Cost to ship a car from Columbus to Missoula

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,267 miles from Columbus to Missoula ranges from $1,348 to $2,242. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Missoula, MT in 5–13 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 Columbus car shipping guide.

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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. 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.

Factors affecting Columbus to Missoula car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Columbus to Missoula, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Columbus, 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 Columbus. 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 Lowell of the South[ to the Garden City — approximately 2,267 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 Columbus and Missoula can impact car shipping prices.

Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.

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 Columbus 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 2,267-mile distance between Columbus 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 Columbus to Missoula typically takes between 5 and 13 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Columbus to Missoula car shipping companies

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

Parking permits

  • Columbus: There is some free street parking in Columbus. Some street cost between $1-$2 an hour.
  • 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

  • Columbus: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.
  • 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

  • Columbus: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.
  • Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.

Driver’s license

  • Columbus: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state 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 Columbus to Missoula?

The cost to ship a car from Columbus, GA 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 Columbus to Missoula will range from $1,348 to $2,242.

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

It will take approximately 5–13 days to ship your car the 2,267 miles from Columbus to Missoula. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Columbus resources