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:
Sherpa Auto Transport
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.
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
AmeriFreight
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.
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Montway Auto Transport
montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
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.
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Easy Auto Ship
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.
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
Customers can benefit from expedited delivery and shipment tracking, ensuring a reliable and swift service experience. A potential downside is the lack of a damage-free guarantee, which may be a consideration for some customers looking for additional assurance. Despite this, Columbia Auto Shipping Group stands out with their broad service offerings and top-tier customer ratings.
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
Lmr Trucking Llc (DOT: 2230121) offers a range of comprehensive car shipping services. They provide damage-free guarantees, classic car shipping, and even cater to vehicles that don’t run. Additionally, they offer trailer, RV, and heavy equipment shipping, while ensuring shipments are fully insured and providing detailed inspection reports.
However, the company does not accept cryptocurrency or cash payments, which may be a drawback for some customers. Lmr Trucking Llc has earned a respectable Google rating of 4.2 but has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the BBB.
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
Hmh Logistics Llc (DOT: 3186769) offers a comprehensive range of car shipping services, including open and enclosed transport, guaranteed delivery, and specialized shipping for motorcycles, RVs, heavy equipment, and classic cars. They are also equipped to handle inoperable cars and offer a damage-free guarantee for added peace of mind.
Despite these extensive services, some customers might find the lack of international shipping and storage solutions to be a downside. Additionally, Hmh Logistics Llc only holds a Google rating of 4.0, as they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
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
Andrew Auto Transport (DOT: 2241947) specializes in a diverse range of car shipping services including interstate, boat, motorcycle, and heavy equipment shipping. They also offer options for both open and enclosed transport as well as services for classic cars and inoperable vehicles. While they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or fully insured services, they do support international shipping and accept various payment methods like cash, credit cards, and money orders.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp but holds a Google rating of 1.0. Unfortunately, they do not offer senior, military, or student discounts, which may be a downside for some budget-conscious customers.
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
Xpress Auto Transport (DOT: 3878126) offers a comprehensive range of car shipping services, including international shipping, enclosed transport, and the ability to handle inoperable cars. In addition to these, they also provide specialized services for classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and heavy equipment.
This company does not require paying by cash or money order, but they do accept credit card payments. However, it’s worth noting that they do not offer discounts for seniors, teachers, students, or AAA members, which might be a downside for some customers.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, leaving potential customers to rely on direct reviews and feedback from other sources.
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
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 | $518 – $653 |
| South Carolina to Michigan | $958 – $1,470 |
| South Carolina to Florida | $780 – $1,018 |
| South Carolina to Ohio | $796 – $1,177 |
| South Carolina to Illinois | $998 – $1,493 |
| New York to South Carolina | $895 – $1,290 |
| Arizona to South Carolina | $1,639 – $2,441 |
| Texas to South Carolina | $1,211 – $1,746 |
| North Carolina to South Carolina | $544 – $721 |
| California to South Carolina | $1,698 – $2,702 |
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: The frequent summer thunderstorms in Charleston could delay shipping schedules, potentially increasing costs due to longer transit times or additional storage fees. Hot and humid weather could also necessitate extra precautions, raising costs.
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 insights into the reliability and quality of local car shipping services. By including this feedback in your decision-making, you can avoid scams and select a company with high customer satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Besides reading online reviews, ensure that a Charleston company is legitimate and reputable to avoid scams or poor service. Verify this by checking the car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) company snapshot, which includes USDOT licensing information, 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
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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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