Cost to ship a car from Missoula to Olympia
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 516 miles from Missoula to Olympia ranges from $645 to $951. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Olympia, WA in 1–6 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 Olympia to Missoula car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Missoula to Olympia car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Missoula to Olympia, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Missoula to Olympia, 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 Olympia, 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 Olympia 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 Oly — approximately 516 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 Olympia 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.
July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
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 Olympia 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 516-mile distance between Missoula and Olympia 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 Olympia typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Missoula to Olympia car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Missoula to Olympia:
- 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 Olympia 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.
- Olympia: If you live in or near downtown, you may register your personal vehicle for on-street parking within your residential zone. Residents and visitors must be registered and parked within their zone to avoid receiving a parking citation. Make sure you are able to secure the proper permit upon moving. Please see more details here: https://www.olympiawa.gov/services/parking_services/residential_parking.php
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.
- Olympia: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Olympia: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
Driver’s license
- Missoula: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Olympia: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Missoula to Olympia?
The cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Olympia, WA 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 Olympia will range from $645 to $951.
How long will it take to ship my car from Missoula to Olympia?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 516 miles from Missoula to Olympia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Missoula to Olympia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Missoula to Olympia. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
