Iowa to Montana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,115 miles from Iowa to Montana ranges from $873 to $1,367. Expect the trip to take around two–eight days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Montana to Iowa 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
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Iowa to Montana car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Iowa to Montana:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Iowa
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Iowa that can relocate your vehicle to Montana:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nimble Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.5 / 5.0
While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2230973
Nimble Inc
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US
nimbleinc.net
3.5 / 5.0
Nimble, Inc. is faced with serious concern regarding business practices, particularly around unpaid freight charges and customer service experiences. While there are some positive comments about their staff, numerous reviews highlight major issues related to financial responsibility and operational difficulties during service deliveries.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245757
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Iowa to Montana
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Iowa to Montana, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,115 miles to your vehicle on the route from Iowa to Montana. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Iowa to Montana for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Iowa to Montana auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Iowa and Montana. Average distances are close to 1,115 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Montana
| From Iowa to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Billings, MT | $776 – $1,278 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Missoula, MT | $962 – $1,415 | 1,281 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Great Falls, MT | $839 – $1,408 | 1,156 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Bozeman, MT | $770 – $1,207 | 1,080 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Butte, MT | $821 – $1,313 | 1,164 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Montana
| From Iowa to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Billings, MT | $794 – $1,321 | 1,012 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Missoula, MT | $991 – $1,511 | 1,353 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Great Falls, MT | $943 – $1,472 | 1,229 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Bozeman, MT | $839 – $1,353 | 1,152 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Butte, MT | $980 – $1,500 | 1,236 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Montana
| From Iowa to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Billings, MT | $826 – $1,219 | 1,095 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Missoula, MT | $1,045 – $1,603 | 1,437 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Great Falls, MT | $1,040 – $1,451 | 1,312 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Bozeman, MT | $962 – $1,472 | 1,235 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Butte, MT | $1,020 – $1,541 | 1,319 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Montana
| From Iowa to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Billings, MT | $788 – $1,077 | 742 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Missoula, MT | $818 – $1,334 | 1,084 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Great Falls, MT | $815 – $1,264 | 959 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Bozeman, MT | $791 – $1,240 | 883 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Butte, MT | $767 – $1,239 | 967 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Montana
| From Iowa to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Billings, MT | $762 – $1,232 | 1,038 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Missoula, MT | $1,001 – $1,481 | 1,380 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Great Falls, MT | $952 – $1,457 | 1,256 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Bozeman, MT | $839 – $1,408 | 1,179 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Butte, MT | $971 – $1,357 | 1,263 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Montana
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Iowa to Montana, expect costs to range from $1,091 to $1,709.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Montana
When moving your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Big Sky Country, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Iowa to Montana.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Montana spans about 1,115 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Iowa in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Iowa and Montana may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Montana, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Iowa
More than 3.2 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
Transporting your vehicle to Montana
About 1.1 million people are living in the Big Sky Country. 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Montana?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Montana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Montana, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Montana is about 1,115 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Iowa to Montana.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Montana?
New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Montana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Montana after purchasing it.
In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Montana is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Iowa to Montana?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Montana costs $873 to $1,367.
