Cost to ship a car from Tempe to Missoula

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,194 miles from Tempe to Missoula ranges from $905 to $1,404. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Missoula, MT in 2–8 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula to Tempe car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Tempe to Missoula car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Tempe to Missoula, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Tempe to Missoula, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Tempe, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Missoula, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Tempe. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Missoula will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Tempe to the Garden City — approximately 1,194 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Tempe and Missoula can impact car shipping prices.

Tempe has very hot summers and little rainfall.

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 times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tempe to Missoula during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,194-mile distance between Tempe and Missoula and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Tempe to Missoula typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Tempe to Missoula car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Tempe to Missoula:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Tempe and Missoula vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Tempe: The oversize/overweight vehicle policy allows legal travel on City right-of-way for oversize/overweight (OS/OW) vehicle loads. Special permit requests must be received by the City at least two working days prior to the need for issuance of the permit. Application fee for excess size - $18.98
  • 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

  • Tempe: The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
  • 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

  • Tempe: Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.
  • Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.

Driver’s license

  • Tempe: If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's 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 Tempe to Missoula?

The cost to ship a car from Tempe, AZ to Missoula, MT varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Tempe to Missoula will range from $905 to $1,404.

How long will it take to ship my car from Tempe to Missoula?

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,194 miles from Tempe to Missoula. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tempe to Missoula?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tempe to Missoula. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Tempe resources