Best Car Shipping Companies in Charleston, WV (2025 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 $1,476 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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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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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:
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 532 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%), 429 nationwide (68.53%)
- Real-time tracking: 0 in Charleston (0%), 0 in West Virginia (0.0%), 352 nationwide (56.23%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 0 in Charleston (0%), 0 in West Virginia (0.0%), 176 nationwide (28.12%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 0 in Charleston (0%), 0 in West Virginia (0.0%), 172 nationwide (27.48%)
- Expedited delivery: 0 in Charleston (0%), 0 in West Virginia (0.0%), 347 nationwide (55.43%)
| 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 $1,476 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 | $623 – $874 |
| West Virginia to California | $1,399 – $2,183 |
| West Virginia to Florida | $871 – $1,300 |
| West Virginia to Georgia | $736 – $1,049 |
| West Virginia to Ohio | $465 – $694 |
| Illinois to West Virginia | $731 – $1,017 |
| Arizona to West Virginia | $1,259 – $1,872 |
| Texas to West Virginia | $1,079 – $1,505 |
| North Carolina to West Virginia | $567 – $753 |
| Michigan to West Virginia | $798 – $1,059 |
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 chilly winters, can lead to higher car shipping prices during heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, as transport becomes riskier and delays are more likely. Shippers may adjust rates to account for increased demand and the challenges of navigating inclement weather.
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 services. Customers can usually track their vehicle’s journey using the company’s website or mobile app. You’ll be able to see when your vehicle departs Charleston, the expected arrival time, and any delays that may happen during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Charleston?
Interstate 64 runs east-west through Charleston. Interstate 77 heads north-south. Interstate 79 connects northward to Morgantown. These highways provide fast routes for shipping cars out of Charleston.
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 won’t need an inspection to transport your car from Charleston. However, for classic or high-value vehicles, you might need to show proof of insurance. Be sure to check the inspection laws for the state where the car is being delivered, as rules differ.
Take West Virginia regulations as an example. New residents must get a West Virginia safety inspection within 10 days after titling their vehicle. They can do this at any inspection station approved 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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