Find the Best Car Shipping Companies in Missoula, MT

How to choose car shipping companies in Missoula

Missoula, the state’s second-largest city and home to the University of Montana, has people moving to and from all over the U.S. Those who own a car can avoid the long drive and mileage on the odometer by using auto transport services.

When choosing an auto transporter in Missoula, you can deal with either a carrier or broker. Carriers operate the trucks that move the vehicles. Brokers are companies that coordinate with a network of carriers to schedule shipments.

Why work with a broker?	Why work with a carrier?
Prescreened carriers	Possibly lower costs
More scheduling and geographic flexibility	Accurate quotes and scheduling
Customer service-focused	Direct communication with the shipper

Both brokers and carriers that operate between different states need to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have an MC Docket number. Carriers transporting vehicles between states need a USDOT number. You can verify both on the FMCSA website.

Besides considering licensing, check that a car shipping company in Missoula:

• Is insured so you’re financially protected during transport
• Transports your make and model of car
• Ships door to door (when possible)
• Is available on your desired shipping date
• Has open and enclosed shipping options
• Lets you track progress of your vehicle while it’s in transit
• Provides a guaranteed price quote

Read reviews of auto transport companies in Missoula to find out if previous customers were satisfied with scheduling, pickup, communication during transport and delivery. You can also ask people you trust if they have recommendations for car transport in Missoula.

How much does car shipping cost in Missoula?

Car shipping cost in Missoula ranges from $600 to $1,200, depending on a host of factors:

• Shipping distance and location: Shipping cost increases as transportation distance increases. Also, transporting from and/or to a more remote area costs more.
• Time of year: Auto transport during the summer and winter is generally more expensive.
• Scheduling flexibility: A pickup window of several days is standard. If you want guaranteed pickup and/or drop-off dates or if you need expedited shipping, expect to pay more.
• Enclosed vs. open transport: Enclosed shipping, which protects a car from road debris and weather, is significantly more expensive than open transport.
• Vehicle size: Larger vehicles cost more to transport than smaller ones.
• Vehicle operability: Car transporters ship cars that don’t work at an extra cost.

Estimated transport rates to/from Missoula

From	To	Estimated cost
Washington state	Missoula	$653
California	Missoula	$883
Arizona	Missoula	$883
Colorado	Missoula	$745
Texas	Missoula	$975
Missoula	Washington state	$607
Missoula	Arizona	$975
Missoula	Minnesota	$1,021
Missoula	New York	$1,205
Missoula	California	$837

Note: Based on shipping a large, operable sedan in an open carrier with availability 45 days in advance.

Get quotes from several car shipping companies in Missoula before choosing one based on total overall value, not lowest price. Be sure you understand when payment is due and what the cancellation policy is.

Enclosed vs. open car shipping

Most car shipping companies in Missoula offer both open and enclosed transport. Open transport is the more common, less expensive option, easier-to-schedule option, but your car will be exposed to the weather and road debris. Enclosed shipping places a car inside a trailer. Enclosed shipping is most often used for luxury and antique cars.

How long does it take to ship a car?

Shipping a car to or from Missoula usually takes between one and 10 days. Before your car is shipped, you’ll receive an estimated delivery date and a way to track your car while it’s en route. Keep in mind the arrival date and time can change if your transporter is slowed by traffic or weather.