Cost to ship a car from Buffalo to Charleston
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 424 miles from Buffalo to Charleston ranges from $651 to $976. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Charleston, WV 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 Charleston to Buffalo car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Buffalo to Charleston car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Buffalo to Charleston, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Buffalo to Charleston, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Buffalo, 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 Buffalo. 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 Queen City to the Charlie West — approximately 424 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 Buffalo and Charleston can impact car shipping prices.
Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.
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 Buffalo 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 424-mile distance between Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Charleston 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.
Buffalo to Charleston car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Buffalo to Charleston:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Buffalo and Charleston vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Buffalo:
- Charleston:
Car insurance requirements
- Buffalo: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
- 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
- Buffalo: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
- 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
- Buffalo: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
- 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 Buffalo to Charleston?
The cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY 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 Buffalo to Charleston will range from $651 to $976.
How long will it take to ship my car from Buffalo to Charleston?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 424 miles from Buffalo to Charleston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Buffalo to Charleston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Buffalo to Charleston. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
