($987) Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to Billings, MT
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,244 miles from Fresno, California, to Billings, Montana, typically costs between $987 and $1,541. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings to Fresno car shipping guide.
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
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The best Fresno to Billings car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Fresno to Billings:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Fresno
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Fresno, CA:
- Golden Key Express: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Golden Key Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 CA to MT
Relocating from Fresno to Billings means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Fresno to Billings, 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
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,244-mile drive from Fresno to Billings into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from California to Montana. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Fresno. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Billings.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Billings, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Fresno to Billings car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Fresno to Billings can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Fresno to Billings, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Billings, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Fresno depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Billings will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,244 miles from Fresno to Billings will cost more than a shorter move within California.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Fresno and Billings often affect the cost of auto transport.
Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.
June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Billings, while December and January are the least comfortable months.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Fresno to Billings in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,244-mile trip from Fresno to Billings, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Fresno to Billings usually takes two–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Fresno and Billings vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Fresno: Some parking meters are enforced until 10 pm, seven days a week, when an event is taking place at the Stadium, Selland Arena, Saroyan Theatre, or Convention Center. Decals on the meter identify this event-specific requirement. Information on downtown event parking. There are approximately 2,000 parking meters in downtown Fresno in time increments from 30 minutes to 10 hours. Meters are $1.00 or $1.50 per hour depending on the location. Meters are not enforced on the City of Fresno observed holidays.
- Billings: The City of Billings Parking Division manages both on-street and off-street public parking in Downtown Billings, enforces parking rules and laws, operates and maintains three city-owned parking garages, three city-owned parking lots, and approximately 830 parking meters. Make sure to secure the necessary permits upon moving.
Car insurance requirements
- Fresno: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Billings: 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
- Fresno: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Billings: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
Driver’s license
- Fresno: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Billings: 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 Fresno to Billings?
The cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to Billings, 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 Fresno to Billings will range from $987 to $1,541.
How long will it take to ship my car from Fresno to Billings?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,244 miles from Fresno to Billings. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Fresno to Billings?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Fresno to Billings. 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 Fresno to Billings?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Fresno to Billings 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 1,244-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.
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