Montana to Tennessee Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,788 miles from Montana to Tennessee ranges from $1,263 to $1,761 and takes three–eleven days depending on factors like the transport type and season. 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 Tennessee to Montana 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 Montana to Tennessee car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Montana to Tennessee:
- 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 Montana
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Montana that can relocate your vehicle to Tennessee:
- Turbo Auto Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Sky Auto Transport: 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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Montana to Tennessee
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Montana to Tennessee, 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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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,788 miles on your car going from Montana to Tennessee. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Montana to Tennessee, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
Montana to Tennessee auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Montana and Tennessee. The typical distance is about 1,788 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Billings, MT to Tennessee
| From Montana to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT to Nashville, TN | $1,105 – $1,562 | 1,573 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Billings, MT to Memphis, TN | $1,049 – $1,626 | 1,470 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Billings, MT to Clarksville, TN | $1,105 – $1,594 | 1,529 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Billings, MT to Knoxville, TN | $1,177 – $1,690 | 1,750 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Billings, MT to Chattanooga, TN | $1,177 – $1,708 | 1,703 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Tennessee
| From Montana to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula, MT to Nashville, TN | $1,244 – $1,889 | 1,914 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Missoula, MT to Memphis, TN | $1,251 – $1,968 | 1,811 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Missoula, MT to Clarksville, TN | $1,239 – $1,837 | 1,871 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Missoula, MT to Knoxville, TN | $1,327 – $2,115 | 2,091 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Missoula, MT to Chattanooga, TN | $1,236 – $2,115 | 2,044 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Great Falls, MT to Tennessee
| From Montana to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT to Nashville, TN | $1,177 – $1,850 | 1,790 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Memphis, TN | $1,232 – $1,756 | 1,687 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Clarksville, TN | $1,238 – $1,868 | 1,746 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Knoxville, TN | $1,270 – $2,025 | 1,920 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Chattanooga, TN | $1,321 – $1,908 | 1,920 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bozeman, MT to Tennessee
| From Montana to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT to Nashville, TN | $1,275 – $1,797 | 1,714 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Memphis, TN | $1,161 – $1,637 | 1,609 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Clarksville, TN | $1,172 – $1,722 | 1,669 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Knoxville, TN | $1,302 – $1,968 | 1,889 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Chattanooga, TN | $1,302 – $1,893 | 1,843 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Butte, MT to Tennessee
| From Montana to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butte, MT to Nashville, TN | $1,202 – $1,726 | 1,798 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Butte, MT to Memphis, TN | $1,149 – $1,637 | 1,694 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Butte, MT to Clarksville, TN | $1,214 – $1,744 | 1,754 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Butte, MT to Knoxville, TN | $1,219 – $2,025 | 1,977 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Butte, MT to Chattanooga, TN | $1,347 – $1,928 | 1,927 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Montana to Tennessee
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Montana to Tennessee, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,579–$2,201.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Montana to Tennessee
When transporting your vehicle from the Big Sky Country to the Volunteer State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Tennessee.
- Distance and route: The journey from Montana to Tennessee spans approximately 1,788 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Montana more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Montana and Tennessee may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Montana to Tennessee should take between three and eleven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Tennessee vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Tennessee, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Montana
More than 1.1 million people call Montana home. Nicknamed 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.
Transporting your vehicle to Tennessee
About 7.1 million people are living in the Volunteer State. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Montana and delivery in Tennessee?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Montana and when dropping it off in Tennessee.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Montana to Tennessee?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Montana to Tennessee, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Tennessee, which you should verify before loading your car in Montana.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Montana to Tennessee?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Montana to Tennessee is about 1,788 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from Montana to Tennessee.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
If I have a driver’s license in Montana, will I need one in Tennessee?
To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
If I bought a car in Montana, will I be required to pay sales tax in Tennessee after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Montana to Tennessee after purchasing it.
When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Montana and Tennessee to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to Tennessee?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to Tennessee 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 Montana to Tennessee?
Shipping a car from Montana to Tennessee costs $1,263 to $1,761.
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