Cost to ship a car from Missoula to Long Beach
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,223 miles from Missoula to Long Beach ranges from $929 to $1,526. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach to Missoula car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Missoula to Long Beach car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Missoula to Long Beach, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Missoula to Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach 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 Aquatic Capital of America — approximately 1,223 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 Long Beach 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.
Long Beach has hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall.
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 Long Beach 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 1,223-mile distance between Missoula and Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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.
Missoula to Long Beach car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Missoula to Long Beach:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing Missoula and Long Beach 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.
- Long Beach: THE APPLICANT AGREES THAT THE PERMIT(S) APPLIED FOR MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN ANY MANNER, EXCEPT AS A TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR USE BY VARIOUS VISITORS AND SERVICE PEOPLE TO THE APPLICANTS RESIDENCE. THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF A PERMIT IS IN VIOLATION OF LBMC SECTION 10.32.040 AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A FINE IN THE AMOUNT OF $100.00 AND ANY MISUSE OF A PERMIT IS GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION OF SAID PERMIT. NO MORE THAN 20 PERMITS MAY BE ISSUED PER CALENDAR YEAR. TWENTY-FOUR HOUR PERIOD MUST ELAPSE BETWEEN TWO CONSECUTIVE PERMITS.
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.
- Long Beach: 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.
- Long Beach: 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.
- Long Beach: 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 Long Beach?
The cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Long Beach, 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 Long Beach will range from $929 to $1,526.
How long will it take to ship my car from Missoula to Long Beach?
It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,223 miles from Missoula to Long Beach. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Missoula to Long Beach?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Missoula to Long Beach. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
