Cost to ship a car from Charleston to Baltimore
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 574 miles from Charleston to Baltimore ranges from $781 to $1,074. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore to Charleston car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Charleston to Baltimore car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Charleston to Baltimore, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Charleston to Baltimore, 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 Baltimore, 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 Baltimore 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 America's Comeback Cit — approximately 574 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 Baltimore 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.
Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
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 Baltimore 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 574-mile distance between Charleston and Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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.
Charleston to Baltimore car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Charleston to Baltimore:
- 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 Charleston and Baltimore 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
- Baltimore: A moving permit is required when relocating a building to a new lot or different section of the existing lot.
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.
- Baltimore: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Charleston: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Baltimore: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
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.
- Baltimore: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Charleston to Baltimore?
The cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore will range from $781 to $1,074.
How long will it take to ship my car from Charleston to Baltimore?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 574 miles from Charleston to Baltimore. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charleston to Baltimore?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charleston to Baltimore. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
