Best Car Shipping Companies in Charleston, WV (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Nexus Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Charleston, WV, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. While your price will vary, you can expect to pay between to $1,378 to ship your car out of Charleston.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our West Virginia car shipping guide.
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Top car shipping companies in Charleston, WV
If you need to transport your vehicle either within West Virginia or beyond its borders, here are the top car shipping providers in Charleston:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Diesel Auto Express
Diesel Auto Express (DOT: 1885300) offers a variety of car shipping services, making it a versatile choice for transporting vehicles. Highly rated with a 4.1 Yelp rating, a 4.7 Google rating, and an impressive A on BBB, Diesel Auto Express is known for its reliable service. They cater to a wide range of needs, providing services such as interstate transport, enclosed transport, and inoperable car transport, ensuring safe delivery for cars that don’t run.
Although Diesel Auto Express does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers, they compensate with fully insured transport and options like expedited delivery and international shipping. They support military personnel with a discount, adding value to their service offerings.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
American Auto Transport Inc.
American Auto Transport Inc. (DOT: 2075191) provides a variety of car shipping services, with a focus on interstate and international transport. The company offers both open and enclosed transport options, catering to different customer needs. Services such as motorcycle and trailer shipping are also available, although they do not handle inoperable cars or offer storage solutions.
The company has a mixed reputation with a low Yelp rating of 1.0 and a slightly better Google rating of 2.0, yet holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unfortunately, American Auto Transport Inc. does not provide a damage-free guarantee nor expedited delivery, which may be a drawback for some potential customers seeking more assurance and speed in their shipping process.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
Jack Cooper Transport
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) is a versatile car shipping company that offers a range of services, including fully insured transport, enclosed transport, and expedited delivery. They are equipped to handle boats, motorcycles, RVs, and offer interstate shipping. Despite their comprehensive services, they do not provide shipments for inoperable cars, which might be a limitation for some customers.
While Jack Cooper Transport boasts a solid Google rating of 3.8 and a BBB rating of A-, they have not yet established a rating on Yelp. Customers looking for additional services such as terminal-to-terminal delivery or international shipping might need to consider other options. Although they offer multiple payment options, including credit cards, they do not accept cryptocurrency or cash.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics (DOT: 187774) offers a wide array of services, including interstate and international car shipping, boat shipping, motorcycle shipping, and heavy equipment transport. Customers can also benefit from services like terminal-to-terminal delivery, expedited delivery, and are assured of their shipment’s safety with full insurance coverage and shipment tracking. Although they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or discounts for groups like seniors or students, their service is robust with options such as storage solutions and enclosed transport.
However, some customers may find the absence of inoperable car transport a downside. While Ceva Logistics offers a range of discounts through their website and applications, they do not accept cryptocurrency or provide pay-by-cash options. The company has a somewhat mixed reception with a Yelp rating of 1.3 and a Google rating of 3.4, but has yet to establish a presence with BBB ratings.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
Xpress Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport (DOT: 3878126) offers a wide range of services, including boat, trailer, and RV shipping, as well as options for shipping classic and electric vehicles across state lines and internationally. They provide both open and enclosed transport and offer expedited delivery for those in a rush. Unfortunately, they do not provide transport for inoperable cars, which might be a downside for some customers.
While the company ensures full insurance coverage for your shipment, it does not have a damage-free guarantee, which might be a consideration for some clients. Additionally, Xpress Auto Transport has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, so potential customers may not find reviews there to guide their decisions.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Comparing Charleston car auto transport companies
We started by examining the leading auto transport brands, and then reviewed 0 local car shipping firms in Charleston, 0 across West Virginia, and more than 518 nationwide to evaluate service offerings and direct you to the best fit for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Charleston, across West Virginia, and nationwide:
- Multi-car shipping: 0 in Charleston (0%), 0 in West Virginia (0.0%), 415 nationwide (67.81%)
- Real-time tracking: 0 in Charleston (0%), 0 in West Virginia (0.0%), 338 nationwide (55.23%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 0 in Charleston (0%), 0 in West Virginia (0.0%), 176 nationwide (28.76%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 0 in Charleston (0%), 0 in West Virginia (0.0%), 172 nationwide (28.1%)
- Expedited delivery: 0 in Charleston (0%), 0 in West Virginia (0.0%), 333 nationwide (54.41%)
| Company | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel Auto Express | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| American Auto Transport Inc. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Jack Cooper Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ceva Logistics | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Xpress Auto Transport | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
By examining 2,400 car transport services across the US, we rated and reviewed them according to important criteria with our specialized methodology.
The criteria we used were as follows:
- Diverse service options: Our analysis covered the different services provided by each company. We looked into whether they offer open or enclosed transport, as well as both options. Also, we checked if they provide door-to-door shipping or only operate through terminal services, alongside the types of vehicles they can accommodate. Companies that extend services to specialty vehicles like RVs and motorcycles were favored over those that cater only to car shipments.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer feedback: We reviewed user comments on various well-known sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to determine if a car shipping company provides timely service, effective communication, and accurate cost estimates. Additionally, we assessed the overall reputation of each company within the car shipping sector by verifying their U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and investigating their association and reputation with trade groups.
- Availability: Our scoring method considered the geographic reach of each company. Those extending their services to Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the continental U.S., earned higher scores compared to those present only in the Lower 48 or fewer areas.
- Scheduling and payment: Our evaluation focused on how effectively customers can book services and predict expenses via reliable quotes, competitive pricing, fixed rates, and extra benefits. Car shippers that deliver binding estimates or commit to pricing were rated higher than those that aren’t clear with their charges.
Average cost to ship a car out of Charleston
With a population of 48,018 and the status of a major West Virginia city, Charleston sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Charleston compared to smaller towns nearby.
Shipping a vehicle from Charleston, West Virginia typically begins at approximately , with potential costs reaching up to $1,378 or beyond. The ultimate charge will hinge on aspects such as mileage and fuel expenses.
Below are some example price brackets for transporting your car from Charleston, West Virginia to different states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| West Virginia to New York | $620 – $842 |
| West Virginia to Georgia | $703 – $1,002 |
| West Virginia to Illinois | $684 – $971 |
| West Virginia to Florida | $798 – $1,250 |
| West Virginia to Ohio | $486 – $637 |
| Michigan to West Virginia | $724 – $1,019 |
| California to West Virginia | $1,362 – $1,961 |
| North Carolina to West Virginia | $532 – $748 |
| Texas to West Virginia | $1,018 – $1,463 |
| Arizona to West Virginia | $1,189 – $1,843 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Charleston
As a major city, Charleston benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. With a low cost of living index of 81, Charleston is generally an affordable place to live. That may be reflected in somewhat lower shipping prices for standard auto transport services.
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Charleston or to another city in West Virginia can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- City vs. suburb pickups and drop-offs: Moving your vehicle from busy downtown Charleston to a quieter suburb may affect the price you pay.
- Type and condition of your car: Shipping a compact car will usually cost less than moving a large SUV. Shipping special vehicles like classics or luxury cars from Charleston may come with premium fees due to the need for added protection and careful handling.
- Shipping options in Charleston: Pick between standard open-air carriers, often the cheapest, or enclosed transport for added protection from weather and road debris.
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Charleston can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Charleston comes at a premium.
- Seasonal changes and weather: Weather in Charleston, West Virginia, with its humid summers and snowy winters, can impact car shipping prices by increasing costs during periods of extreme heat or snow due to added risks and potential delays. Shippers may charge more if inclement weather complicates pickup, transport, or delivery.
Tips for choosing the right Charleston car shipping company
- Get a clear quote: Always ask for a full breakdown of costs. In Charleston, the typical shipping price starts at around $1,100.
- Review insurance options: Choose carriers that clearly explain their coverage and make it easy to file a claim. Some offer perks like a damage-free guarantee to ensure peace of mind.
- Check out reviews: Reviews from real Charleston customers help highlight reliable companies and expose red flags.
- Confirm credentials: Use the FMCSA company snapshot tool to make sure your chosen shipper is licensed and insured.
- Balance service and price: Don’t just pick the lowest quote. Compare what services are included and beware of offers that seem too good to be true.
- Know the delivery schedule: Confirm the expected pickup and drop-off times with your Charleston shipper. Seasonal delays and the type of transport can affect the timeline.
- Tailor your experience: Look for add-ons like express shipping or door delivery in Charleston to simplify the process.
- Ask someone you trust: A recommendation from a Charleston local can save you hours of searching and second-guessing.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Charleston?
Many car shipping companies in Charleston, West Virginia, provide real-time tracking. Customers can track their vehicle’s journey using the company’s website or mobile app. This lets you know when your vehicle leaves Charleston, its estimated arrival time, and any possible delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Charleston?
Interstate 64 connects Charleston to Kentucky and Virginia. Interstate 77 links Charleston to Ohio and southern states. Interstate 79 provides access north toward Pennsylvania. All three interstates offer direct, efficient routes for car shipping.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company’s license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT’s FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Charleston or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Charleston?
Most carriers don’t need an inspection to ship your car from Charleston. But if you’re shipping a classic or expensive car, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Be sure to check the inspection laws in the delivery state, as they can differ.
Take West Virginia regulations as an example. New residents have 10 days from when they title a vehicle to get a West Virginia safety inspection at a station authorized by the West Virginia State Police.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Charleston?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It’s a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Charleston to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Charleston?
Budget-friendly carriers in Charleston that offer open transport (the most affordable car shipping method) include Diesel Auto Express (offers military discounts), American Auto Transport Inc., and Ceva Logistics.
Who ships classic cars out of Charleston?
Charleston companies specializing in vintage vehicle transport with enclosed trailers for maximum protection include Diesel Auto Express and Xpress Auto Transport.
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