Cost to ship a car from Columbia to Philadelphia

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 619 miles from Columbia to Philadelphia ranges from $766 to $1,044. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia to Columbia car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Columbia to Philadelphia car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Columbia to Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia 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 Philly — approximately 619 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 Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,

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 Philadelphia 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 619-mile distance between Columbia and Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.

Columbia to Philadelphia car shipping companies

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

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Columbia and Philadelphia 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.
  • Philadelphia: Moving Truck = $50.00 (Center City and University City) and $25.00 (All other areas), per 40 feet of space, per day (40 feet of space is the equivalent of two (2) parking spaces) Moving/Portable Storage Container = $50.00, per container (maximum of 5 calendar days). Temporary Dumpster = $40.00, per dumpster (maximum of 7 calendar days).

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.
  • Philadelphia: 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

  • Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
  • Philadelphia: 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

  • 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.
  • Philadelphia: 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 Columbia to Philadelphia?

The cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, 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 Columbia to Philadelphia will range from $766 to $1,044.

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

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 619 miles from Columbia to Philadelphia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Columbia resources