Billings
I-90, I-94 · To Cheyenne, WY: $500–$650Billings is Montana's largest city and the junction of I-90 and I-94. It's the easiest place in eastern Montana to get a car picked up.
Car Shipping in Montana: 2026 Costs, Transit Times & Vetted Carriers
Shipping a car to Bozeman after a move, out of Billings, or across the Continental Divide on I-90. See what Montana routes cost, how long they take, and which carriers Montana shippers rate highest.
Updated Reviewed by Transportvibe Editorial Team
How much does it cost to ship a car in Montana?
Shipping a standard sedan to or from Montana costs $375–$1,625 on open transport in 2026, depending on distance. In-state moves run $350–$625, regional moves to neighboring states $425–$800, and coast-to-coast routes $1,275–$1,625. Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.
- Transit time: 1–3 days in state, 5–8 days coast to coast.
- Cheapest months: January and February. Summer is busiest; winter mountain passes can cause delays.
- Main carrier corridors: I-90, I-15 and I-94.
- Average cost, sedan, open
- $375–$1,6252026 estimate, depends on distance
- Average transit time
- 1–8 daysPickup to delivery
- Cheapest months
- January and FebruaryLowest demand for Montana routes
- Enclosed transport adds
- 40–60%Over open-carrier price
Montana car shipping costs by route
Typical open-carrier prices for a standard sedan on the most-quoted Montana routes. SUVs and pickups usually add $100–$250.
| Route | Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT to Miami, FL | 2,500 mi | $1,275–$1,625 | $1,850–$2,600 | 5–8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Boise, ID | 300 mi | $425–$550 | $625–$875 | 1–3 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Fargo, ND | 820 mi | $700–$875 | $1,025–$1,400 | 2–4 days |
| Boston, MA to Billings, MT | 2,230 mi | $1,200–$1,525 | $1,750–$2,450 | 5–8 days |
| Billings, MT to New York, NY | 2,110 mi | $1,150–$1,475 | $1,675–$2,350 | 4–7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Missoula, MT | 1,040 mi | $775–$1,000 | $1,125–$1,600 | 2–4 days |
| Atlanta, GA to Bozeman, MT | 1,950 mi | $1,100–$1,400 | $1,600–$2,250 | 4–7 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Billings, MT | 210 mi | $375–$475 | $550–$750 | 1–3 days |
What changes the price of shipping a car in Montana
Distance
Montana's towns are far apart, and many sit hours from an interstate. Carriers charge more for long detours, so meeting the truck in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman or Helena can lower the price.
Mountain passes
I-90 crosses several passes, including Lookout, Homestake and Bozeman. Snow and ice from October through April can delay carriers.
New residents
Bozeman, Missoula and the Flathead Valley have drawn many new residents from other states. Inbound demand is strongest in summer.
Seasonal tourism
Summer traffic around Yellowstone and Glacier fills roads and can slow carriers in July and August.
Shipping a car to and from Montana's main cities
Montana is huge, and carriers stick to I-90, I-15 and I-94. Towns between the interstates can be hours from the nearest carrier route.
I-90I-15I-94US-93
Schematic, not to scale. Tap a city to jump to it.
Missoula
I-90, US-93 · To Boise, ID: $425–$550Missoula is western Montana's hub, on I-90 between Spokane and Butte. The University of Montana adds August and May student moves.
Bozeman
I-90 · To Boise, ID: $475–$600Bozeman has grown quickly with remote workers and new residents. Montana State University and Yellowstone traffic add seasonal demand, and Bozeman Pass can slow winter carriers.
Great Falls
I-15 · To Boise, ID: $500–$650Great Falls is on I-15 north of Helena. Malmstrom Air Force Base brings regular military moves.
Helena
I-15 · To Boise, ID: $475–$600The capital sits on I-15 between Butte and Great Falls. State government moves keep demand steady.
Kalispell
US-93 · To Boise, ID: $500–$625Kalispell and the Flathead Valley, near Glacier National Park, are far from the interstates. Carriers usually reach them on US-93 from Missoula, so expect higher prices and longer scheduling.
Highest-rated car shipping companies serving Montana
Ranked by TrustScore, using FMCSA records and reviews from people who shipped to or from Montana. Companies cannot pay to change their rank.
See every company that ships to and from Montana
Compare FMCSA-checked brokers and carriers side by side by TrustScore, verified Montana reviews, insurance and complaint history.
TrustScore weighs reputation, on-time performance, pricing accuracy, customer experience and FMCSA compliance. Companies cannot pay to change their score; sponsored placements are always labeled. How TrustScore works.
Open or enclosed transport for Montana?
Most Montana shipments go on open carriers. Choose enclosed when the car's value, finish or clearance makes road exposure a real risk.
| Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Montana price | $375–$1,625 | $550–$2,600 |
| Truck availability | High on I-90, I-15 and I-94. Fastest scheduling in the larger metros. | Lower. Often routed through the nearest major hub, so allow extra days. |
| Protection | Exposed to weather, road grime and debris | Fully covered. Shields against gravel, road salt and mountain-pass debris. |
| Best for | Daily drivers, leases, used cars, most relocations | Classics, exotics, show cars, low-clearance and new luxury vehicles |
| Insurance limit (typical) | $100,000–$250,000 cargo coverage | $250,000–$1,000,000 cargo coverage |
Best time to ship a car in Montana
Typical demand for Montana routes by month. Higher demand means higher prices and longer waits for a truck.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High demandModerateLow
Summer brings new residents and tourists, the busiest season. Fall is often the best balance of price and road conditions. Winter can slow mountain routes significantly.
How shipping a car in Montana works
Compare quotes
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIPs. Compare companies by TrustScore, Montana reviews and price, not price alone.
Verify and book
Check the company's USDOT or MC number and insurance. Get the pickup window, price and deposit terms in writing.
Prepare the car
Remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank, and photograph every side in daylight.
Inspect at delivery
Walk around the car with the driver and note any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
Moving to Montana with a car
What to do after your car arrives. Requirements can change, so confirm with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.
- Register and title your vehicleNew residents register [VERIFY: new-resident registration deadline] through the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. Bring your out-of-state title or lienholder details, ID and proof of Montana insurance.
- Switch to a Montana driver licenseHandled by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. Most states expect this within the same window as registration.
- Carry Montana minimum insurance[VERIFY: minimum liability insurance limits]
- Inspections and emissionsMontana has no state safety or emissions inspection for passenger vehicles.
Montana car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Montana?
Shipping a sedan to Montana costs $375–$1,625 on an open carrier in 2026. Shorter moves within the state run about $350–$625, while cross-country routes cost $1,275–$1,625. SUVs, pickups, non-running cars and enclosed transport cost more.
How long does it take to ship a car to or from Montana?
Most Montana shipments are delivered in 1–3 days within the state, 2–5 days to neighboring states, and 5–8 days coast to coast. Add one to five days for the carrier to schedule pickup, more for rural addresses far from an interstate.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car in Montana?
The cheapest option is an open carrier with flexible pickup dates, booked two to three weeks ahead. Meeting the driver near I-90, I-15 and I-94 instead of at a remote address usually lowers the price and shortens the wait.
Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?
Someone aged 18 or older needs to be present at both ends to hand over or receive the keys, inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading. It doesn't have to be you, but it should be someone you trust to note damage before signing.
Does Montana require an inspection for a car shipped from another state?
No. Montana has no state safety or emissions inspection for passenger vehicles. You'll need to title and register the car through your county treasurer.
Why is it more expensive to ship a car to rural Montana?
Carriers have to leave the interstate and drive long distances to reach many Montana towns. Meeting the truck in a larger city usually costs less.
How do I check that a Montana car shipping company is legitimate?
Look up the company's USDOT or MC number on FMCSA and confirm its operating authority is active and insurance is on file. Then check its TrustScore and reviews from people who shipped to or from Montana. Be cautious of quotes far below market and of companies asking for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned.
Keep planning
Neighboring states
Popular Montana routes
- Montana to Florida
- Florida to Montana
- Montana to Massachusetts
- Massachusetts to Montana
Guides and tools
- Open vs enclosed car shipping
- How to prepare your car for shipping
- What is a Bill of Lading?
- Car shipping in every state
Ready to ship your car in Montana?
Compare quotes from FMCSA-checked companies Montana shippers trust. Free, no obligation.