Best Columbia Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Columbia, 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.
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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 Columbia
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of South Carolina, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Columbia.
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Montway Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group
- Columbia Auto Shipping Group
- Lmr Trucking Llc
- Xpress Auto Transport
- Xpress Auto Transport
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.
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
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.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
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.
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
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.
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
SGT Auto Transport
http://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
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a wide array of services including transport for inoperable cars, enclosed and open transport, as well as international shipping. They also provide shipment tracking, expedited delivery options, and a damage-free guarantee for full peace of mind. Additionally, the company extends discounts for military personnel but does not offer discounts for teachers, seniors, students, or AAA members, which might be a downside for some customers.
The company is fully insured and offers services for transporting ATVs, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment. With a BBB rating of A+, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
Columbia Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a well-regarded car shipping company offering a wide array of services to accommodate various customer needs. They excel in providing fully insured transport for inoperable cars and electric vehicles, as well as specialized services such as enclosed and open transport, RV, boat, and motorcycle shipping. Customers benefit from a military discount and the convenience of paying by credit card or cash.
Receiving impressive ratings, Columbia Auto Shipping Group has a stellar Google rating of 5.0 and a BBB rating of A+. However, the company does not currently offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a consideration for some customers looking for added assurance. Despite this, their extensive service offerings and top-notch ratings make them a reliable choice for vehicle transportation needs.
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) is a versatile car shipping company that offers a wide array of services.
This company provides transport for various vehicle types, including ATVs, inoperable cars, electric vehicles, classic cars, RVs, and motorcycles. They ensure a damage-free guarantee and offer options for enclosed, open, and multi-car transport, along with expedited delivery and guaranteed delivery. Lmr Trucking Llc is fully insured and provides storage solutions.
Despite these comprehensive services, they do not offer a military discount, which could be a downside for service members. Additionally, the company has earned a Google rating of 4.2 but has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and 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
Xpress Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport (DOT: 3878126) offers a comprehensive array of car shipping services including enclosed transport, electric vehicle shipping, and even heavy equipment shipping. The company is fully insured and provides detailed inspection reports for their shipments, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
However, Xpress Auto Transport does not provide ATV shipping or transport for inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some clients. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- 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
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Xpress Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport offers a variety of services including international shipping, enclosed transport, and transport for electric vehicles. They are also fully insured, ensuring your vehicle is well-protected during transit.
The company does not currently offer inoperable car transport, which may be a limitation for some customers. Additionally, Xpress Auto Transport has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, which makes it difficult to gauge customer satisfaction based on these platforms.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- 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:- 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 car shipping costs in Columbia
The average cost to ship a car from Columbia to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Columbia, South Carolina, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| South Carolina to California | $1,366 – $2,197 |
| South Carolina to Texas | $1,065 – $1,599 |
| South Carolina to Georgia | $465 – $587 |
| South Carolina to New York | $837 – $1,195 |
| South Carolina to Ohio | $745 – $1,056 |
| North Carolina to South Carolina | $493 – $598 |
| Arizona to South Carolina | $1,428 – $2,106 |
| Illinois to South Carolina | $859 – $1,387 |
| Florida to South Carolina | $687 – $897 |
| Michigan to South Carolina | $843 – $1,295 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Columbia
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Columbia: 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 Columbia’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Columbia’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Columbia come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Columbia’s hot, humid summers and mild winters create potential climate-related wear, impacting protective measures and transportation logistics, potentially increasing car shipping costs. High precipitation rates throughout the year exacerbate the risk of delays and damage.
Tips for choosing the right Columbia, SC, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Columbia, 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 Columbia. Choose Columbia 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 Columbia, South Carolina ensures a car shipping company has a trustworthy reputation and reliable service. Reviews provide insights about others’ experiences.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research ensures legitimacy verification of Columbia car shipping companies to avoid scams. Reliable reviews and local insights enable informed decisions.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Columbia, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Columbia. 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 Columbia. 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 Columbia should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Columbia, 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 Columbia, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Columbia?
The most efficient interstates for shipping a car out of Columbia, SC are I-26, I-77, and I-20. I-26 connects to Charleston and Asheville. I-77 heads north to Charlotte. I-20 leads towards Atlanta and Augusta.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Columbia 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 Columbia?
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 Columbia. 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 their vehicles checked for safety, VIN, or emissions.
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:
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