($1,302) Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Missoula, MT
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,394 miles from Richmond, Virginia, to Missoula, Montana, ranges from $1,302 to $2,072. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula to Richmond 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 Richmond to Missoula car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Richmond to Missoula:
- 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 Richmond
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Richmond, VA:
- Safemile Auto Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Richmond Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Quality Services Moving: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Sweetie Boy Delivers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Safemile Auto Transport
500 E Main St 16th floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 US
safemileautotransport.com
3.66 / 5.0
Customers frequently commend Safemile for their excellent communication, professional service, and timely deliveries. However, some express initial anxiety about trust in the shipping process before experiencing the service firsthand.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3813643
Richmond Auto Shipping Group
1518 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-virginia/richmond
3.62 / 5.0
Auto Shipping Group receives praise for its excellent communication, punctual delivery, and strong customer service. Customers appreciated the timely pickup and careful handling of their vehicles, with specific commendations for staff members like Jason and Ali. However, there were few instances of confusion initially concerning the moving process, which was clarified through good support.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Quality Services Moving
10595 Furnace Rd # 140, Lorton, VA 22079 US
qsmoving.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers commend the professionalism, teamwork, and efficient service of the moving teams, highlighting their care in packing and communication. However, some report significant issues, including poor customer service, damage to property, and unprofessional behavior during the move.
Services Offered
- International shipping
- Storage solutions
Additional Information
Alternative Business Names
- Quality Midwestern Holdings, Inc.
Sweetie Boy Delivers
4001 Carolina Ave, Richmond, VA 23222 US
sweetieboydelivers.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2106834
Auto Driveaway
6802 Paragon Pl Suite 410, Richmond, VA 23230 US
autodriveaway.com/richmond
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
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 VA to MT
Relocating from Richmond to Missoula means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Richmond to Missoula, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 2,394 miles from Richmond to Missoula might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Virginia to Montana. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Richmond. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Missoula.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Missoula is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Richmond to Missoula car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Richmond to Missoula, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Richmond to Missoula, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Missoula, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Richmond is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Missoula will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 2,394 miles from Richmond to Missoula will cost more than a shorter move within Virginia.
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
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Richmond and Missoula can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is rather uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dry periods lasting several weeks sometimes occur, especially in autumn, when long periods of pleasant, mild weather are most common.
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.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Richmond to Missoula 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 2,394-mile drive between Richmond 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 Richmond to Missoula takes five to thirteen days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Richmond and Missoula vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Richmond: This application is to be used to request a parking permit in the City of Richmond. Please complete the parking permit application to be approved for your event. Before you submit your application to the Richmond Police Permit Office, make sure that the following steps have been completed: Parking Permit Application must be received to the Police Department at least three (3) business days prior to the requested date and times. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to have the appropriate no parking signs affixed to a pole or signage in the exact area that the parking permit lists for the special occasion or event. The parking signs must be in position no less than 48 hours prior to the event or occasion. Please Note: The No Parking Signs may be purchased from the two companies that are listed on the parking permit application.
- 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
- Richmond: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- 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
- Richmond: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
Driver’s license
- Richmond: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- 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 Richmond to Missoula?
The cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA 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 Richmond to Missoula will range from $1,302 to $2,072.
How long will it take to ship my car from Richmond to Missoula?
It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,394 miles from Richmond to Missoula. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Richmond to Missoula?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Richmond 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 Richmond to Missoula?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Richmond 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 2,394-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.
