Cost to ship a car from Tucson to Charleston

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,041 miles from Tucson to Charleston ranges from $1,490 to $2,421. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Charleston, SC in 4–12 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Charleston to Tucson car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

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. 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.

Factors affecting Tucson to Charleston car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Tucson to Charleston, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Tucson to Charleston, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Tucson, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Charleston, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Tucson. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Charleston will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Old Pueblo to the Holy City — approximately 2,041 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Tucson and Charleston can impact car shipping prices.

Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.

Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tucson to Charleston during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,041-mile distance between Tucson and Charleston and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Tucson to Charleston typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Tucson to Charleston car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Tucson to Charleston:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Tucson and Charleston vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Tucson: Your move in the City of Tucson may require a temporary construction permit. The price for a one day permit is currently $1.25.
  • Charleston: Resident property owners may renew Residential Parking Permits and single-day Visitor Permit Booklets by mail. Applications should be mailed to the following for immediate processing and handling: Revenue Collections 180 Lockwood Boulevard Suite 234 To schedule your appointment with The Parking division, please click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/22parkingappts

Car insurance requirements

  • Tucson: The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
  • Charleston: In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.

Vehicle inspections

  • Tucson: Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.
  • Charleston: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.

Driver’s license

  • Tucson: If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.
  • Charleston: If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Tucson to Charleston?

The cost to ship a car from Tucson, AZ to Charleston, SC varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Tucson to Charleston will range from $1,490 to $2,421.

How long will it take to ship my car from Tucson to Charleston?

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,041 miles from Tucson to Charleston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tucson to Charleston?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tucson to Charleston. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Tucson resources