Cost to ship a car from Columbia to Stockton

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,636 miles from Columbia to Stockton ranges from $1,598 to $2,618. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Stockton, CA in 7–15 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 Stockton to Columbia car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

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 Columbia to Stockton car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Soda City to the Asparagus Capital of the World — approximately 2,636 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 Columbia and Stockton can impact car shipping prices.

If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.

Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Columbia to Stockton 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 2,636-mile distance between Columbia and Stockton 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 Columbia to Stockton typically takes between 7 and 15 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Columbia to Stockton car shipping companies

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

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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 Columbia and Stockton vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Columbia: Check with the City of Columbia for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Columbia.
  • Stockton: Parking at meters is enforced, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meters have limits ranging from 30 minutes to 10 hours, depending on the location; signs are posted to indicate limitations. Parkmobile sticker Effective September 1, 2015, use PayPal and credit cards to purchase time on parking meters using a cell phone mobile app. Meters are marked with stickers displaying the website address to download the app toll-free free number.

Car insurance requirements

  • Columbia: 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.
  • Stockton: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.

Vehicle inspections

  • Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
  • Stockton: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.

Driver’s license

  • Columbia: 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.
  • Stockton: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Columbia to Stockton?

The cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Stockton, CA 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 Columbia to Stockton will range from $1,598 to $2,618.

How long will it take to ship my car from Columbia to Stockton?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,636 miles from Columbia to Stockton. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Columbia to Stockton?

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

Helpful Columbia resources