Cost to ship a car from Billings to San Jose

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,201 miles from Billings to San Jose ranges from $1,016 to $1,556. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in San Jose, CA 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 San Jose to Billings car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Billings to San Jose car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Billings to San Jose, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Billings, 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 San Jose, 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 Billings. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to San Jose will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Magic City to the Man Jose — approximately 1,201 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 Billings and San Jose can impact car shipping prices.

June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Billings, while December and January are the least comfortable months.

San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Billings to San Jose 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 1,201-mile distance between Billings and San Jose 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 Billings to San Jose 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.

Billings to San Jose car shipping companies

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

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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 Billings and San Jose vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Billings: The City of Billings Parking Division manages both on-street and off-street public parking in Downtown Billings, enforces parking rules and laws, operates and maintains three city-owned parking garages, three city-owned parking lots, and approximately 830 parking meters. Make sure to secure the necessary permits upon moving.
  • San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.

Car insurance requirements

  • Billings: 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.
  • San Jose: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.

Vehicle inspections

  • Billings: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
  • San Jose: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.

Driver’s license

  • Billings: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • San Jose: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Billings to San Jose?

The cost to ship a car from Billings, MT to San Jose, CA 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 Billings to San Jose will range from $1,016 to $1,556.

How long will it take to ship my car from Billings to San Jose?

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,201 miles from Billings to San Jose. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Billings to San Jose?

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

Helpful Billings resources