South Carolina to Montana Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,137 miles from South Carolina to Montana usually costs between $1,302 and $2,150. Transit time is about four–twelve days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Montana to South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Montana car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from South Carolina 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 South Carolina
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in South Carolina that can relocate your vehicle to Montana:
- Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Hmh Logistics Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-south-carolina/columbia
3.7 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise the excellent communication, professionalism, and seamless experiences provided by Auto Shipping Group. The team is described as helpful and reliable, with cars arriving undamaged and often ahead of schedule. However, there were no prominent negative aspects reported by customers.
Services Offered
- 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
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Hmh Logistics Llc
230 Comiskey Park Circle, Summerville, SC 29485 US
hmhlogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3186769
Andrew Auto Transport
4775 Apartment Blvd j2, North Charleston, SC 29418 US
andrewautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
The company is widely criticized for its lack of professionalism and inferior service delivery. Customers feel frustrated with the overall performance and question the company's reliability.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2241947
Xpress Auto Transport
1614 Taylor St #340, Columbia, SC 29201 US
xpressautoship.com/city/columbia-south-carolina
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
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 South Carolina to Montana
Ship it with your movers
When moving from South Carolina 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
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 2,137 miles to your car on the trip from South Carolina to Montana. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from South Carolina to Montana, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
South Carolina to Montana auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in South Carolina and Montana. The trip typically spans 2,137 miles and takes about four–twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to Montana
| From South Carolina to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC to Billings, MT | $1,368 – $2,067 | 2,121 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Charleston, SC to Missoula, MT | $1,301 – $2,149 | 2,462 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Charleston, SC to Great Falls, MT | $1,298 – $2,073 | 2,289 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Charleston, SC to Bozeman, MT | $1,284 – $2,157 | 2,261 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Charleston, SC to Butte, MT | $1,275 – $2,051 | 2,345 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Montana
| From South Carolina to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC to Billings, MT | $1,275 – $2,115 | 2,011 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Columbia, SC to Missoula, MT | $1,288 – $2,029 | 2,353 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Columbia, SC to Great Falls, MT | $1,263 – $2,067 | 2,180 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Columbia, SC to Bozeman, MT | $1,381 – $2,046 | 2,152 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Columbia, SC to Butte, MT | $1,390 – $2,157 | 2,236 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from North Charleston, SC to Montana
| From South Carolina to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston, SC to Billings, MT | $1,368 – $2,067 | 2,112 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Missoula, MT | $1,381 – $2,043 | 2,454 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Great Falls, MT | $1,271 – $2,115 | 2,280 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Bozeman, MT | $1,364 – $2,157 | 2,253 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Butte, MT | $1,288 – $2,199 | 2,337 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mount Pleasant, SC to Montana
| From South Carolina to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Billings, MT | $1,276 – $2,170 | 2,123 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Missoula, MT | $1,394 – $2,064 | 2,465 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Great Falls, MT | $1,284 – $2,010 | 2,291 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Bozeman, MT | $1,284 – $2,157 | 2,264 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Butte, MT | $1,288 – $2,177 | 2,348 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rock Hill, SC to Montana
| From South Carolina to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill, SC to Billings, MT | $1,283 – $1,908 | 1,983 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Missoula, MT | $1,381 – $2,135 | 2,325 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Great Falls, MT | $1,263 – $2,046 | 2,151 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Bozeman, MT | $1,328 – $2,005 | 2,123 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Butte, MT | $1,390 – $1,989 | 2,208 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Carolina to Montana
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 South Carolina to Montana, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,628–$2,688.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Carolina to Montana
When moving your vehicle from the Palmetto State to the Big Sky Country, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Montana.
- Distance and route: Traveling from South Carolina to Montana involves roughly 2,137 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of South Carolina, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between South Carolina and Montana may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within four–twelve days, but expedited options cost more.
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.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from South Carolina
More than 5.4 million people call South Carolina home. Nicknamed the Palmetto State. South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina and when dropping it off in Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Carolina to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
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 South Carolina to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Carolina to Montana is about 2,137 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from South Carolina to Montana.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Montana?
Shipping a car from South Carolina to Montana costs $1,302 to $2,150.
