($1,288) Cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to Billings, MT
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,462 miles from San Antonio, Texas, to Billings, Montana, will run you about $1,288 to $1,770. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings to San Antonio 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 San Antonio to Billings car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from San Antonio to Billings:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in San Antonio
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in San Antonio, TX:
- San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers Sn Antn: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- National Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Transport Austin: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Scott Transportation Inc: 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.
Car shipping alternatives from TX to MT
Getting your car from San Antonio to Billings can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from San Antonio to Billings, 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 1,462-mile drive from San Antonio to Billings 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Texas to Montana, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from San Antonio to Billings safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Billings, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting San Antonio to Billings car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from San Antonio to Billings can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from San Antonio to Billings, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from San Antonio 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 Billings? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from San Antonio. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Billings will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,462 miles from San Antonio to Billings will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Texas.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in San Antonio and Billings can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
San Antonio has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Billings, while December and January are the least comfortable months.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from San Antonio to Billings during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,462-mile drive between San Antonio and Billings, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from San Antonio to Billings typically takes between three and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing San Antonio and Billings vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Antonio: Parking permits are only required for the downtown area. Be sure to purchase your permit at least 7 days before your move to avoid any issues.
- Billings: The City of Billings Parking Division manages both on-street and off-street public parking in Downtown Billings, enforces parking rules and laws, operates and maintains three city-owned parking garages, three city-owned parking lots, and approximately 830 parking meters. Make sure to secure the necessary permits upon moving.
Car insurance requirements
- San Antonio: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Billings: 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 inspections
- San Antonio: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Billings: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
Driver’s license
- San Antonio: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Billings: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Antonio to Billings?
The cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to Billings, MT 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 San Antonio to Billings will range from $1,288 to $1,770.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Antonio to Billings?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,462 miles from San Antonio to Billings. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Antonio to Billings?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Antonio to Billings. 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 San Antonio to Billings?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from San Antonio to Billings 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 1,462-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.
5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US
1100 Nw Loop 410 # 700, Castle Hills, TX 78213 US
8610 N New Braunfels Ave Suite S-607, San Antonio, TX 78217 US
1704 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701 US
20085 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78023 US