Cost to ship a car from Chapel Hill to Columbus

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 450 miles from Chapel Hill to Columbus ranges from $706 to $1,038. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Columbus, OH in 1–4 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 Columbus to Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to Columbus car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Southern Part of Heaven to the Arch City — approximately 450 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 Chapel Hill and Columbus can impact car shipping prices.

May, September and October are the most pleasant months for moving as these are the driest month in Chapel Hill in a yearl, while January and July are the months you need to watch out as there might be some weather-related delays.

Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Chapel Hill to Columbus 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 450-mile distance between Chapel Hill and Columbus 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 Chapel Hill to Columbus typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Chapel Hill to Columbus car shipping companies

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

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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 Chapel Hill and Columbus vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Chapel Hill: The Town of Chapel Hill manages a Residential Parking Permit program in neighborhoods that see high levels of transient parking, especially those around the University of North Carolina, to ensure that residents have safe and accessible neighborhoods. The Residential Parking Permit program allows qualifying residents who live within the parking zone to obtain a permit to park during the posted time limits. If you are unable to apply online, or have questions, please email [email protected].
  • Columbus: The City of Columbus does not require a parking permit for your home but you should still check with any rules from your building or HOA to ensure a smooth move. You may also double check with the city that you have everything you need for move day.

Car insurance requirements

  • Chapel Hill: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
  • Columbus: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.

Vehicle inspections

  • Chapel Hill: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
  • Columbus: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.

Driver’s license

  • Chapel Hill: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • Columbus: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Chapel Hill to Columbus?

The cost to ship a car from Chapel Hill, NC to Columbus, OH 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 Chapel Hill to Columbus will range from $706 to $1,038.

How long will it take to ship my car from Chapel Hill to Columbus?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 450 miles from Chapel Hill to Columbus. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chapel Hill to Columbus?

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

Helpful Chapel Hill resources