($877) Cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Fontana, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,164 miles from Missoula, Montana, to Fontana, California, ranges from $877 to $1,345. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana to Missoula 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 Missoula to Fontana car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Missoula to Fontana:
- 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 Missoula
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Missoula, MT:
- Boise Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Turbo Auto Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Sky Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Boise Auto Shipping Group
800 W Main St #1460, Boise, ID 83702 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-idaho/auto-shipping-boise
3.62 / 5.0
Auto Shipping Group is generally regarded for their exceptional customer service and communication, though some customers experienced issues with reliability and communication regarding delivery schedules. Overall, most reviews highlight satisfaction with the process, despite some negative experiences with follow-up interactions and delays in service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- AAA
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Turbo Auto Transport
5001 49th St. SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 US
turboautotransport.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the service as the best in Great Falls, Montana, highlighting exceptional customer service and expertise in truck and trailer repairs. Some emphasize the positive atmosphere and helpful staff, underscoring their willingness to assist with vehicle needs. However, no significant complaints or issues were noted, indicating overall satisfaction with the services provided.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1482475
Alternative Business Names
- Turbo Transportation Group, LLC
Big Sky Auto Transport
4825 53rd Avenue SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 US
bigskyautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers overwhelmingly praise Big Sky Auto Transport for their excellent communication, timely service, and the professionalism of their drivers. Many noted the special attention provided by the staff, making the process smooth and reassuring. However, some reviews did not mention any significant negatives, indicating overall satisfaction with the service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 598761
Xpress Auto Transport
1309 W Dean Ave #340, Spokane, WA 99201 US
xpressautoship.com/city/spokane-washington
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
Bennett Motor Express
9297 N Government Way # F, Hayden, ID 83835 US
bennettig.com
3.5 / 5.0
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
- Storage solutions
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 92693
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 MT to CA
When you’re moving from Missoula to Fontana, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Missoula to Fontana, 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 1,164-mile drive from Missoula to Fontana 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Montana to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Missoula to Fontana carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Fontana 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 Missoula to Fontana car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Missoula to Fontana can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Missoula to Fontana, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Missoula 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 Fontana? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Missoula 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 Fontana than a compact car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 1,164 miles from Missoula to Fontana will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Montana.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Missoula and Fontana play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
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.
Fontana is frequently affected by the strong, hot and dry Santa Ana winds as they blow through the nearby Cajon Pass of the San Gabriel mountains, from the Mojave Desert. Fontana can also be extremely hot in summer, well over 100 °F
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Missoula to Fontana in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,164 miles between Missoula and Fontana, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Missoula to Fontana takes between two and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Missoula and Fontana vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Fontana: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC 4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved:
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Fontana: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Fontana: 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.
Driver’s license
- Missoula: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Fontana: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Missoula to Fontana?
The cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Fontana, CA 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 Missoula to Fontana will range from $877 to $1,345.
How long will it take to ship my car from Missoula to Fontana?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,164 miles from Missoula to Fontana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Missoula to Fontana?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Missoula to Fontana. 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 Missoula to Fontana?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Missoula to Fontana 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 1,164-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.
