Best South Carolina Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Sherpa Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in South Carolina, giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Key takeaways
- While there are several factors that influence the cost of transporting your vehicle, the average cost of shipping your car out of South Carolina ranges from $607 to $1,374.
- 69.9% of South Carolina auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most common (and cheapest) method of shipping your vehicle out of state.
- Only 24% of car shipping companies in South Carolina offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Sherpa Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in South Carolina
Our data team has spent more than 400 hours collecting and analyzing information unique to vehicle transport, including pricing quotes. We routinely evaluate that data to give you relevant, accurate, and unbiased recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
If you need to ship a car out of Charleston or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in South Carolina:
Local car shippers in South Carolina cities
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average cost of transporting a car out of SC
The average cost to ship a car out of South Carolina is about $1,055 but the exact amount you pay could be more or less, depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
For example:
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $422 to $879
- Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $759 to $879
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $920 to $1,191
Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Palmetto State:
Route | Open | Enclosed |
---|---|---|
South Carolina to Georgia | $405 | $577 |
South Carolina to Arizona | $1,337 | $2,010 |
South Carolina to Texas | $1,016 | $1,482 |
South Carolina to California | $1,304 | $2,205 |
South Carolina to Ohio | $708 | $949 |
New York to South Carolina | $762 | $1,175 |
North Carolina to South Carolina | $471 | $588 |
Michigan to South Carolina | $855 | $1,236 |
Florida to South Carolina | $636 | $900 |
Illinois to South Carolina | $803 | $1,298 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from South Carolina:
- Your move distance: Distance matters. Shipping your car within South Carolina or to nearby states is usually cheaper than cross-country transport.
- Location: Shipping from Charleston to another part of South Carolina or out of state? Your location affects the cost. Cities may have lower rates, while rural areas can increase the price.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Compact cars usually cost less to ship. However, if you’re moving a classic car from central South Carolina, expect to pay more because it needs special attention.
- Shipping options in the Palmetto State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is wallet-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for South Carolina’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Gas prices: Fuel costs can vary, impacting your total expenses. South Carolina’s current gas prices could influence your shipping costs, particularly for longer distances.
- Delivery time frame: You’ll pay more for car shipping if you need it delivered by a specific date or want it expedited.
- Discounts: Some South Carolina auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular South Carolina car shipping routes.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in South Carolina?
Sherpa Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in South Carolina, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Sherpa Auto Transport a 4.5 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in South Carolina?
The cheapest company to ship your car in South Carolina will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on
your specific needs is to use our car shipping
calculator.
Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also,
most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top
car shippers in South Carolina, AmeriFreight has the
most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in South Carolina?
If you move to South Carolina, you must get a South Carolina driver’s license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
Does South Carolina require a vehicle inspection?
In South Carolina, drivers don’t need a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
Does South Carolina’s weather impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of South Carolina. South Carolina experiences hot, humid summers and cool to mild winters. Coastal areas enjoy particularly mild winters. The state receives plenty of rain year-round. The coast has slightly wetter summers, while inland areas see the most rain in spring and autumn. Winter is the driest season statewide, with November being the driest month.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of South Carolina?
Delivery times for car shipping in South Carolina depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days.
Factors like traffic, weather conditions in South Carolina, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular needs.
Miles | Time frame |
250 | 1-4 days |
500 | 1-6 days |
750 | 2-7 days |
1000 | 2-8 days |
1250 | 3-8 days |
1500 | 3-9 days |
1750 | 3-11 days |
2000 | 4-12 days |
2250 | 5-13 days |
2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, every driver must have liability insurance. The state’s minimum limits, called 25/50/25, mean you need at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Follow these rules to drive legally and safely in South Carolina.
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