Best Missoula Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Missoula, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Montana car shipping page.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in Missoula
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Montana, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Missoula.
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Montway Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Boise Auto Shipping Group
- Big Sky Auto Transport
- Turbo Auto Transport
- Xpress Auto Transport
- Bennett Motor Express
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Boise Auto Shipping Group
Boise Auto Shipping Group offers a wide range of services, including shipping ATVs, motorcycles, RVs, and boats. They specialize in transporting inoperable cars and provide enclosed transport for added security. Additionally, they are fully insured and provide a damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
The company boasts a high BBB rating of A+, although they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp. Their Google rating is 1.5, which indicates some customer dissatisfaction. Despite offering a variety of services, one downside is that they do not offer storage solutions, which may be inconvenient for some customers.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- AAA Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Big Sky Auto Transport
Big Sky Auto Transport (DOT: 598761) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of car shipping services. They boast high reliability with options such as enclosed transport, inoperable car transport, and motorcycle shipping, ensuring they can handle a wide range of customer needs.
Customers can appreciate that the company offers a damage-free guarantee and is fully insured, providing additional peace of mind. Notably, their Google rating stands out with an impressive 4.6, though their Yelp rating is a modest 2.2.
However, Big Sky Auto Transport does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or electric vehicle shipping, which some clients may find limiting. Overall, they remain an active and diverse player in the auto transport industry.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Turbo Auto Transport
Turbo Auto Transport (DOT: 1482475) is a car shipping company with an impressive Yelp rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the BBB. Although their Google rating is not listed, the high marks on other platforms indicate a strong reputation for customer satisfaction.
The company offers a range of services including fully insured transport, enclosed transport, and international shipping. They also provide expedited delivery options and allow payment by credit card, enhancing convenience for their customers.
However, Turbo Auto Transport does not offer services for transporting inoperable cars or terminal-to-terminal delivery, which could be a consideration for some potential clients. Despite this, their commitment to quality and range of offered services makes them a reliable choice for car transportation needs.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Xpress Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport (DOT: 3878126) specializes in a range of car shipping services, including enclosed transport, multi-car transport, electric vehicle shipping, and classic car shipping. They are fully insured and offer international shipping as well as expedited delivery options for customers needing quick service.
Customers will appreciate Xpress Auto Transport’s commitment to fully insured transports and the convenience of payment by credit card. However, they do not transport inoperable cars, which could be a downside for some customers.
While they maintain a high Google rating of 4.7, their BBB rating is an F, indicating potential areas for improvement in customer satisfaction. The company has yet to establish a rating on Yelp. Overall, Xpress Auto Transport remains an active and versatile option for car shipping needs.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Bennett Motor Express
Bennett Motor Express (DOT: 92693) is a comprehensive car shipping company offering a variety of services including electric vehicle shipping, enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and storage solutions. They also cater to specialized needs such as international shipping, motorcycle shipping, and heavy equipment shipping.
Unfortunately, the company does not offer guaranteed delivery or transport for cars that don’t run, which may be a drawback for some customers. Bennett Motor Express has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Detailed Inspection Reports
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average car shipping costs in Missoula
The average cost to ship a car from Missoula to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Missoula, Montana, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Montana to Michigan | $1,231 – $1,862 |
| Montana to New York | $1,436 – $2,126 |
| Montana to Arizona | $974 – $1,614 |
| Montana to Texas | $1,170 – $1,640 |
| Montana to Illinois | $1,087 – $1,544 |
| North Carolina to Montana | $1,464 – $2,082 |
| Georgia to Montana | $1,422 – $2,301 |
| California to Montana | $1,033 – $1,707 |
| Florida to Montana | $1,436 – $2,211 |
| Ohio to Montana | $1,293 – $1,790 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Missoula
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Missoula or to another city in Montana can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Missoula to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Missoula might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Missoula: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Missoula’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Missoula’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Missoula come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Severe winters in Missoula, Montana could increase car shipping costs due to increased fuel consumption and potential delays from snow and ice. Harsh weather conditions could also necessitate specialized equipment and additional protective measures for vehicle transportation.
Tips for choosing the right Missoula, MT, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Missoula, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Montana.
- Review insurance and safety in Missoula. Choose Missoula companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews in Missoula, Montana ensures transparency and helps avoid potential issues with car shipping companies, providing insight into the quality of service and reliability. Online feedback helps make informed decisions based on others’ experiences.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research helps ensure you find a reputable Missoula car shipping company, which is vital to avoid scams and unreliable services. It provides a better understanding of company history and customer reviews.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Missoula, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Missoula. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in Missoula. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in Missoula should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Missoula that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in Missoula who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Missoula?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Missoula, Montana, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Missoula, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Missoula?
Interstate 90. Direct route east-west. Connects to major cities. Interstate 15. North-south corridor. Access to Canada and southern states. US Route 93. Local connections. North-south flow. Efficient and straightforward highways.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Missoula car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Missoula?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Missoula. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Montana, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Montana regulations as an example. You don’t need a vehicle inspection if you’re moving to Montana.
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.
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