Cost to ship a car from Missoula to Chattanooga
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,046 miles from Missoula to Chattanooga ranges from $1,534 to $2,211. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Chattanooga, TN in 4–12 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 Chattanooga to Missoula car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Missoula to Chattanooga car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Missoula to Chattanooga, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Missoula to Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga 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 Scenic City — approximately 2,046 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 Chattanooga 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.
May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months.
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 Chattanooga 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 2,046-mile distance between Missoula and Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Missoula to Chattanooga car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Missoula to Chattanooga:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Missoula and Chattanooga 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.
- Chattanooga: Chattanooga city code requires that no person shall construct a driveway across any sidewalk or cut or drop any curb within the city without first obtaining a permit from the city engineer. And the location of all curb cuts, points of ingress and egress from all streets, parking and loading areas for all uses shall be approved by the traffic engineer before a building permit shall be issued. You may apply for a permit by completing this permit and emailing it to [email protected].
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.
- Chattanooga: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Chattanooga: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
Driver’s license
- Missoula: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Chattanooga: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Missoula to Chattanooga?
The cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Chattanooga, TN 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 Chattanooga will range from $1,534 to $2,211.
How long will it take to ship my car from Missoula to Chattanooga?
It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,046 miles from Missoula to Chattanooga. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Missoula to Chattanooga?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Missoula to Chattanooga. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
