Cost to ship a car from Charleston to Huntsville
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 498 miles from Charleston to Huntsville ranges from $649 to $927. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Huntsville, AL 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 Huntsville to Charleston car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Charleston to Huntsville car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Charleston to Huntsville, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Charleston to Huntsville, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Charleston, 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 Huntsville, 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 Charleston. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Huntsville will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Holy City to the Rocket City — approximately 498 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 Charleston and Huntsville can impact car shipping prices.
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.
Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Charleston to Huntsville 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 498-mile distance between Charleston and Huntsville 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 Charleston to Huntsville 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.
Charleston to Huntsville car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Charleston to Huntsville:
- 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 Charleston and Huntsville vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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
- Huntsville: $0.50 per hour All parking meters are enforced Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meters are not enforced on City of Huntsville’s recognized holidays.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Huntsville: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Charleston: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Huntsville: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Huntsville: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Charleston to Huntsville?
The cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to Huntsville, AL 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 Charleston to Huntsville will range from $649 to $927.
How long will it take to ship my car from Charleston to Huntsville?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 498 miles from Charleston to Huntsville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charleston to Huntsville?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charleston to Huntsville. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
