Price ranges by vehicle class for the main lanes into Montana. The carrier sets the price.
Key facts
Who sets the price
The carrier
How distance is measured
Approximate road distance: the straight line plus 20%
As of 2026-11-10. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 state population centers; approximate road distance is straight-line distance increased by 20%
Routes into Billings, MT, using the largest city in each origin state. Distances are approximate.
Route
Vehicle
Open transport
Enclosed transport
California
Sedan or compact car
$679–$1,035
$1,019–$1,553
California
SUV or crossover
$719–$1,096
$1,079–$1,644
California
Pickup or large SUV
$815–$1,242
$1,223–$1,863
California
Van or minivan
$727–$1,107
$1,090–$1,661
California
Heavy-duty or oversized vehicle
$760–$1,158
$1,139–$1,736
California
Motorcycle
$643–$980
$965–$1,471
Washington
Sedan or compact car
$572–$872
$859–$1,308
Washington
SUV or crossover
$606–$923
$909–$1,385
Washington
Pickup or large SUV
$687–$1,046
$1,030–$1,570
Washington
Van or minivan
$612–$933
$918–$1,399
Washington
Heavy-duty or oversized vehicle
$640–$975
$960–$1,463
Washington
Motorcycle
$542–$826
$813–$1,239
Texas
Sedan or compact car
$783–$1,194
$1,175–$1,791
Texas
SUV or crossover
$829–$1,264
$1,244–$1,895
Texas
Pickup or large SUV
$940–$1,432
$1,410–$2,149
Texas
Van or minivan
$838–$1,277
$1,257–$1,915
Texas
Heavy-duty or oversized vehicle
$876–$1,335
$1,314–$2,002
Texas
Motorcycle
$742–$1,131
$1,113–$1,696
Florida
Sedan or compact car
$797–$1,215
$1,196–$1,823
Florida
SUV or crossover
$844–$1,286
$1,266–$1,929
Florida
Pickup or large SUV
$957–$1,458
$1,435–$2,187
Florida
Van or minivan
$853–$1,299
$1,279–$1,949
Florida
Heavy-duty or oversized vehicle
$891–$1,358
$1,337–$2,038
Florida
Motorcycle
$755–$1,151
$1,133–$1,726
Within the state, from Missoula
Sedan or compact car
$379–$578
$568–$866
Within the state, from Missoula
SUV or crossover
$401–$611
$602–$917
Within the state, from Missoula
Pickup or large SUV
$455–$693
$682–$1,039
Within the state, from Missoula
Van or minivan
$405–$618
$608–$926
Within the state, from Missoula
Heavy-duty or oversized vehicle
$424–$646
$636–$968
Within the state, from Missoula
Motorcycle
$359–$547
$538–$820
As of 2026-11-09. RideShipper estimate, updated 2026-11-09, based on 3,588 prices that customers reported paying in MoveAdvisor reviews, adjusted for U.S. diesel at $6.13 a gallon for that week (U.S. Energy Information Administration). In testing, the typical difference between an estimate and a reported price was about 20% of the estimate. This is an estimate, not a quote: the carrier sets the price. No pickup date was supplied, so this estimate uses November 2026. There is no seasonal direction adjustment for this route and month.
The Montana Department of Transportation lists designated chain areas, not a blanket rule on every mile. On I-90 the signed areas include Lookout Pass at the Idaho line, Homestake Pass, Cardwell Hill, Bozeman Hill, and Aberdeen Hill at the Wyoming line. On I-15 they include Elk Park Hill, southbound only, and Boulder Hill. U.S. 2 has Yaak Hill and Marias Pass. U.S. 12 has Lolo Pass and MacDonald Pass. A California, Washington, or Colorado truck uses these mountain segments. Check 511mt.net the day the truck rolls.
What does a posted chain rule require?
MDT may require chains whenever it decides conditions are unsafe. When a chains-required sign is posted, a vehicle towing a trailer must chain the drive wheels of one axle. MDT lists AutoSocks as an approved alternative. From October 1 through April 30, a towing unit of 26,001 pounds or more must carry chains or an approved device in areas where chains may be required. That carry rule does not apply to a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Studded tires are allowed from October 1 through May 31. A closed pass holds the truck until the restriction lifts.
Where should you meet the driver?
Towns are far apart, and a multi-car trailer often cannot turn around on a ranch road or a short residential street. Common practice is to meet in a wide lot the driver can enter and leave. Set that point before pickup day. The location list includes Canada crossings such as Sweetgrass-Coutts, Roosville, and Piegan-Carway. A shipping quote does not clear the car. The owner still has to meet the border rules for that vehicle.
Bases, auctions, and plates
Malmstrom Air Force Base is the installation on the list. Military OneSource says a privately owned vehicle moved inside the contiguous states is largely the member's expense, with exceptions. Confirm the order with the transportation office. Auction areas are listed for Billings and Missoula. New residents title and register within 60 days of establishing residency, at the county treasurer. Steps are on the Montana registration page.
