South Carolina to Montana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,137 miles from South Carolina to Montana usually costs between $1,335 and $2,057. 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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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Montana to South Carolina car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Montana:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in South Carolina

Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in South Carolina can deliver your vehicle to Montana:

  1. Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
  2. Hmh Logistics Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Columbia Auto Shipping Group

136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US

starstarstarstarstar3.7 / 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.

Get a Quote (803) 233-2806

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

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 211-1506

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

Andrew Auto Transport

4775 Apartment Blvd j2, North Charleston, SC 29418 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (888) 579-5913

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

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (803) 710-4354

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

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

If you need to ship your car from South Carolina for a move to Montana, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.

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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 2,137 miles to your vehicle on the route from South Carolina to Montana. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or 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

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.

South Carolina 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 South Carolina and Montana. The average journey covers about 2,137 miles and takes roughly four to 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 $1,309 – $1,977 2,121 miles 4 – 12 days
Charleston, SC to Missoula, MT $1,257 – $2,056 2,462 miles 5 – 13 days
Charleston, SC to Great Falls, MT $1,241 – $2,023 2,289 miles 5 – 13 days
Charleston, SC to Bozeman, MT $1,318 – $2,084 2,261 miles 5 – 13 days
Charleston, SC to Butte, MT $1,361 – $1,960 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 $1,334 – $1,925 2,011 miles 4 – 12 days
Columbia, SC to Missoula, MT $1,296 – $2,166 2,353 miles 5 – 13 days
Columbia, SC to Great Falls, MT $1,284 – $1,977 2,180 miles 4 – 12 days
Columbia, SC to Bozeman, MT $1,232 – $2,017 2,152 miles 4 – 12 days
Columbia, SC to Butte, MT $1,292 – $2,105 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 $1,335 – $2,037 2,112 miles 4 – 12 days
North Charleston, SC to Missoula, MT $1,283 – $2,139 2,454 miles 5 – 13 days
North Charleston, SC to Great Falls, MT $1,241 – $2,002 2,280 miles 5 – 13 days
North Charleston, SC to Bozeman, MT $1,305 – $2,125 2,253 miles 5 – 13 days
North Charleston, SC to Butte, MT $1,296 – $2,084 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 $1,219 – $2,037 2,123 miles 4 – 12 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Missoula, MT $1,334 – $2,180 2,465 miles 5 – 13 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Great Falls, MT $1,331 – $1,962 2,291 miles 5 – 13 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Bozeman, MT $1,357 – $2,002 2,264 miles 5 – 13 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Butte, MT $1,309 – $2,001 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 $1,314 – $1,919 1,983 miles 3 – 11 days
Rock Hill, SC to Missoula, MT $1,270 – $2,022 2,325 miles 5 – 13 days
Rock Hill, SC to Great Falls, MT $1,309 – $2,017 2,151 miles 4 – 12 days
Rock Hill, SC to Bozeman, MT $1,296 – $2,118 2,123 miles 4 – 12 days
Rock Hill, SC to Butte, MT $1,254 – $1,962 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 $1,669–$2,571.

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: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
  • Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from South Carolina to Montana.
  • Distance and route: The route from South Carolina to Montana is about 2,137 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from South Carolina in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
  • Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between South Carolina and Montana.
  • 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

Moving to Montana means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.

  • 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 $1,335 to $2,057.

Helpful South Carolina resources