Cost to ship a car from Charleston to Olympia

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,596 miles from Charleston to Olympia ranges from $1,598 to $2,421. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Olympia, WA in 7–15 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 Olympia to Charleston car shipping guide.

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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 Olympia car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Charleston to Olympia, 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 Olympia, 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 Olympia will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Charlie West to the Oly — approximately 2,596 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 Olympia can impact car shipping prices.

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

July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.

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 Olympia 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 2,596-mile distance between Charleston and Olympia 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 Olympia typically takes between 7 and 15 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Charleston to Olympia car shipping companies

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

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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 Charleston and Olympia vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Charleston:
  • Olympia: If you live in or near downtown, you may register your personal vehicle for on-street parking within your residential zone. Residents and visitors must be registered and parked within their zone to avoid receiving a parking citation. Make sure you are able to secure the proper permit upon moving. Please see more details here: https://www.olympiawa.gov/services/parking_services/residential_parking.php

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Olympia: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.

Vehicle inspections

  • 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.
  • Olympia: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.

Driver’s license

  • 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.
  • Olympia: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Olympia, WA 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 Olympia will range from $1,598 to $2,421.

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

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,596 miles from Charleston to Olympia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Charleston resources