($856) Cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City, UT to Missoula, MT
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Shipping a car 524 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Missoula, Montana, typically costs between $856 and $1,132. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Missoula car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Salt Lake City to Missoula:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Salt Lake City
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Salt Lake City, UT:
- Redman Van & Storage: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Freight Tec Management Group: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport Group LLC: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Redman Van & Storage
2571 W 2590 S, West Valley City, UT 84119 US
redmanvan.com
3.84 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised Redman Van and Storage for their exceptional service, efficiency, and professionalism. Positive remarks highlighted the crew's care in handling items and timely communications. However, some customers expressed discontent with certain placement of items after delivery, indicating a need for improvement in final positioning during move-ins.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 877758
Freight Tec Management Group
190 N. Main St, Ste 225 Bountiful, UT 84010 US
freight-tec.com
3.78 / 5.0
Freight Tec receives significant negative feedback regarding unexpected charges and poor communication, while some customers praise their personalized and efficient service.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 179548
Alternative Business Names
- Freight Tec Management Group Inc
- Freight Tec Express Transport
- Freight Tec
- AFL/Advantage Rail Program
Auto Transport Group LLC
1621 W 2550 N, Ogden, UT 84404 US
atglc.com
3.52 / 5.0
The overall sentiment for the company is predominantly negative due to several complaints about incompetency and disrespect in customer interactions, particularly related to transport and storage mishandlings.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
AMPM Auto Transport
165 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 US
ampmautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Needed to get a car shipped across the country in a rush. AMPM was able to get it done very easily! Geo needs a raise he was very helpful during the whole process, he is exactly who you want to speak with when handling something of this nature. 5 Stars for Geo! Getting my car shipped was a mission. After 2 companies flaked on me just because they gave me a ridiculously low quote, so they can bait and switch me, or cancel. Luckily I contacted these guys in Salt Lake City and they actually did their Job! John gave me ...ound AMPM Auto. We are really glad to trust them our vehicles. We will work again soon. Not recommended for car transport. We scheduled 3 weeks in advance. We were told that someone would pick up on a specific date. It had not been scheduled for that day...
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2247310
Alternative Business Names
- AMPM Auto Transport, Inc.
Ceva Logistics
6792 W 700 N # 7, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
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 UT to MT
Getting your car from Salt Lake City to Missoula 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 Salt Lake City to Missoula, 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
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 524 miles from Salt Lake City to Missoula can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Utah to Montana. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Salt Lake City. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Missoula.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Missoula, 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 Salt Lake City to Missoula car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Salt Lake City to Missoula, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Salt Lake City to Missoula, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Missoula, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Salt Lake City. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Missoula will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 524 miles from Salt Lake City to Missoula will cost more than a shorter move within Utah.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Salt Lake City and Missoula can impact car shipping prices.
June, September and May are the most pleasant months in Salt Lake City, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Missoula, these are the best months to plan to move while you might hold off moving between December and January as these are the least comfortable months in Missoula.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Salt Lake City to Missoula during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 524-mile drive between Salt Lake City and Missoula, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Salt Lake City to Missoula takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Salt Lake City and Missoula vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Salt Lake City: Certain areas within the city, like hospitals, universities, etc. attract non-residents to seek parking in/near residential areas. This can sometimes place undue hardship on area residents and property owners by contributing to excess noise, air pollution, litter, traffic hazards, congestion and severe shortage of available on-street parking spaces. By preventing all day, (non-resident) vehicle parking in a qualifying area, it can address these problems. Make sure to secure a parking permit if needed in the area where you will move. You can apply online at Citizen Portal (Register for an account and Login before it will give you the option to apply.), or mail your application and supporting documentation to Transportation Division, 349 South 200 East, Ste. 150, SLC UT 84111. If you have any questions, please call our office at 801-535-6630 or e-mail stacey.luna@slcgov.com.
- Missoula: Commercial Permit - The commercial permit allows a vehicle to park at a meter without putting money into the meter for up to two hours. Special Service Permit - The special service permit allows a utility company’s vehicle to park at a meter without putting money into the meter for four hours. Loading Zone Permit - The loading zone permit allows a vehicle to park in a loading zone for 20 minutes. Contractor Code - A contractor code allows an authorized vehicle to park at in a metered parking space for a reduced contractor rate. This is mainly used for construction, maintenance, and moving. Residential Parking Permit - Parking permits for the Residential Parking Permit district are available online here. (see map of U of M Residential Parking area) (PDF) For further information about parking permits, please contact the Missoula Parking Commission at (406) 552-6250.
Car insurance requirements
- Salt Lake City: In Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.
- Missoula: 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
- Salt Lake City: Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.
- Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
Driver’s license
- Salt Lake City: In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full license.
- Missoula: 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 Salt Lake City to Missoula?
The cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City, UT to Missoula, 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 Salt Lake City to Missoula will range from $856 to $1,132.
How long will it take to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Missoula?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 524 miles from Salt Lake City to Missoula. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Missoula?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Salt Lake City to Missoula. 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 Salt Lake City to Missoula?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Salt Lake City to Missoula 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 524-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.
