Car Shipping in Missouri: 2025 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We’re a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Before your car leaves Missouri, follow these simple steps to keep it safe and avoid delays:

• Gather paperwork. Have the vehicle title, registration, and a copy of your insurance ready. The carrier will need a valid key, so keep it handy.
• Clean the car. Wash the exterior and remove any trash from the interior. A clean vehicle makes it easier to spot pre‑existing damage.
• Take photos. Snap clear pictures of all angles, including any dents or scratches. Store them for your records.
• Secure loose items. Take out toll tags, toll‑pass devices, GPS units, aftermarket alarms, roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, and any other accessories that could shift or break.
• Check fluids and battery. Ensure the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full, the battery is charged, and there are no leaks.
• Disable alarms. Turn off any anti‑theft systems that might trigger during transport.
• Document any special instructions. If you have a low‑clearance vehicle or need a specific loading method, let the carrier know ahead of time.

For a full checklist, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured while it’s being shipped in Missouri. All carriers we work with must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before a carrier is assigned to your move, we verify that their insurance policy is current, active, and meets these minimums for the entire duration of the shipment.

If you want extra protection, you can purchase optional additional coverage through our partner insurers, but the baseline coverage above already protects you against loss or damage caused by the carrier.

Plan ahead. We suggest booking your Missouri pickup at least 14 days before you need the car moved. During busy times—summer, holidays, and month‑end—you may want to reserve 3–4 weeks in advance so carriers can fit your load into a route and give you the best rate.

Booking early also lets you:

• Secure a carrier that services your exact pick‑up and drop‑off locations.
• Take advantage of lower prices before demand spikes.
• Have time to prepare paperwork, insurance, and any required inspections.

If you wait until the last minute, you may face limited carrier options, higher costs, or longer transit times. So, as soon as your moving dates are firm, post your shipment.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our Auto Transport Process Article for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.

When you ship a vehicle to or from Missouri you can choose between open and enclosed auto transport. Both use the same carrier network, but the level of protection and cost differ.

Open Transport

• Vehicles are loaded on a standard multi‑car trailer with the top exposed.
• Cost is the most affordable option—typically 30%–50% less than enclosed.
• Ideal for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs that are not highly valuable or custom painted.
• Provides basic protection from rain and wind, but the vehicle is exposed to road debris, dust, and occasional weather extremes.
• Widely available; most carriers in Missouri have open trailers ready to go.

Enclosed Transport

• The vehicle rides inside a fully covered trailer, shielding it from all external elements.
• Price is roughly 50% higher than open transport because of the added protection.
• Best for classic cars, high‑value imports, custom‑paint jobs, or any vehicle you want to keep pristine.
• Offers protection from debris, salt, road grime, and extreme weather (snow, hail, intense sun).
• Availability can be limited in peak season, so booking early is recommended.

In short, choose open transport for routine moves and budget‑friendly shipping, and opt for enclosed transport when your car’s value or condition warrants extra care. Both methods are regulated and insured, so you’ll receive reliable service whichever you pick.

Yes—Sakaem Logistics provides door‑to‑door auto transport for any vehicle moving to or from Missouri. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses you prefer. If those locations are reachable, our carrier will collect the car at your doorstep and drop it off at the destination doorstep.

If a road, bridge, or local regulation makes a direct address unsafe or impossible, we will work with you to choose a nearby, convenient spot such as a well‑lit parking lot, a gas station, or a truck‑stop. This ensures your vehicle stays protected while still keeping the process simple.

Our team has been fighting the broker monopoly since 2012, offering competitive rates and transparent service. Hundreds of satisfied customers have left high‑rating reviews that back up our promise of reliable, hassle‑free door‑to‑door shipping.

In short, you get a clear price, a scheduled pickup, safe transport, and delivery right to the address you choose—no hidden steps, no surprise fees.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don’t run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics’ FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!