Missouri Auto Transport: Daily Car Shipping Routes in St. Louis, Kansas City & Springfield

• Pickup and delivery at your address across all 114 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis, or a nearby meetpoint where the truck cannot fit
• Open and enclosed transport on every major route
• Licensed broker MC-796224, USDOT 2336907, matched to FMCSA-compliant carriers
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees at pickup

Missouri Auto Transport Routes, Transit Times, and Pricing

Depending on the car's location, most pickup windows are 24 to 72 hours from when the vehicle is ready to be picked up. This window could take up to 5 days in remote areas. Missouri car shipping turnaround time for a destination under 1,000 miles is 2 to 3 days. From 1,000 to 1,750 miles, the transit time is estimated to be 4 to 6 days. From 1,750 to 2,500 miles, the transit time is estimated at 7 to 10 days.

Major Missouri Cities Served

Every city below is covered on the same terms, and so is every town between them.

• Kansas City
• St. Louis
• Springfield
• Columbia
• Independence
• Lee's Summit
• O'Fallon
• St. Charles
• St. Joseph
• Blue Springs
• St. Peters
• Joplin
• Florissant
• Wentzville
• Chesterfield
• Jefferson City
• Cape Girardeau
• Wildwood
• University City
• Liberty

Shipping a Car to Missouri

The most popular lanes into Missouri, with the transit windows this page has always published.

No page on our site publishes a price for these five lanes into Missouri yet, so each one reads Get a quote. Your quote comes back with a real, locked number.

Shipping a Car from Missouri

The most popular lanes out of Missouri. Transit windows are this page's own.

No page on our site publishes a price for these five lanes out of Missouri yet, so each one reads Get a quote. Your quote comes back with a real, locked number.

Per-Mile Pricing Guide for Missouri Routes

The same per-mile guide appears on our Texas, New York, California, and Florida pages. A simple way to sanity check any Missouri quote.

• Short distance (under 500 miles)

  $1.00 to $1.75 per mile

• Medium distance (500 to 1,000 miles)

  $0.75 to $1.00 per mile

• Long distance (1,000+ miles)

  $0.50 to $0.75 per mile

• Distance: The length of your journey is a crucial factor affecting costs, playing a significant role in determining your quote.
• Locations: Specific cities matter, with considerations such as local traffic conditions, proximity to major highways, and ease of pickup/drop-off contributing to pricing variations.
• Trailer Type: Opt for open-air transport for a more budget-friendly choice, or consider enclosed trailers for added protection, albeit at a higher cost.
• Vehicle Details: The dimensions and weight of your car are significant factors influencing the auto transport rate.
• Seasonality: Prices fluctuate throughout the year, influenced by the demand for car shipping. More active seasons might lead to slightly higher costs, depending on the chosen route.

For the most accurate Missouri auto transport rate, provide the following details:

• Your car's specifications and type
• Origin and destination cities
• If possible, flexibility with shipping dates
• Preferred trailer type (open or enclosed)

By supplying this information, you'll receive a personalized car shipping rate tailored to meet your specific needs when transporting your vehicle to or from Missouri.

Missouri Military Installations We Serve

• Fort Leonard Wood

  South-central Missouri, off I-44. Home of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and the Army's Engineer, Military Police, and CBRN schools.

• Whiteman Air Force Base

  Knob Noster, MO. Host to the 509th Bomb Wing and the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The Air Force Reserve's 442d Fighter Wing is based here too.

• 131st Bomb Wing

  Whiteman AFB, MO. Missouri Air National Guard wing, and the only Guard wing that flies the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

• Rosecrans Air National Guard Base

  St. Joseph, MO. Home of the 139th Airlift Wing and its C-130H Hercules, and of a tactics school for airlift crews.

• Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Station

  St. Louis, MO. A Missouri Air National Guard station where 131st Bomb Wing Airmen train.

• Ike Skelton Training Site

  Jefferson City, MO. Headquarters of the Missouri National Guard, in the state capital.

• Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

  Independence, MO. The military's largest maker of small-caliber ammunition, able to turn out more than one billion rounds a year.

Timing Your Shipment Around PCS Orders

PCS season runs May to August. Carrier supply tightens, prices rise, and pickup dates fill weeks ahead. Book 3 to 4 weeks out once orders are in hand. We can hold a quote for 7 days while you finalize report dates.

Know where the posts sit. Fort Leonard Wood is in the Ozarks off I-44, about 130 miles west of St. Louis and 90 miles east of Springfield. Whiteman Air Force Base is two miles south of Knob Noster, just off U.S. Highway 50, and the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings and the 442d Fighter Wing are all based there. Rosecrans is in St. Joseph, Lake City is in Independence, Jefferson Barracks is in St. Louis, and Guard headquarters is in Jefferson City. Service members who do not claim Missouri as home can show a recent Leave and Earning Statement in place of the county tax statement when they title a car here.

Military Discount and Who Qualifies

Military rate available for: active duty, reserve, National Guard, retired service members, and veterans. Mention your status on the call or in the quote form. Government bills of lading and DPS reimbursement requests are supported.

What Moves on Lowboy and Step Deck Trailers

• Graders, excavators, trenchers, and dump trucks
• Dozers, backhoes, and wheel loaders
• Cranes, lifts, and aerial booms
• Skid steers and compact track loaders
• Combines, tractors, and farm implements
• Industrial generators and pumps

Why Lowboy and RGN Transport Works for Missouri

• Height Compliance

  Lowboy decks sit 18 to 24 inches off the ground. Tall machinery clears bridges and overpasses on I-70, I-44, and I-55.

• Stability and Capacity

  Step deck and lowboy trailers carry the weight of full-size dozers, cranes, and combines without straining the suspension.

• Permit and Escort Expertise

  Carriers in our network handle MoDOT oversize and overweight permits, the routes those permits set, escort vehicles, and the holiday travel limits.

Equipment that does not fit on a step deck moves on a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailer. The front detaches so tracked machinery rolls on without ramps. Best for excavators, dozers, and equipment without functional drive systems.

Should You Drive or Ship Your Car to or from Missouri?

No route guide covers a Missouri lane yet, so we do not publish a driving cost for one. Here is how the two options compare on everything except the price.

Driving vs. Shipping, Side by Side

The transit windows are the ones this page has always published. Your quote supplies the shipping price, so the table leaves dollar figures out.

Moving to Missouri: What to Do After Your Car Arrives

Most people shipping into Missouri are relocating or reporting to Fort Leonard Wood or Whiteman. Missouri gives you 30 days, and nearly every newcomer needs a stop at the county assessor first. Here is what actually applies.

No Sales Tax on a Car You Have Owned 90 Days

Missouri's state sales tax on a vehicle is 4.225 percent, plus local sales tax. You will not owe it if you owned and drove the car in another state for at least 90 days before titling it here. Owned it for less? Show proof of the tax you paid in the other state, and pay the difference if Missouri's state and local tax is higher.

Missouri counties also collect personal property tax, and the license office checks it. As a newcomer, bring a statement of non-assessment from your county assessor, or the City of St. Louis assessor, showing you owed no Missouri personal property tax for the last year. Service members who do not claim Missouri as home show a recent Leave and Earning Statement instead.

VIN Check, Safety Inspection, and Emissions

Every car titled in another state needs an identification number and odometer inspection at an authorized Missouri inspection station. A Missouri safety inspection counts for it, and the form must be less than 60 days old.

Missouri still requires safety inspections in 2026. Since August 28, 2019, cars in their first 10 model years with under 150,000 miles are exempt. Older cars are inspected every two years: even model years in even calendar years, odd in odd. A station may charge no more than $12.

Emissions testing applies only if the car is registered in the City of St. Louis or in St. Louis, St. Charles, or Jefferson County. Gasoline cars from 1996 and newer and diesels from 1997 and newer take the test before registering, on the same even and odd year cycle, and it costs $24. Electric cars and plug-in hybrids are exempt. Regular hybrids are tested.

Insurance and License

Missouri requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. The property damage minimum rose from $10,000 on July 1, 2019. You also need uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Keep proof of insurance in the car.

Apply for a Missouri driver license as soon as you establish residency. Surrender a valid license from another state, or one expired 184 days or less, and Missouri waives the written and driving tests. You still take the road sign and vision tests.

Take the out-of-state title, Form 108, the inspection forms, proof of insurance, and the assessor's statement to any Missouri license office. Fees: $8.50 for the title and a $9 processing fee, plus yearly registration of $18.25 to $51.25 by taxable horsepower and another $9 processing fee. Electric cars add a $150 special fuel decal each year, and plug-in hybrids from 2018 and newer add $75. Check current fees with the Missouri Department of Revenue before you go.

Missouri Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our Missouri auto transport service. For everything else, see our auto transport FAQ.

• What is the cost of shipping a car to Missouri?

  The cost of shipping a car to Missouri depends on several factors, including distance, location, trailer type, vehicle details, and seasonality. Prices fluctuate throughout the year, and busy seasons may lead to slightly higher costs. In order to get the most accurate quote, you should provide the following information: your car's type and specifications, origin and destination cities, flexible shipping dates (if possible), and preferred trailer type (open or enclosed).

• How long does it take to ship a car to or from Missouri?

  Most pickup windows are 24 to 72 hours from when the vehicle is ready to be picked up. In remote areas, it could take up to 5 days. Here are some estimated transit times based on distance: under 1,000 miles, 2 to 3 days. 1,000 to 1,750 miles, 4 to 6 days. 1,750 to 2,500 miles, 7 to 10 days.

• What types of vehicles can I transport to or from Missouri?

  Number 1 Auto Transport handles all your vehicle relocation needs, from everyday cars and trucks like coupes, sedans, SUVs, and pickups to minivans and passenger vans. We've got you covered for specialty vehicles too, including electric cars, motorcycles, and all-terrain rides like ATVs and UTVs. Need your golf cart or a John Deere Tractor shipped? If it has wheels, we can ship it!

• Can I transport a car to or from Missouri if it's not running?

  Yes, carriers in our network are equipped with a winch to help pull the vehicle onto the trailer. Please let your dedicated shipping agent know if the car breaks, rolls, and steers.

• Can I pack my car when transporting it to or from Missouri?

  While some personal belongings can be transported inside your vehicle for your convenience, there are restrictions. The total weight must be under 100 pounds, and for security reasons, they should be stored in the trunk or back seat, remaining below the window line. It's important to note that any personal belongings shipped within the car are not covered by the standard transport insurance in case of damage or loss.

• Does my vehicle need to have plates when shipping it to or from Missouri?

  No, but sometimes a carrier will have to meet in a parking lot due to the size of his truck and the destination street layout. If so, you will most likely have to drive the car a few blocks.

• How should I prep my car before shipping it?

  It's recommended to wash your car so the transport carrier can do a proper inspection at pickup. Remove any toll tags so you don't incur fees while in transit. It's also best to remove any loose parts to prevent any damage during transport.

• What is the cheapest way to transport a car to or from Missouri?

  The cheapest way to ship a car to or from Missouri is on an open car trailer.

• Should I drive or ship my car to Missouri?

  If the trip is a short distance, you should consider driving it to save money. Shipping is ideal for long distances, valuable cars, or if you don't want the hassle of driving yourself.

• Is my vehicle insured when using a Missouri car shipping service?

  Yes, all the carriers in our network are vetted and screened with the DOT and FMCSA to make sure they have up to date and adequate cargo coverage to fully protect your car during transport.

• How do I get a quote for shipping my car to Missouri?

  Most car shipping carriers request a 3-day (weekday) window for pickup. Once you have your desired pickup window, provide us with the year, make, model, and we will be able to provide you with a Missouri car shipping rate.

• How do I pay for my Missouri auto transport service?

  Number 1 Auto Transport offers a variety of convenient payment methods to ensure a smooth transaction for our customers. We accept all major credit cards for your convenience. Additionally, we facilitate secure electronic transfers through established platforms (Zelle, Venmo, Cashapp, Paypal) as well as ACH and wire transfers. For alternative payment preferences, certified and bank checks are also accepted.

• What documents do I need to provide to ship my car?

  You do not need to provide any documents to ship your car. However, it is recommended to sign a Bill of Lading before the carrier leaves.

• What happens upon pick-up and delivery of my car?

  The transport carrier will conduct a thorough inspection with you at the predetermined pickup location, noting any existing dents or scratches. The same inspection will be done upon delivery.

• How far in advance do I need to schedule my Missouri car shipping service?

  To ensure we can fulfill your preferred delivery timeframe, scheduling your car shipment with ample lead time is highly recommended. Ideally, booking your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance allows for optimal planning and execution.

• Do I have to register my car in Missouri after it arrives?

  Yes, if you are moving here. You have 30 days from becoming a resident to title the car in Missouri. No sales tax is due if you owned and drove it in another state for at least 90 days. You need a VIN and odometer inspection, proof of insurance, and a statement from your county assessor. Cars registered in the St. Louis area also need an emissions test, and cars over 10 model years old or with 150,000 miles or more need a safety inspection.