Montana Auto Transport: Daily Car Shipping Routes in Billings, Bozeman & Missoula

• Pickup and delivery at your address across all 56 Montana counties, 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

Montana 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. Montana 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 Montana Cities Served

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

• Billings
• Missoula
• Great Falls
• Bozeman
• Butte
• Helena
• Kalispell
• Belgrade
• Anaconda
• Whitefish
• Livingston
• Havre
• Miles City
• Laurel
• Sidney
• Lewistown
• Columbia Falls
• Polson
• Hamilton
• Glendive

Shipping a Car to Montana

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

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

Shipping a Car from Montana

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

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

Per-Mile Pricing Guide for Montana Routes

The same per-mile guide appears on our Texas, New York, California, and Florida pages. A simple way to sanity check any Montana 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 key element influencing costs, serving as a significant determinant for 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 play a substantial role in determining 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 Montana auto transport rate, provide the following details:

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

By supplying this information, you'll receive a personalized car shipping rate tailored to meet the specific challenges of transporting a vehicle to or from Montana.

Montana Military Installations We Serve

• Malmstrom Air Force Base

  East of Great Falls, MT. Home of the 341st Missile Wing, and one of three Air Force bases that maintain and operate the Minuteman III missile.

• 40th Helicopter Squadron

  Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT. Gives the 341st Missile Wing rapid response helicopter airlift across its 13,800 square mile missile complex.

• 120th Airlift Wing

  Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, MT. Montana Air National Guard wing flying the C-130 Hercules.

• Fort William Henry Harrison

  Just west of Helena, MT. Home of the Montana Department of Military Affairs and the adjutant general's office, and a Montana National Guard post for aviation and infantry training.

• Limestone Hills Training Area

  Next to Townsend, MT. A training area run by the Montana Army National Guard and also used by Air Force bomb disposal and missile security teams.

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. Malmstrom Air Force Base is east of Great Falls, and the 120th Airlift Wing flies from the Montana Air National Guard Base in Great Falls. Fort William Henry Harrison is just west of Helena, and the Limestone Hills Training Area sits next to Townsend. Non-resident service members stationed here may keep their home state registration unless they also work a civilian job in Montana. Those who register here can claim the military tax exemption at the county treasurer's office with proof of service.

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

• Dozers and graders
• Excavators and wheel loaders
• Tractors, combines, and farm implements
• Skid steers, backhoes, and compact track loaders
• Cranes, lifts, and aerial booms
• Industrial generators and pumps

Why Lowboy and RGN Transport Works for Montana

• Height Compliance

  Lowboy decks sit 18 to 24 inches off the ground. Tall machinery clears bridges and overpasses on I-90, I-15, and I-94.

• 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 MDT oversize permits through MT eTRIPS, pilot vehicles where a permit calls for them, daylight-only travel for wide loads off the interstates, and the holiday weekend limits on the widest loads.

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 Montana?

No route guide covers a Montana 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 Montana: What to Do After Your Car Arrives

Most people shipping into Montana are relocating or reporting to Malmstrom Air Force Base or a Guard unit. Montana gives you 60 days to title and register, and no sales tax is due on the car you bring. Here is what actually applies.

No Sales Tax, but Registration and a County Option Tax

Montana does not have a general sales tax, so you pay no sales or use tax on a car you bring with you. You pay registration fees instead, and counties may add a county option tax on cars, pickups, vans, and SUVs. That tax is based on the car's original sticker price, cut by a set percentage for each year of age.

Registration for a light vehicle depends on its age: $217 for a car up to 4 years old, $87 from 5 to 10 years, and $28 at 11 years or older, plus a 3 percent administrative fee. You can register for 12 or 24 months. A car 11 years or older can be registered for good, with no renewals while you own it, by paying five times the yearly county tax or flat fee.

No Safety Inspection, No Emissions Test

Montana's steps to title and register a car list no safety inspection. Bring your out-of-state title. If a lender holds it, ask the county treasurer for a Request for Foreign Title Transfer, Form MV63, and mail it to the lender. The lender sends the title to the county office, and you finish the title and registration there.

A VIN inspection is only needed when the car's identity is in question, for a Canadian registration or a bonded title, or for a car with a salvage certificate. Emissions testing does not apply anywhere in Montana. The EPA's list of state and local emissions testing programs, updated September 18, 2026, does not include Montana.

Insurance and License

Montana requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. The 2015 Legislature last raised the property damage figure. Your agent must include uninsured motorist coverage unless you sign a form turning it down. Montana checks coverage electronically, and you must carry proof of insurance whenever you drive.

If you hold a valid license from another state, you must start your Montana license application within 60 days of moving here. Apply in person, with an appointment. Bring a hard copy of your old license to avoid testing, one proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, your Social Security number, and one proof of your Montana address. A commercial license must move over within 30 days.

Take your out-of-state title and your ID to the county treasurer's office. The title fee is $12 for a car or light truck. Montana requires two plates, one on the front and one on the back, and if the plates you want are not on hand, the county gives you a 40-day temporary permit. Non-resident service members stationed here may keep their home state registration unless they also work a civilian job in Montana. Check current fees with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division before you go.

Montana Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

  The cost of shipping a car to Montana 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 Montana?

  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 Montana?

  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 Montana 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 Montana?

  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 Montana?

  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 Montana?

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

• Should I drive or ship my car to Montana?

  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 Montana 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 Montana?

  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 Montana car shipping rate.

• How do I pay for my Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana after it arrives?

  Yes, if you are moving here. Montana requires new residents to apply for a Montana title and register their cars within 60 days of establishing residency, both at the county treasurer's office where you live. Montana has no general sales tax, so no sales tax is due on the car you bring, but registration fees and any county option tax apply. There is no safety inspection or emissions test, and the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. You also have 60 days to start your Montana driver license application.