Missouri Car Shipping: 2026 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.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Missouri is straightforward. Start by removing any toll transponders, such as those used on the Gateway Arch toll bridge or other state toll roads. These devices can malfunction during transport and should be safely stored at home.

Since Missouri experiences cold winters, remove snow chains, ice scrapers, and roof racks before shipping. Check your vehicle for salt and road treatment residue on the undercarriage and clean it off—this prevents corrosion during transit and protects the carrier's equipment.

For all Missouri shipments, you should also:

• Remove or secure any loose interior items, floor mats, and personal belongings
• Take off exterior accessories like spoilers, custom bumpers, or aftermarket mirrors
• Ensure you have a spare key available for the carrier
• Check tire pressure and top off your coolant, especially if shipping during winter months
• Document your vehicle's current condition with photos for your records

For more detailed guidance on the entire shipping process, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. Taking these steps ensures your car arrives in the best possible condition.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously because we know how important your vehicle is to you. Since 2012, we've worked to make car shipping transparent and fair—and that includes making sure your car has real protection on the road.

For Missouri car shipments, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers time to find other shipments heading the same direction and can help you get better rates.

Winter weather is the biggest factor for Missouri scheduling. From November through March, ice storms and snow can delay pickups, especially in northern Missouri. If you're shipping during winter months, add an extra week to your timeline to account for weather delays and reduced carrier availability.

Summer heat waves (typically July and August) can also affect scheduling. Carriers sometimes run fewer routes during extreme heat to protect vehicles. Plan ahead during these months if possible.

College move season (late May through August) creates high demand in Missouri, especially near universities like Mizzou in Columbia and Washington University in St. Louis. If you're shipping during these months, book even earlier—aim for 3-4 weeks out.

Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) see reduced carrier availability across the state. Schedule at least a month ahead if you need pickup during these times.

The bottom line: Post your shipment as soon as you know your timeline. The earlier you schedule, the more carrier options you'll have and the better your chances of getting competitive pricing. Even if you don't need pickup for a few weeks, getting on carriers' radars early helps them plan routes that include your vehicle.

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 guide on shipping a car with personal items 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. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open Auto Transport uses a standard flatbed trailer that carries multiple vehicles at once. Your car is exposed to weather, road debris, and dust during transit. This option is the most affordable choice and works well for everyday vehicles that can handle normal road conditions.

Enclosed Auto Transport uses a covered trailer that fully protects your vehicle. Your car stays shielded from weather, debris, and dirt throughout the journey. This costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but provides extra protection.

When to choose each option: Pick open transport for standard sedans, trucks, and SUVs where cost matters most. Choose enclosed transport if you're shipping a classic car, luxury vehicle, custom paint job, or any vehicle you want maximum protection for.

Both methods are safe and reliable ways to ship your car to or from Missouri. The best choice depends on your vehicle's value and your budget.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Missouri. When you book with us, tell us your pickup and delivery addresses, and we'll work to pick up and deliver your vehicle right where you need it.

Keep in mind that some locations may have restrictions due to safety or access issues. If that's the case, your carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative spot, like a gas station or parking lot. We're transparent about these challenges upfront so there are no surprises.

Since 2012, we've been committed to giving you real value and cutting through the complexity that big brokers create. Our highly rated reviews show we deliver on that promise.

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!