Cost to ship a car from Charleston to Pittsburgh

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 653 miles from Charleston to Pittsburgh ranges from $876 to $1,235. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Pittsburgh , PA 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 Pittsburgh to Charleston car shipping guide.

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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 Charleston to Pittsburgh car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Charleston to Pittsburgh , 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 Pittsburgh , 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 Pittsburgh 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 Birmingham of America — approximately 653 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 Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh summers are hot and winters are moderately cold with wide variations in temperature. Despite this, it has one of the most pleasant summer climates between medium and large cities in the U.S

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 Pittsburgh 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 653-mile distance between Charleston and Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh car shipping companies

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

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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 Charleston and Pittsburgh 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
  • Pittsburgh : Application Fee: $0.00 Permit Fee: For moving truck: $25.00 per truck for two (2) days maximum For moving container: $75.00 per week for two (2) week maximum

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.
  • Pittsburgh : When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.

Vehicle inspections

  • Charleston: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
  • Pittsburgh : If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

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.
  • Pittsburgh : When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Charleston to Pittsburgh ?

The cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to Pittsburgh , PA 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 Pittsburgh will range from $876 to $1,235.

How long will it take to ship my car from Charleston to Pittsburgh ?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 653 miles from Charleston to Pittsburgh . If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charleston to Pittsburgh ?

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

Helpful Charleston resources