Cost to ship a car from St. Paul to Charleston

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,309 miles from St. Paul to Charleston ranges from $1,115 to $1,720. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Charleston, SC in 3–8 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 St. Paul car shipping guide.

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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. 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 St. Paul to Charleston car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from St. Paul to Charleston, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving St. Paul, 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 St. Paul. 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 Pigs Eye to the Holy City — approximately 1,309 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 St. Paul and Charleston can impact car shipping prices.

St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog

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 St. Paul 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 1,309-mile distance between St. Paul 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 St. Paul to Charleston typically takes between 3 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

St. Paul to Charleston car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from St. Paul 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 St. Paul and Charleston vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • St. Paul: Construction or commercial vehicles with special permits may park in a metered space without payment between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Those without a permanent special permit are subject to ticketing if the meter has expired. Commercial Vehicle Permits are issued by license inspectors, are numbered, and expire one year after issuance. This placard shall be placed between the driver’s side dashboard and windshield ensuring that the entire placard is visible through the windshield.
  • 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

  • St. Paul: Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
  • 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

  • St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
  • Charleston: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.

Driver’s license

  • St. Paul: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
  • 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 St. Paul to Charleston?

The cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN 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 St. Paul to Charleston will range from $1,115 to $1,720.

How long will it take to ship my car from St. Paul to Charleston?

It will take approximately 3–8 days to ship your car the 1,309 miles from St. Paul to Charleston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Paul to Charleston?

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

Helpful St. Paul resources