Cost to ship a car from Missoula to Chula Vista

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,284 miles from Missoula to Chula Vista ranges from $987 to $1,467. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Chula Vista, CA in 3–8 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 Chula Vista to Missoula car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Missoula to Chula Vista car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Garden City to the Chula Vista — approximately 1,284 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 Missoula and Chula Vista can impact car shipping prices.

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.

Like the rest of lowland San Diego County, Chula Vista has a semi-arid climate, with Mediterranean characteristics, though the winter rainfall is too low and erratic to qualify as an actual Mediterranean climate.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Missoula to Chula Vista 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 1,284-mile distance between Missoula and Chula Vista 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 Missoula to Chula Vista typically takes between 3 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Missoula to Chula Vista car shipping companies

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

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 Missoula and Chula Vista vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • Chula Vista: Park cards are available for the Downtown Parking District. Cards are available for purchase at the Chula Vista Finance Department. Park cards can be purchased in any denomination and can be used at any on-street meter or municipal parking lot.

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Chula Vista: 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

  • Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
  • Chula Vista: 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

  • Missoula: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • Chula Vista: 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 Missoula to Chula Vista?

The cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Chula Vista, 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 Missoula to Chula Vista will range from $987 to $1,467.

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

It will take approximately 3–8 days to ship your car the 1,284 miles from Missoula to Chula Vista. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Missoula resources