Best Car Shipping Companies in Charleston, SC (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Charleston, SC, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the South Carolina car shipping page.
Our track record
Top car shipping companies in Charleston, SC
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of South Carolina, these are the best auto transport companies available in Charleston:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Average cost to ship a car out of Charleston
The cost to ship a car out of South Carolina from Charleston typically starts around $1,200. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Charleston will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Charleston, South Carolina, to a different state:
Route | Cost |
---|---|
South Carolina to Georgia | $402 – $517 |
South Carolina to California | $1,358 – $2,018 |
South Carolina to Texas | $968 – $1,411 |
South Carolina to Illinois | $798 – $1,171 |
South Carolina to New York | $776 – $1,119 |
Ohio to South Carolina | $651 – $932 |
North Carolina to South Carolina | $436 – $571 |
Arizona to South Carolina | $1,175 – $1,971 |
Florida to South Carolina | $637 – $832 |
Michigan to South Carolina | $774 – $1,201 |
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.
- The 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 car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- 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.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Charleston comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Weather in Charleston can delay shipping due to thunderstorms, which are common in July and August, potentially increasing costs. High humidity and heat may also necessitate extra precautions.
Tips for choosing the right Charleston car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in Charleston with transparent pricing. This will help you avoid getting hooked in with a lowball estimate, then hit with unexpected fees upon delivery. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in South Carolina.
- Review insurance coverage and claims policies. Choose Charleston companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Be sure to ask about a company’s claims process, whether they offer multiple insurance plans, and if they provide a damage-free promise or other safety-related guarantee.
- Read customer reviews. Reading reviews from Charleston customers is essential. They offer real-life experiences and insights about the reliability and quality of car shipping services in your area. Including consumer feedback in your decision-making process helps you avoid scams and select a company with a high satisfaction rating.
- Research thoroughly. Besides reading online reviews, make sure a Charleston company is legitimate and reputable to avoid scams or bad service. Verify this by checking a car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) company snapshot, which shows USDOT licensing info, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Charleston. Make sure you are balancing service quality and pricing, rather than just opting for the cheapest quote. You should be wary of unusually low rates, which could be a sign of a lowball estimate that results in hidden costs or poor service.
- Understand shipping timelines. Review expected pickup and delivery times with Charleston car shippers to ensure their timelines are realistic and fit your shipping needs. Transport time frames will vary based on a number of factors, including the time of year and type of transport.
- Look for customized service. Charleston companies that offer add-on options like door-to-door service or expedited delivery are better able to help you create a personalized car shipping plan that works for your specific situation.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get referrals from friends or family in Charleston who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Charleston?
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Charleston?
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Charleston?
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More South Carolina car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in South Carolina, these resources should help:
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