Michigan to Montana Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,357 miles from Michigan to Montana typically falls between $1,068 and $1,552. The process usually takes three–eight days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Montana to Michigan 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 Michigan to Montana car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Michigan to Montana:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Michigan
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Michigan who can get your vehicle to Montana:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-michigan/detroit
3.8 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 681284
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
jackcooper.com
3.72 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
greatlakeslogistics.net
3.64 / 5.0
Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2951078
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 Michigan to Montana
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Michigan to Montana, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange 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 1,357 miles to your vehicle on the route from Michigan 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 Michigan 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
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Michigan to Montana auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Michigan and Montana. The average travel distance is about 1,357 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Montana
| From Michigan to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Billings, MT | $1,187 – $1,630 | 1,536 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Detroit, MI to Missoula, MT | $1,266 – $1,821 | 1,877 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Detroit, MI to Great Falls, MT | $1,247 – $1,691 | 1,667 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Detroit, MI to Bozeman, MT | $1,259 – $1,656 | 1,678 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Detroit, MI to Butte, MT | $1,216 – $1,765 | 1,760 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Montana
| From Michigan to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Billings, MT | $1,027 – $1,614 | 1,302 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Missoula, MT | $1,223 – $1,812 | 1,643 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Great Falls, MT | $1,128 – $1,630 | 1,431 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Bozeman, MT | $1,095 – $1,729 | 1,572 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Butte, MT | $1,141 – $1,729 | 1,526 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Montana
| From Michigan to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Billings, MT | $1,187 – $1,597 | 1,552 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Warren, MI to Missoula, MT | $1,279 – $1,935 | 1,893 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Warren, MI to Great Falls, MT | $1,187 – $1,691 | 1,681 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Warren, MI to Bozeman, MT | $1,259 – $1,708 | 1,685 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Warren, MI to Butte, MT | $1,253 – $1,729 | 1,776 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Montana
| From Michigan to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Billings, MT | $1,164 – $1,581 | 1,548 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Missoula, MT | $1,254 – $1,878 | 1,897 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Great Falls, MT | $1,259 – $1,691 | 1,677 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Bozeman, MT | $1,211 – $1,812 | 1,689 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Butte, MT | $1,278 – $1,711 | 1,780 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Montana
| From Michigan to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Billings, MT | $1,139 – $1,646 | 1,494 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Missoula, MT | $1,266 – $1,802 | 1,836 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Great Falls, MT | $1,223 – $1,743 | 1,623 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Bozeman, MT | $1,211 – $1,674 | 1,635 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Butte, MT | $1,253 – $1,711 | 1,719 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Montana
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Michigan to Montana usually runs between $1,335 and $1,940.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Montana
When moving your vehicle from the Wolverine State to the Big Sky Country, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Montana than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The route from Michigan to Montana is about 1,357 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Michigan, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Michigan and Montana and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is three–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Montana, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- 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 Michigan
More than 10.0 million people call Michigan home. Nicknamed the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
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 Michigan 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 Michigan and when dropping it off in Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan 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 Michigan.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of 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 Michigan to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Montana is about 1,357 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Michigan to Montana.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan 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 Michigan and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan 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 Michigan to Montana?
Shipping a car from Michigan to Montana costs $1,068 to $1,552.
