($1,082) Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Billings, MT
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,494 miles from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Billings, Montana, typically costs between $1,082 and $1,610. 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.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings to Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Billings car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Ann Arbor, MI:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Awesome Auto Transporters LLC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Direct Connect Auto Transport: 3.58 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 MI to MT
Getting your car from Ann Arbor to Billings can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Ann Arbor to Billings, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,494 miles from Ann Arbor to Billings might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Michigan to Montana is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Ann Arbor to Billings. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Billings—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Ann Arbor to Billings car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Ann Arbor to Billings, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Ann Arbor to Billings, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Ann Arbor are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Billings? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Ann Arbor 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
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,494 miles from Ann Arbor to Billings will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Michigan.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Ann Arbor and Billings often affect the cost of auto transport.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.
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 Ann Arbor to Billings 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 1,494-mile drive between Ann Arbor and Billings, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
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 Ann Arbor to Billings usually takes three–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Ann Arbor and Billings vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Ann Arbor: The Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program allows vehicles owned by residents to park in a RPP neighborhood for the posted time limit without being ticketed. If your neighborhood is participating in a RPP Program, you will need to acquire and display a RPP decal for every vehicle that will park on neighborhood streets during the specified enforcement period. Check with the City of Ann Arbor for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Ann Arbor.
- 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
- Ann Arbor: 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.
- 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
- Ann Arbor: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Billings: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
Driver’s license
- Ann Arbor: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
- 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 Ann Arbor to Billings?
The cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI 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 Ann Arbor to Billings will range from $1,082 to $1,610.
How long will it take to ship my car from Ann Arbor to Billings?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,494 miles from Ann Arbor to Billings. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Ann Arbor to Billings?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Billings?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Ann Arbor 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 1,494-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.
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
6444 London St, Detroit, MI 48221 US
607 Shelby St Suite 700, Detroit, MI 48226 US