Cost to ship a car from Columbia to Houston
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,002 miles from Columbia to Houston ranges from $828 to $1,338. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Houston, TX in 2–8 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 Houston to Columbia car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Columbia to Houston car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Columbia to Houston, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Columbia to Houston, 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 Houston, 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 Houston 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 HOU — approximately 1,002 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 Houston 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.
Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
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 Houston 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 1,002-mile distance between Columbia and Houston 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 Houston typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Columbia to Houston car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Columbia to Houston:
- 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 Car Marketplace
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Comparing Columbia and Houston 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.
- Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit
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.
- Houston: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Houston: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
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.
- Houston: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Columbia to Houston?
The cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Houston, TX 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 Houston will range from $828 to $1,338.
How long will it take to ship my car from Columbia to Houston?
It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,002 miles from Columbia to Houston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Columbia to Houston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Columbia to Houston. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
