Best Car Shipping Companies in South Carolina (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in South Carolina, giving them 4.7 out of 5 stars. While there are several factors that will impact cost, the average range is between $774 to $1,383 to ship your car out of South Carolina.
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South Carolina Car Shipping Facts
- 100% of auto transport providers in South Carolina use open carriers, the most common and affordable way to move a vehicle.
- 100% of South Carolina car shipping companies offer enclosed transport for added protection.
- Just 28% of auto shippers nationwide provide guaranteed delivery. If your move requires a set arrival date, we recommend Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
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
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in South Carolina
Our research team has analyzed 626 auto transport providers nationwide, putting in more than 400 hours of work. That includes 5 companies serving SC. Using this extensive dataset, we create accurate, fact-driven recommendations so you can confidently choose from the best car shipping companies nearby.
Need to ship a car from Charleston or anywhere else in South Carolina? Check out our top choices for auto transport in the area:
Local car shippers in South Carolina cities
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
- Standard services: We examined the breadth and type of services that each company offers. This encompasses whether they facilitate open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We additionally rated companies on their provision of door-to-door delivery versus only terminal service and the variety of vehicles they are equipped to ship. Those equipped to transport RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles were scored more favorably compared to counterparts that only ship cars.
- Complementary services offered: Additional points were allocated to companies providing standout optional services, including priority shipping, confirmed pickup times, complimentary car cleaning, and rental car cost coverage.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: Our scoring system favored companies with wide service areas. Those providing coverage in both Alaska and Hawaii, along with the mainland United States, received higher scores compared to those limited to the Lower 48 or fewer regions.
- Scheduling and payment: We examined the straightforwardness of customers booking services and estimating charges through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and additional benefits. Car shippers providing binding quotes or a promise to lock in prices were rated higher than those less clear on pricing.
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
Average cost of transporting a car out of SC
If you’re moving a car from South Carolina to another state, you’ll typically pay around $1,073. However, your actual cost could vary. It depends on the total distance and whether your car travels on an open carrier or in an enclosed trailer.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $504 and $790
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $848 and $1,088
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,133 and $1,314
Check out these typical price ranges by distance:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina to California | $1,426 | $2,183 |
| South Carolina to Florida | $643 | $909 |
| South Carolina to Illinois | $822 | $1,192 |
| South Carolina to Arizona | $1,337 | $1,990 |
| South Carolina to North Carolina | $435 | $570 |
| Michigan to South Carolina | $821 | $1,300 |
| New York to South Carolina | $745 | $1,129 |
| Ohio to South Carolina | $718 | $998 |
| Georgia to South Carolina | $422 | $538 |
| Texas to South Carolina | $939 | $1,408 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from South Carolina:
- Your move distance: Distance is key. Shipping your car within South Carolina or to neighboring states is generally more affordable than longer treks across the country.
- Where you’re shipping from and to: Starting and ending points affect your price. Moves between major cities like Charleston tend to be more affordable, but rural or out-of-the-way areas in South Carolina can bump up costs.
- Vehicle details: Your car’s size and type affect the bottom line. Smaller cars tend to be more affordable to ship. If you own a classic or specialty vehicle in South Carolina, expect to pay more for the extra attention and handling.
- Shipping style in the Palmetto State: Want to save cash? Open-air transport is the most budget-friendly, but if you’re worried about South Carolina’s unpredictable weather or need extra protection, enclosed carriers are worth considering, even if they bump up your total cost.
- Gas prices: Don’t forget fuel costs. Gas prices in South Carolina can change quickly and might bump your car shipping price up, particularly if you’re moving long distance.
- Delivery time frame: You’ll ultimately pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Savings and discounts: Don’t forget to ask about deals! Many South Carolina auto shippers offer discounts for students, military, or people who are moving more than one vehicle. For more tips, see our guide to car shipping discounts.
Want the most accurate estimate for your move? Try our car shipping calculator. You can also compare all the popular South Carolina car shipping routes here.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in South Carolina?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in South Carolina, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in South Carolina?
The cheapest company to ship your car in South Carolina will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in South Carolina, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in South Carolina?
If you’re relocating to South Carolina, you must get a South Carolina driver’s license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
Do South Carolina car shippers offer discounts?
In South Carolina, there are no car shippers that provide law enforcement discounts. Service members have 1 car shipper options with discounted pricing for active duty and veterans. Students won’t find shipping discounts from any car shippers in South Carolina. AAA members won’t find rebate programs from car shippers in South Carolina.
Does South Carolina require a vehicle inspection?
In South Carolina, drivers don’t need to have a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicles.
Does weather in South Carolina impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of South Carolina. South Carolina experiences hot, humid summers and cool to mild winters. Its coastal regions enjoy particularly mild winters. Throughout most of the state, there is plenty of rainfall year-round. The coast gets more rain in the summer, while inland regions are wettest in spring and fall, with winter being the driest season. November tends to have the least rain.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of South Carolina?
In South Carolina, car shipping durations are largely governed by the shipment’s distance and path. Deliveries that remain within state lines typically occur within one to three days. On the other hand, shipments that cover a greater distance, particularly cross-country routes, often require seven to 14 days.
Elements such as traffic patterns, local weather in South Carolina, and the definite starting and destination points can impact these time estimates. It’s advisable to talk to your shipping provider for an estimation that closely fits your precise needs.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, all drivers must have liability insurance. The state requires minimum coverage limits of 25/50/25, meaning you need at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Follow these insurance guidelines to drive legally and safely in South Carolina.
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