Cost to ship a car from McAllen to Charleston

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,557 miles from McAllen to Charleston ranges from $1,251 to $1,899. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Charleston, WV in 3–9 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 Charleston to McAllen 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 McAllen to Charleston car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the City of Palms to the Charlie West — approximately 1,557 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 McAllen and Charleston can impact car shipping prices.

Consider moving to McAllen city on November, March and February. The city has two distinct seasons; a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.

September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from McAllen to Charleston 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 1,557-mile distance between McAllen and Charleston 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 McAllen to Charleston typically takes between 3 and 9 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

McAllen to Charleston car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing McAllen and Charleston vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • McAllen: Make sure to check with the City of McAllen for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to McAllen.
  • Charleston:

Car insurance requirements

  • McAllen: 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.
  • Charleston: West Virginia's required minimum insurance standards, encompassing liability coverage at $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.

Vehicle inspections

  • McAllen: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
  • Charleston: New residents are given 10 days from the date they title a vehicle to have a West Virginia safety inspection at any official inspection station licensed by the West Virginia State Police.

Driver’s license

  • McAllen: 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.
  • Charleston: If you are moving to West Virginia and you have a valid, non-expired out-of-state license, you are eligible to transfer the license. If your out-of-state license has expired, you are required to take all tests and obtain a certified driving record, dated no more than 30 days from the date of the application, from the state in which you were previously licensed.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from McAllen, TX to Charleston, WV 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 McAllen to Charleston will range from $1,251 to $1,899.

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

It will take approximately 3–9 days to ship your car the 1,557 miles from McAllen to Charleston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful McAllen resources