110, Atlanta, GA 30344 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers reported significant dissatisfaction with the condition and handling of their vehicles during transport, citing issues with cleanliness and unintended damage, while noting the importance of communication regarding route and timing.

Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Iff Inc

202 Eagles Landing Parkway, Stockbridge, GA 30281 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the helpful and flexible staff, the well-equipped facilities, and the fast service. However, some express confusion regarding the location due to a recent relocation without a forwarding address.

Get a Quote (800) 288-7139

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers

Additional Information

Vehicle Transport Services

2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Vehicle Transport Services Birmingham has garnered positive feedback for their excellent shipping service and overall customer satisfaction. However, there are notable concerns about their customer support being unhelpful and lacking adequate time to address customer inquiries regarding future shipments.

Get a Quote (205) 623-3232

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

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 AL to MT

If you’re planning a move from Montgomery to Missoula, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from Montgomery to Missoula, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,143 miles from Montgomery to Missoula can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.

Use a driving service

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Alabama to Montana is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Montgomery to Missoula. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Missoula 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 Montgomery to Missoula car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Montgomery to Missoula, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Montgomery to Missoula, 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 Missoula, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Montgomery will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Missoula than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,143 miles from Montgomery to Missoula will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Alabama.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Montgomery and Missoula often affect the cost of auto transport.

Montgomery ith short, mild winters, warm springs and autumns, and long, hot, humid summers. Severe storms also bring a risk of tornadoes.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Missoula, these are the best months to plan to move while you might hold off moving between December and January as these are the least comfortable months in Missoula.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Montgomery to Missoula in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,143-mile drive between Montgomery and Missoula, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Montgomery to Missoula typically takes between four and twelve days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Montgomery and Missoula vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Montgomery: 40Ft Moving Truck, One Day. City Cost $60 Please note this permit is only available in metered areas and we will need the meter numbers to get the permit.
  • Missoula: Commercial Permit - The commercial permit allows a vehicle to park at a meter without putting money into the meter for up to two hours. Special Service Permit - The special service permit allows a utility company’s vehicle to park at a meter without putting money into the meter for four hours. Loading Zone Permit - The loading zone permit allows a vehicle to park in a loading zone for 20 minutes. Contractor Code - A contractor code allows an authorized vehicle to park at in a metered parking space for a reduced contractor rate. This is mainly used for construction, maintenance, and moving. Residential Parking Permit - Parking permits for the Residential Parking Permit district are available online here. (see map of U of M Residential Parking area) (PDF) For further information about parking permits, please contact the Missoula Parking Commission at (406) 552-6250.

Car insurance requirements

  • Montgomery: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
  • Missoula: 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Montgomery: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
  • Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.

Driver’s license

  • Montgomery: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
  • Missoula: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Montgomery to Missoula?

The cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Missoula, MT 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 Montgomery to Missoula will range from $1,284 to $2,057.

How long will it take to ship my car from Montgomery to Missoula?

It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,143 miles from Montgomery to Missoula. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Montgomery to Missoula?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Montgomery to Missoula. 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 Montgomery to Missoula?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Montgomery to Missoula 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 2,143-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.

Helpful Montgomery resources