Best South Dakota Car Shipping Companies (2025 Cost Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Apr 13, 2025
12 min read

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

get a quote

4.4 / 5

Services all 50 states
Ships most vehicles
Discounts available

get a quote

4.5 / 5

13 yrs experience
Ship boat, RV, ATV
Easy online booking

get a quote

4.9 / 5

No hidden fees
Exact pickup dates
Insurance included

get a quote

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 $607 to $1,374.
97.9% 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 24% 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

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

Founded in 2015
2,500+ car shipping 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
AmeriFreight
Montway Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport
Easy Auto Ship
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
Yada Enterprises Inc

Sherpa Auto Transport

sherpaautotransport.com

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

AmeriFreight

amerifreight.net

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

Montway Auto Transport

montway.com

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

SGT Auto Transport

sgtautotransport.com

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

Easy Auto Ship

diytransport.com

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

Auto Transport by Stopwatch

3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD, 57702

stopwatchusa.com

3.8 / 5.0

Auto Transport by Stopwatch (DOT: 2965797) offers a range of specialized services, including shipping for classic cars, inoperable car transport, and electric vehicle shipping. They provide both open and enclosed transport options, catering to various customer needs.

Notably, the company has earned a prestigious A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, which potential customers might find helpful in evaluating their service quality.

A potential downside for some customers is that Auto Transport by Stopwatch does not offer international shipping or terminal-to-terminal delivery. Despite this, they remain a viable option for those needing specialized car transport services within the United States.

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

yadaenterprises.net

3.76 / 5.0

Yada Enterprises Inc (DOT: 1255110) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of vehicle transport services including interstate and electric vehicle shipping. Their service offerings include the convenience of enclosed transport and classic car shipping, ensuring the protection of valuable vehicles during transit.

Prospective customers should note that Yada Enterprises Inc does not offer a damage-free guarantee or shipment tracking, which might be a point of concern for some.

With a Yelp rating of 2.0 and a Google rating of 3.1, the company’s reputation varies among customers, and it currently holds no rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

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:

Sioux Falls

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.

moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews

For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:

Average cost of transporting a car out of SD

The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in South Dakota is about $1,103 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): $607 to $879
Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $759 to $1,318

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

Route	Open	Enclosed
South Dakota to Michigan	$968	$1,564
South Dakota to Illinois	$895	$1,290
South Dakota to Ohio	$950	$1,504
South Dakota to Arizona	$1,084	$1,609
South Dakota to Georgia	$1,275	$1,770
New York to South Dakota	$1,316	$1,899
Florida to South Dakota	$1,447	$2,209
Texas to South Dakota	$929	$1,499
California to South Dakota	$1,328	$1,873
North Carolina to South Dakota	$1,290	$1,806

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 longer trips across the country.
Location: Shipping costs vary depending on your location. Sending items from busy Sioux Falls might be cheaper, while shipping to or from remote South Dakota towns could be more expensive.
Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Shipping a compact car is often less expensive. However, if you’re moving a classic car from South Dakota, expect to pay more because it needs special handling.
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: Remember, fluctuating fuel costs can impact your overall expenses. South Dakota’s gas prices could influence your shipping costs, especially for long distances.
Delivery time frame: If you need a guaranteed delivery date or faster service, you’ll end up paying more for car shipping.
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 residents of South Dakota must get a South Dakota driver’s license within 90 days.

Does South Dakota require a vehicle inspection?

South Dakota doesn’t require inspections for passenger vehicles, but 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 are required to show proof of financial responsibility, usually through car insurance. Essential 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 from drivers with too little insurance. Note: Coverages do not stack; they work separately.