Cost to ship a car from St. Louis to Charleston
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 505 miles from St. Louis to Charleston ranges from $678 to $860. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Charleston, WV 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 Charleston to St. Louis car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting St. Louis to Charleston car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from St. Louis to Charleston, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from St. Louis to Charleston, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving St. Louis, 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. Louis. 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 Chess Capital of the World to the Charlie West — approximately 505 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. Louis and Charleston can impact car shipping prices.
St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from St. Louis 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 505-mile distance between St. Louis 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. Louis to Charleston 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.
St. Louis 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. Louis to Charleston:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing St. Louis and Charleston vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- St. Louis: Blocking Right of Way Permits are required for any activity that will block any portion of the public right of way (streets and sidewalks) such as dumpster placement, moving truck, block parties, construction related street closures. These may go from $20-$35
- Charleston:
Car insurance requirements
- St. Louis: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
- Charleston: West Virginia's required minimum insurance standards, encompassing liability coverage at $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- St. Louis: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
- Charleston: New residents are given 10 days from the date they title a vehicle to have a West Virginia safety inspection at any official inspection station licensed by the West Virginia State Police.
Driver’s license
- St. Louis: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
- Charleston: If you are moving to West Virginia and you have a valid, non-expired out-of-state license, you are eligible to transfer the license. If your out-of-state license has expired, you are required to take all tests and obtain a certified driving record, dated no more than 30 days from the date of the application, from the state in which you were previously licensed.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from St. Louis to Charleston?
The cost to ship a car from St. Louis, MO to Charleston, WV 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. Louis to Charleston will range from $678 to $860.
How long will it take to ship my car from St. Louis to Charleston?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 505 miles from St. Louis to Charleston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Louis to Charleston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Louis to Charleston. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
