Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, SGT Auto Transport is the best car shipping
company in Charleston, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
- No hidden fees
- Exact pickup dates
- Insurance included
|
- Discount for cash payment
- Quick shipping
- Free car wash
|
- Price Lock Promise
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Clean Car Guarantee
|
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the South Carolina car shipping page.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry
to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving
companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online
consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety
of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to
ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in Charleston
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of South Carolina, these are the best auto transporting companies
available in Charleston.
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Get A Quote
(833) 775-1461
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Get A Quote
(888) 259-6046
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
SGT Auto Transport
https://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Get A Quote
(864) 492-1221
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Get A Quote
(770) 501-9057
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Get A Quote
(866) 563-0804
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC, 29229
https://autoshippinggroup.com
Columbia Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a well-rounded car shipping company that offers an array of services including RV, boat, and motorcycle shipping, as well as options for transporting inoperable cars and electric vehicles. The company is fully insured and provides detailed inspection reports for peace of mind.
Despite providing a military discount, they do not offer any discounts for teachers, students, seniors, or law enforcement. While Columbia Auto Shipping Group boasts an A+ rating with the BBB, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, which may make it challenging for potential customers to assess their reputation online.
Get a Quote
(803) 233-2806
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Lmr Trucking Llc
105 Northcreek Dr, Shelbyville, TN, 37160
http://lmrcompanies.com
Lmr Trucking Llc (DOT: 2230121) offers a range of car shipping services, including transport for inoperable cars, electric vehicles, RVs, and heavy equipment. Their diverse options also include enclosed transport, guaranteed delivery, and shipment tracking, ensuring a comprehensive and flexible shipping solution for their customers.
The company provides several discounts including military discounts, which can be appealing to service members. However, they do not accept credit card payments, which could be a downside for some customers who prefer this payment method. Additionally, Lmr Trucking Llc has a strong presence on Google with a rating of 4.2, demonstrating a positive reputation among its users.
Get a Quote
(843) 747-8880
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Hmh Logistics Llc
230 Comiskey Park Circle, Summerville, SC, 29485
http://hmhlogistics.com
Hmh Logistics Llc (DOT: 3186769) is a versatile car shipping company that offers a variety of services including enclosed transport, classic car shipping, electric vehicle shipping, and options for transporting inoperable cars. The company guarantees delivery times, provides shipment tracking, and offers expedited delivery services.
While Hmh Logistics Llc boasts a damage-free guarantee and offers trailer, motorcycle, RV, boat, and heavy equipment shipping, it does not provide services such as international shipping or ATV shipping. Additionally, the company does not offer discounts for military personnel, teachers, students, seniors, or law enforcement.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, leaving potential customers to seek out other resources for reviews. Despite the lack of some discounts and storage solutions, Hmh Logistics remains a robust option for diverse car shipping needs with a commitment to guaranteed and timely delivery.
Get a Quote
(888) 211-1506
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Andrew Auto Transport
4775 Apartment Blvd j2, North Charleston, SC, 29418
http://www.andrewautotransport.com
Andrew Auto Transport (DOT: 2241947) is a versatile car shipping company that offers a range of transport options including inoperable car transport, enclosed transport, and multi-car transport. They also cater to specialized needs such as RV, boat, motorcycle, and heavy equipment shipping, making them a comprehensive choice for various transportation requirements. Additionally, customers can pay by credit card or money order, providing flexible payment options.
While Andrew Auto Transport facilitates services such as shipment tracking and open transport, it does not offer damage-free guarantees or fully insured transport, which may be seen as a downside for those concerned about shipping reliability. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Get a Quote
(888) 579-5913
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Xpress Auto Transport
18 Broad St #340, Charleston, SC, 29401
http://www.xpressautoship.com
Xpress Auto Transport (DOT: 3878126) is a comprehensive car shipping company known for transporting a variety of vehicles, including inoperable cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, and boats. They offer both enclosed and open transport options, ensuring flexibility for diverse customer needs.
With services like expedited delivery and shipment tracking, Xpress Auto Transport aims to provide a seamless customer experience. However, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some clients. The company is fully insured, offering added peace of mind for those worried about potential issues during transport.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp, Google, and the BBB, which might make it difficult for new customers to gauge their reputation. Despite this, their wide array of services positions them as a strong contender in the car shipping industry.
Get a Quote
(866) 333-5509
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
Average car shipping costs in Charleston
The average cost to ship a car from Charleston to another state typically starts around
$1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Charleston, South Carolina,
to a different state:
Route |
Cost |
South Carolina to Illinois |
$1,058 – $1,490 |
South Carolina to California |
$1,630 – $2,756 |
South Carolina to Florida |
$828 – $1,126 |
South Carolina to Georgia |
$554 – $693 |
South Carolina to North Carolina |
$577 – $756 |
Texas to South Carolina |
$1,198 – $1,815 |
Michigan to South Carolina |
$985 – $1,609 |
Arizona to South Carolina |
$1,542 – $2,365 |
New York to South Carolina |
$970 – $1,384 |
Ohio to South Carolina |
$880 – $1,199 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Charleston
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Charleston or to another city in
South Carolina can be
more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the
bustling downtown of Charleston to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger
vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Charleston might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Charleston: You can choose from standard open-air transport to
more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against
Charleston’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on
Charleston’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from
Charleston come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Hot, humid summers and mild winters make weather-related delays less common, potentially lowering car shipping costs. High temperatures and thunderstorms in summer might increase rates slightly due to increased demand and risk.
Tips for choosing the right Charleston, SC, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Charleston, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid
unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect
to pay around $1,100 in South Carolina.
- Review insurance and safety in Charleston. Choose Charleston companies with comprehensive
insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its
journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews in Charleston is essential to gauge a car shipping company’s reliability and service quality. Reviews provide firsthand insights on experiences, helping you make an informed decision.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research ensures you verify the legitimacy of Charleston car shipping companies and avoid potential scams or unreliable services. It also helps identify honest reviews and compare costs effectively.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and
registration status. In Charleston, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in
Charleston. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden
costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by
companies in Charleston. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage
during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in
Charleston should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Charleston that offer customizable
options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in
Charleston who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your
decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Charleston?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Charleston, South Carolina, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Charleston, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Charleston?
Interstate 26 connects Charleston to I-95. Interstate 95 runs north-south along the East Coast. Interstate 526 provides a loop around Charleston. Interstate 20 connects to major routes westward.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Charleston car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Charleston?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance
before taking your vehicle out of Charleston. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping
your car out of South Carolina, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take South Carolina regulations as an example. In South Carolina, drivers don’t need to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicles.
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.
More car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in South Carolina, these resources should help: