7 Best Car Shipping Companies in South Dakota (2026 Cost Guide)

Best car shipping companies in South Dakota

Our team has dedicated more than 400 hours to researching and evaluating 612 car shipping companies nationwide, including 2 based in SD. This work allows us to provide unbiased, trustworthy recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.

Whether you're shipping from Sioux Falls or another city in South Dakota, explore our top picks for reliable auto shippers below:

Average cost of transporting a car out of SD

The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in South Dakota ranges from $752 to $1,273, though the exact amount could be more or less depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.

Here are a few examples:

What affects car shipping costs from South Dakota

• Your move distance: Shipping within South Dakota or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
• Location: Shipping from a rural part of South Dakota often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Sioux Falls or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
• Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from South Dakota cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 100% of South Dakota shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Shipping options in the Mount Rushmore State: 100% of South Dakota auto transporters offer open transport, and 100% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from South Dakota's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
• Gas prices: Fuel costs in South Dakota factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.82 per gallon right now.
• Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
• Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
• Discounts: In South Dakota, 2 companies offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.

For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular South Dakota car shipping routes.

How to ship a car from South Dakota

Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in South Dakota.

1. Estimate your shipping cost. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of South Dakota typically costs $752 - $1,273, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
2. Choose open vs enclosed transport. Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. This is especially relevant given South Dakota's weather patterns.
3. Verify MC/DOT licensing. Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
4. Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes. Compare at least three of the 2 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in South Dakota. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
5. Book an off-peak ship date. Book off-peak when your timeline allows. Summer, holidays, and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. In South Dakota, in-state shipments typically deliver in 1 - 3 days; cross-country routes often take 7 - 14 days depending on distance and weather.

FAQs

Do South Dakota car shippers offer discounts?

Yes, car shippers in South Dakota offer several discounts:. Compare a few of these providers to find the best combination of savings and service.

What percentage of South Dakota car shippers offer guaranteed delivery?

Only 28% of car shipping companies nationwide offer guaranteed delivery dates. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, Nexus Auto Transport is worth considering.

What is the most reliable car shipping company in South Dakota?

Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in South Dakota, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its range of services, pricing accuracy, and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.

Does weather in South Dakota impact car shipping?

Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of South Dakota. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Do South Dakota car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or other specialty vehicles?

Specialty vehicle shipping is limited among South Dakota shippers in our data, so confirm directly before booking. No South Dakota shippers in our data ship motorcycles. None ship RVs. None ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when requesting quotes.