Car Shipping in Montana: 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 Montana, follow these simple steps to keep it safe and avoid extra charges:

• Clean the vehicle inside and out. A tidy car makes it easier to spot any pre‑existing dents or scratches.
• Remove all personal items. Take out loose objects, toll passes, GPS units, and anything that could shift or break during transport.
• Check fluid levels. Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full and that oil, coolant, and brake fluid are at normal levels. This reduces weight and prevents leaks.
• Document the condition. Take photos of all angles and note any existing damage. This protects both you and the carrier.
• Disable alarms and anti‑theft devices. Provide the carrier with a working key (or remote) so they can access the vehicle if needed.
• Secure loose exterior parts. Remove or tighten antennas, bike racks, roof racks, and spare tires that could get caught.

For a more detailed checklist, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth, damage‑free transit across Montana’s wide-open roads.

Yes. When you ship a vehicle with Sakaem Logistics in Montana, the carrier must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that the carrier’s policy is active and in good standing before the truck leaves the terminal. This coverage protects your car against loss or damage while it is in transit.

If you have personal auto insurance, you can also check with your insurer to see whether they extend coverage to shipped vehicles. In any case, the carrier’s insurance is the primary protection for the shipment.

Schedule early, but not too early. In Montana we recommend booking your pickup at least two weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to bundle your vehicle with other shipments in the same area, which often lowers cost and secures a reliable slot. During peak moving months (May‑September) and around holidays, aim for three to four weeks ahead to avoid limited availability.

If you wait until the last minute, you can still find a carrier, but options are fewer and rates are typically higher. Booking early also lets you choose a convenient pickup window and gives you time to prepare your car (remove personal items, check fluid levels, etc.).

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.

Open transport uses a standard flatbed with side rails. It’s the most common method and typically costs 30‑50% less than enclosed shipping. Vehicles are exposed to weather, road debris, and wind, but carriers secure them with strong tie‑down straps. Open transport is ideal for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs that are in good condition and not extremely valuable.

Enclosed transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This shields the car from rain, snow, dust, insects, and road salt—especially important during Montana’s harsh winters. The price is usually 50‑70% higher than open transport. Enclosed shipping is best for classic, collector, high‑value, or custom‑paint vehicles, as well as cars that will sit outdoors after delivery.

Key differences:

• Price: Enclosed costs about 1.5‑1.7× the price of open.
• Protection: Enclosed provides full coverage; open offers only tie‑down security.
• Weather impact: Open cars can get wet or dusty; enclosed keeps the interior dry.
• Availability: Open carriers are plentiful across Montana; enclosed carriers are fewer, so scheduling may take longer.
• Vehicle suitability: Open for standard, low‑value vehicles; enclosed for high‑value or delicate finishes.

Choose the method that matches your vehicle’s value, condition, and your budget. Both options follow the same licensing and insurance standards, so you’ll be covered either way.

Yes. Sakaem Logistics offers door‑to‑door auto transport throughout Montana.

When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will travel to those locations, load your vehicle, and drive it to the drop‑off point you provided.

If a road, bridge, or local regulation makes a direct address unsafe, the driver will coordinate a nearby safe spot—such as a gas station, truck stop, or public parking lot—so you still get a convenient hand‑off.

Our service works for cars, trucks, SUVs, and even classic or oversized vehicles, provided they can be safely loaded onto a carrier.

Because we are a scrappy, customer‑focused team that started in 2012 to break the broker monopoly, we keep costs low and keep you informed at every step.

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!