Cost to ship a car from Tacoma to Missoula
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 488 miles from Tacoma to Missoula ranges from $649 to $900. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Missoula, MT in 1–4 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 Missoula to Tacoma car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Tacoma to Missoula car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Tacoma to Missoula, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Tacoma to Missoula, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Tacoma, 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 Missoula, 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 Tacoma. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Missoula will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the America’s #1 Wired City to the Garden City — approximately 488 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 Tacoma and Missoula can impact car shipping prices.
Tacoma has one of the best weather in the state of Washington which is a desirable feature for residence. Humidity in Tacoma is generally tolerable. The most humid months are August, July and September which are the best months to schedule a move to avoid rainfall and snow.
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.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tacoma to Missoula 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 488-mile distance between Tacoma and Missoula 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 Tacoma to Missoula typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Tacoma to Missoula car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Tacoma to Missoula:
- 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 Tacoma and Missoula vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tacoma: Some neighborhoods have competition for a limited number of on-street parking spaces. Growing demand for parking is attributable to several factors such as increased vehicle ownership, increased residential occupancy, and increases in nearby employment and commercial/retail activity. The Residential Parking Program (RPP) is a management tool used to mitigate adverse and chronic levels of commuter or non-resident parking along streets with adjacent residential properties. All vehicles parked in a designated Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) must adhere to the posted regulations or risk being issued a corrective action. A fee based parking permit is required to park for more than two-hours in an RPZ. To contact the Residential Parking Program (RPP), please email [email protected] or call at (253) 591-5371.
- 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.
Car insurance requirements
- Tacoma: 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.
- 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Tacoma: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
- Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
Driver’s license
- Tacoma: 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.
- Missoula: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Tacoma to Missoula?
The cost to ship a car from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT 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 Tacoma to Missoula will range from $649 to $900.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tacoma to Missoula?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 488 miles from Tacoma to Missoula. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tacoma to Missoula?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tacoma to Missoula. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
