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Best South Dakota 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 Dakota, giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars.

4.5 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Ships inoperable vehicles
  • Clean Car Guarantee
4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV
  • Easy online booking
4.8 / 5
  • Discount for cash payment
  • Quick shipping
  • Free car wash

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 Dakota ranges from $650 to $1,374.
  • 80.8% of South Dakota auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most common (and cheapest) method of shipping your vehicle out of state.
  • Only 21% of car shipping companies in South Dakota offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Sherpa Auto Transport.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Dakota

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 Sioux Falls or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in South Dakota:

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.5 / 5.0

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
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Insured shipping

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (224) 206-5633

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

4.8 / 5.0

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
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Long-distance and international shipping
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

AmeriFreight

4.4 / 5.0

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
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

SGT Auto Transport

4.9 / 5.0

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
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Long-distance and international shipping
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

Auto Transport by Stopwatch

3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD, 57702
3.86 / 5.0

Auto Transport by Stopwatch (DOT: 2965797) provides specialized car shipping services, including transport for classic cars, electric vehicles, and inoperable cars. The company offers both enclosed and open transport options and does not require a deposit or payment by credit card. Unfortunately, Auto Transport by Stopwatch does not provide guaranteed delivery or shipment tracking, which might be a downside for some customers.

The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. However, it maintains an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating strong customer satisfaction and reliable business practices.

Get a Quote (616) 229-1517

Services Offered

  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Classic Car Shipping

Yada Enterprises Inc

611 N Main St, Redfield, SD, 57469
3.78 / 5.0

Yada Enterprises Inc (DOT: 1255110) is an active car shipping company that provides a range of services. They offer fully insured enclosed transport, open transport, and specialize in shipping electric vehicles and classic cars. With a Google rating of 3.1 and a Yelp rating of 2.0, the company is working towards improving its customer satisfaction. However, they do not provide services for transporting cars that don’t run, which may be a downside for some customers.

Get a Quote (605) 472-3800

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Classic Car Shipping

Local car shippers in South Dakota 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.

Average cost of transporting a car out of SD

The average cost to ship a car out of South Dakota is about $820 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): $380 to $879
  • Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $676 to $998
  • Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $759 to $1318

Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Mount Rushmore State:

Route Open Enclosed
South Dakota to Ohio $823 $1,251
South Dakota to Florida $1,279 $1,954
South Dakota to Georgia $1,084 $1,549
South Dakota to Michigan $831 $1,251
South Dakota to New York $1,176 $1,646
Arizona to South Dakota $929 $1,422
Illinois to South Dakota $745 $1,129
California to South Dakota $1,247 $1,743
Texas to South Dakota $855 $1,274
North Carolina to South Dakota $1,210 $1,613

Cost factors for shipping your car from South Dakota:

  • Your move distance: Distance matters. Shipping your car within South Dakota or to nearby states is usually cheaper than long trips across the country.
  • Location: Whether you’re sending a shipment from busy Sioux Falls to a quieter South Dakota town or to another state, location affects the price. Cities may have cheaper rates, whereas remote areas in South Dakota could increase the cost.
  • Your car’s make, model, and year: Your vehicle’s size and type are important. Compact cars often cost less to ship. However, transporting a classic car from South Dakota will likely cost more due to the special care it needs.
  • Shipping options in the Mount Rushmore State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is wallet-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for South Dakota’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
  • Gas prices: With changing fuel costs, keep in mind this can impact your total expenses. Current gas prices in South Dakota could influence your shipping costs, especially over long 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 Dakota 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 Dakota car shipping routes.

FAQs

What is the most reliable car shipping company in South Dakota?

Sherpa Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in South Dakota, 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 Dakota?

The cheapest company to ship your car in South Dakota 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 Dakota, 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 Dakota?

New South Dakota residents must get a South Dakota driver’s license within 90 days of moving there.

Does South Dakota require a vehicle inspection?

South Dakota doesn’t require inspections for personal cars. However, commercial vehicles and buses must pass yearly checks. New residents must get a South Dakota driver’s license within 90 days of moving to the state.

Does South Dakota’s weather impact car shipping?

Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of South Dakota. In South Dakota, drivers must have liability insurance with at least these minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of South Dakota?

Delivery times for car shipping in South Dakota 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 Dakota, 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 Dakota?

In South Dakota, drivers need to provide proof of financial responsibility, usually through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000 per accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers injuries when the other driver has insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages work independently and do not combine.

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