7 Best Car Shipping Companies in Montana (2026 Cost Guide)
By Ryan Carrigan · Updated 
Fact checked by Hilary Snow
Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport tops our list for car shipping in Montana, standing out on price, service options, and reviews. Our team gave them 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Our top pickOur top picks for Montana
Our #1 pick
Nexus Auto TransportBest overall value
4.7out of 5
- GPS Tracking
- Instant Online Quotes
- Economy Option
Sherpa Auto TransportMost accurate pricing
4.5
Get a Quote
Navi Auto TransportBest for budget-conscious shippers
4.4
Get a Quote
Best car shipping companies in Montana
We've analyzed 2,500+ car shipping companies to give you unbiased recommendations for shipping your car in Montana. Our current active database tracks 612 car shipping companies nationwide, including 2 based in Montana.
| # | Company | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nexus Auto TransportNationwide | Best overall value | 4.7 |
| 2 | Sherpa Auto TransportNationwide | Most accurate pricing | 4.5 |
| 3 | Navi Auto TransportNationwide | Best for budget-conscious shippers | 4.4 |
| 4 |  SGT Auto TransportNationwide | Best for Exact Pickup Dates | 4.9 |
| 5 |  Ship A Car DirectNationwide | Best for Damage Protection | 4.4 |
| 6 |  Big Sky Auto TransportBased in Great Falls | — | 3.94 |
| 7 |  Turbo Auto TransportBased in Great Falls | — | 3.84 |
Best overall value
1. Nexus Auto Transport
4.7 / 5 moveBuddha rating
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Most accurate pricing
2. Sherpa Auto Transport
4.5 / 5 moveBuddha rating
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed.
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Best for budget-conscious shippers
3. Navi Auto Transport
4.4 / 5 moveBuddha rating
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company's transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
4. SGT Auto Transport
4.9 / 5 moveBuddha rating
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn't ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Best for Damage Protection
5. Ship A Car Direct
4.4 / 5 moveBuddha rating
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
6. Big Sky Auto Transport
3.94 / 5 moveBuddha ratingBased on 5 reviews analyzed
- 4825 53rd Avenue SW, Great Falls, MT 59404
- bigskyautotransport.com
- USDOT #598761 (FMCSA SAFER company snapshot for Big Sky Auto Transport)
Ratings on other sites
4.6 / 5 (29 reviews)
3.1 / 5 (13 reviews)
From moveBuddha's review analysis: Customers overwhelmingly praise Big Sky Auto Transport for their excellent communication, timely service, and the professionalism of their drivers. Many noted the special attention provided by the staff, making the process smooth and reassuring. However, some reviews did not mention any significant negatives, indicating overall satisfaction with the service.
What customers praise
- Excellent Communication
- Timely Service
- Professional Drivers
Common complaints
- No Major Issues Reported
Services offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Expedited delivery
- Guaranteed delivery
- Fully insured
- Damage-free guarantee
- Inoperable car transport
- Multi-car transport
- Classic car shipping
- Motorcycle shipping
- RV shipping
- Interstate
Payment and booking
Accepts credit cards. No deposit required to book.
7. Turbo Auto Transport
3.84 / 5 moveBuddha ratingBased on 5 reviews analyzed
- 5001 49th St. SW, Great Falls, MT 59404
- turboautotransport.com
- USDOT #1482475 (FMCSA SAFER company snapshot for Turbo Auto Transport)
Ratings on other sites
- 5.0 / 5 (1 review)
A+
moveBuddha's review analysis of Turbo Auto Transport: Customers consistently praise the service as the best in Great Falls, Montana, highlighting exceptional customer service and expertise in truck and trailer repairs. Some emphasize the positive atmosphere and helpful staff, underscoring their willingness to assist with vehicle needs. However, no significant complaints or issues were noted, indicating overall satisfaction with the services provided.
What customers praise
- Excellent Customer Service
- Trusted Service
- Knowledgeable Staff
Common complaints
- No Major Issues Reported
- No Complaints
- Overall Satisfaction
Services offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Expedited delivery
- Fully insured
- Interstate
- International shipping
Payment and booking
Accepts credit cards. No deposit required to book.
Montana car shipping facts
- 100%Offer open transport
100% of auto transport companies in Montana ship vehicles on open carriers, the most popular and budget-friendly method.
- 100%Offer enclosed transport
100% of Montana shippers offer enclosed transport.
- 50%Guarantee delivery
50% of Montana shippers offer guaranteed delivery, against 28% nationwide.
Average cost of transporting a car out of Montana
If you're shipping your car between Montana and another state, costs run between $475 and $2,118. Your actual price might be higher or lower based on things like the transport distance and whether you pick open or enclosed shipping.
- Short distance (under 500 miles): $475–$624
- Medium distance (500–1,500 miles): $786–$1,567
- Long distance (over 1,500 miles): $1,118–$2,118
Car shipping costs to and from Montana by route
On these routes, enclosed transport costs about 51% more than open. It's worth it for classic, luxury, or high-value cars.
| Car shipping route | Open (USD) | Enclosed (USD) | Enclosed adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana to WisconsinEnclosed adds $454 (52%) | $879 | $1,333 | +$454 (52%) |
| Montana to ConnecticutEnclosed adds $671 (49%) | $1,358 | $2,029 | +$671 (49%) |
| Montana to MichiganEnclosed adds $488 (45%) | $1,079 | $1,567 | +$488 (45%) |
| Montana to MaineEnclosed adds $733 (53%) | $1,385 | $2,118 | +$733 (53%) |
| Montana to PennsylvaniaEnclosed adds $660 (50%) | $1,311 | $1,971 | +$660 (50%) |
| Indiana to MontanaEnclosed adds $611 (55%) | $1,118 | $1,729 | +$611 (55%) |
| Vermont to MontanaEnclosed adds $707 (53%) | $1,327 | $2,034 | +$707 (53%) |
| New Mexico to MontanaEnclosed adds $387 (45%) | $864 | $1,251 | +$387 (45%) |
| New York to MontanaEnclosed adds $690 (52%) | $1,318 | $2,008 | +$690 (52%) |
| Minnesota to MontanaEnclosed adds $467 (59%) | $786 | $1,253 | +$467 (59%) |
What affects car shipping costs from Montana
Distance and shipping method drive most of the cost of shipping a car. These are the factors that move your quote up or down.
- Distance
- Shipping within Montana or to a neighboring state costs less than a cross-country haul.
- Pickup location
- Rural pickups often cost more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near big cities and interstates usually mean a lower rate.
- Your vehicle
- Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic and specialty vehicles cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 50% of Montana shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Open or enclosed
- 100% of Montana auto transporters offer open transport, and 100% offer enclosed transport. Open carriers cost less; enclosed transport protects your car from weather and road debris for a higher price. Compare open vs. enclosed transport, or see our picks for the best enclosed car shipping companies.
- Fuel prices
- Local gas prices in Montana can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average gas price in Montana is about $3.02 per gallon, according to AAA.
- Delivery time frame
- You'll pay more for a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Season
- Prices climb in peak season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather delays are more common.
How long does car shipping from Montana take?
Shipping a car within Montana typically takes one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points all affect timing, so confirm it with your shipper.
| Distance (miles) | Transit time (days) |
|---|---|
| 250 miles | 1–4 days |
| 500 miles | 1–6 days |
| 750 miles | 2–7 days |
| 1,000 miles | 2–8 days |
| 1,250 miles | 3–8 days |
| 1,500 miles | 3–9 days |
| 1,750 miles | 3–11 days |
| 2,000 miles | 4–12 days |
| 2,250 miles | 5–13 days |
| 2,500 miles | 7–15 days |
How to ship a car from Montana
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Montana.
Estimate your shipping cost
Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
Choose open or enclosed transport
Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. Our open vs. enclosed comparison covers the tradeoffs.
Verify MC/DOT licensing
Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then check them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes
Compare at least three car shippers. Ask for written quotes that spell out open or enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
Book an off-peak ship date
Summer, holidays, and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more, so book off-peak when your timeline allows.
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We've analyzed 2,500+ car shipping companies nationally. The 612 in our current active database are all rated on the same five factors.
Standard services
We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
Additional service options
We awarded extra points to companies offering unique optional services such as express delivery, assured pickup schedules, complimentary car detailing, and reimbursement for rental cars.
Customer satisfaction
We scrutinized reviews from prominent review sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to verify if a car shipping company offers services that are prompt, well-communicated, and cost-effective. Furthermore, we reviewed each company's status within the car shipping sector by checking their USDOT licensure and examining their role and standing with industry associations.
Availability
When evaluating companies, we considered the breadth of their service areas. Firms that operate in Alaska and Hawaii, beyond just the continental U.S., were rated higher than those with coverage limited to the Lower 48 states.
Scheduling and payment
We considered how easily customers can book services and predict costs with accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate deals, and additional features. Car shippers that provide binding quotes or ensure price consistency were ranked higher than those whose pricing is not as clear.
moveBuddha's car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full reviews.
- A-1 Auto Transport review
- All America Auto Transport review
- American Auto Shipping review
- AmeriFreight review
- Diesel Auto Express review
- Easy Auto Ship review
- Guardian Auto Transport review
- Montway Auto Transport review
- Mr. Car Shipper review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport review
- Nexus Auto Transport review
- Roadrunner Auto Transport review
- Sakaem Logistics review
- SGT Auto Transport review
- Sherpa Auto Transport review
- Ship A Car Direct review
- Shiply review
- United Routes review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation review
FAQs
What is the best car shipping company in Montana?
Nexus Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Montana, based on our research. We rated Nexus Auto Transport 4.7 out of 5 for its range of services, pricing accuracy, and customer reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Montana?
It depends on your route, your vehicle, and the transport type you choose, so use our car shipping calculator to compare rates for your move. The cheapest quote isn't always the best one: check what insurance and pickup window it includes.
How many car shipping companies operate in Montana?
moveBuddha tracks 2 car shipping companies based in Montana, plus national shippers that serve the state. Comparing at least three quotes can help you find the best mix of price and service for your route.
How long does car shipping from Montana take?
Shipping a car within Montana typically takes one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points all affect timing, so confirm it with your shipper.
Do Montana car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or boats?
Of the car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Montana, 50% ship motorcycles, 50% ship RVs, and 0% ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when you request quotes.
Can I ship a car internationally from Montana?
Yes. 50% of the car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Montana offer international shipping. Confirm customs requirements and delivery timelines with the carrier before booking.
Is open or enclosed car shipping better?
Open transport is cheaper and fine for most everyday cars. Enclosed transport costs more but shields classic, luxury, and high-value vehicles from weather and road debris.
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.