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. Here's what you need to do:

Remove Toll Transponders: If your vehicle has an E-ZPass or any toll transponder, remove it before shipping. These devices can malfunction during transport and may incur charges.

Address Winter Residue: Missouri winters mean salt and road treatment chemicals on your vehicle. Wash your car thoroughly before shipping to remove salt buildup, which can cause rust and corrosion during transit. Pay special attention to the undercarriage.

Check Tire Pressure and Fluids: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and your coolant levels are adequate. Temperature changes during transport can affect tire pressure, so starting with the correct pressure helps prevent issues.

Remove Personal Items and Accessories: Take out all personal belongings, toll passes, and loose items from inside the vehicle. Remove or secure any exterior accessories like roof racks, spoilers, or custom trim that could be damaged or lost in transit.

Provide Access: Make sure you have a working key available to give the carrier. The driver needs to be able to move your vehicle on and off the transport trailer.

Document Your Vehicle's Condition: Take photos of your car from multiple angles before pickup. This protects you and provides a clear record of its condition before shipping.

For more details about the full car shipping process, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during shipment. All carriers in our network are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we assign a carrier to your shipment, we verify that their insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your move.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process in Missouri. We take this seriously because we know your vehicle matters to you.

For car shipping in Missouri, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance. This gives carriers time to bundle your shipment with others heading in the same direction, which helps you get better rates.

Winter Weather Considerations
If you're shipping during Missouri's winter months (November through March), book even earlier if possible. Ice storms and heavy snow can impact carrier schedules, especially in northern Missouri. Carriers may experience delays or need to reroute, so extra lead time helps ensure your vehicle moves smoothly.

Summer and Spring Peak Seasons
Spring and summer see higher shipping demand across Missouri, particularly around May through August when families relocate for jobs and school moves. College students also drive demand during May graduation season and August move-in periods. Book at least three weeks ahead during these months to secure your preferred pickup date.

The Bottom Line
The sooner you schedule, the better. Post your shipment as soon as you know your timeline. This gives carriers the flexibility to match your vehicle with others on their routes, which means better pricing for you and more reliable service. While we can often accommodate shorter notice requests, planning ahead puts you in the driver's seat.

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 Transport is the most common and affordable option for shipping cars in Missouri. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other cars, exposed to weather and road conditions. It's reliable for most vehicles and everyday situations.

Enclosed Transport costs significantly more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but shields your car from the elements and road debris. This option is best for high-value vehicles, classics, or cars with custom paint jobs that need extra protection.

The key difference: Open transport prioritizes affordability and works well for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport prioritizes protection and peace of mind for cars you can't risk damaging. Choose based on your vehicle's value and your comfort level with exposure to weather and debris during transit.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Missouri. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations whenever possible.

We understand that some addresses may have limitations due to road access, size restrictions, or safety concerns. If that's the case, our team will work with you to find a nearby alternative location, such as a gas station or parking lot, that works for everyone.

Since 2012, we've been committed to making car shipping simple and affordable for people across Missouri. We cut through the complexity that big brokers created, and 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!