Cost to ship a car from Baton Rouge to Columbia

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 734 miles from Baton Rouge to Columbia ranges from $840 to $1,158. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Columbia, SC in 1–6 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 Columbia to Baton Rouge car shipping guide.

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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 Baton Rouge to Columbia car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Baton Rouge to Columbia, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Baton Rouge, 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 Columbia, 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 Baton Rouge. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Columbia will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Red Stick to the Soda City — approximately 734 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 Baton Rouge and Columbia can impact car shipping prices.

Best months to plan a move to Baton rouge are April, October and November as these are these month have more favorable weather, while July and August are the least comfortable months which can cause discomfort during a move.

If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Baton Rouge to Columbia 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 734-mile distance between Baton Rouge and Columbia 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 Baton Rouge to Columbia typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Baton Rouge to Columbia car shipping companies

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

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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 Baton Rouge and Columbia vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Baton Rouge: There are some areas that require a parking permit. Make sure you have inquired if one is needed in the area where you are moving. Please inquire for the requirements for residential parking, You may visit their website: https://www.brla.gov/297/Spanish-Town-Parking-District-Regulation
  • Columbia: Check with the City of Columbia for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Columbia.

Car insurance requirements

  • Baton Rouge: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
  • Columbia: 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

  • Baton Rouge: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
  • Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.

Driver’s license

  • Baton Rouge: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
  • Columbia: 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 Baton Rouge to Columbia?

The cost to ship a car from Baton Rouge, LA to Columbia, 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 Baton Rouge to Columbia will range from $840 to $1,158.

How long will it take to ship my car from Baton Rouge to Columbia?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 734 miles from Baton Rouge to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Baton Rouge to Columbia?

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

Helpful Baton Rouge resources