Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,935 miles from Pennsylvania to Montana ranges from $1,272 to $2,069. Expect the trip to take around three–eleven 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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The best Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to Montana:
Safe Auto Trucking LLC has received numerous customer reviews highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Many customers praised their professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional communication throughout the vehicle transport process. Specific team members, such as Terry, Peter, and Alvin, received high marks for being responsive and attentive to customers' needs. However, some customers reported significant issues with pricing, often citing "bait and switch" tactics where initial quotes were dramatically increased last minute. This inconsistency in pricing and communication has led to frustration and mistrust among certain customers, urging potential clients to be cautious before engaging their services.
Customers consistently praised the exceptional customer service provided by representatives like Felicia, Heidi, and Kimberly, highlighting their professionalism, communication skills, and empathy during the vehicle transportation process. However, some reviews pointed out issues related to pricing practices and difficulties in finding carriers within promised time frames, leading to frustration for some customers.
Royal Auto Ship is often praised for their outstanding customer service, responsiveness, and ability to ensure safe and timely vehicle transport. Numerous customers commend the professionalism and support received from representatives such as Tim, Scott, and Oscar Harris. However, some reviews highlight issues with certain drivers and unexpected costs during the shipping process, emphasizing the importance of clear communication. Overall, many customers highly recommend this service for reliable vehicle shipping.
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 Pennsylvania to Montana
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Pennsylvania 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.
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,935 extra miles on your car to travel from Pennsylvania to Montana. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania to Montana auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Pennsylvania and Montana. The average journey covers about 1,935 miles and takes roughly three to eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA to Montana
Shipping an SUV or truck from Pennsylvania to Montana
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Pennsylvania to Montana, the price usually falls between $1,590 and $2,586.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Pennsylvania to Montana
If you’re shipping a car from the Keystone State to the Big Sky Country, keep these cost factors in mind:
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:
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 Montana.
Distance and route:
The trip from Pennsylvania to Montana covers roughly 1,935 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
Time of the year:
Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Pennsylvania in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
Fuel prices:
Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Pennsylvania and Montana.
Delivery expectations:
Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is three–eleven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Montana, 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: 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.
More than 13.0 million people call Pennsylvania home.
Nicknamed the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
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 Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania and when dropping it off in Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Pennsylvania to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements.
When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
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 Pennsylvania to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day.
The trip from Pennsylvania to Montana is about 1,935 miles,
and that’s as fast as about 4 days.
However, most car transport companies will take
three to eleven days
to travel from Pennsylvania to Montana.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to Montana?
Shipping a car from Pennsylvania to Montana costs $1,272 to $2,069.