Best Car Shipping Companies in Charleston, SC (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: If you’re looking for an excellent car shipping company in Charleston, SC, Nexus Auto Transport stands out for its impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, affordable rates, and lineup of services. While prices vary, you can usually expect to pay between and $1,356 to ship your car from Charleston.
|
|
|
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our South Carolina car shipping guide.
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
Top car shipping companies in Charleston, SC
Considering moving your vehicle locally or out of South Carolina? Here’s a list of the premier car transport companies located in Charleston:
Comparing Charleston car auto transport companies
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of 4 local car shipping providers in Charleston, 5 throughout South Carolina, and more than 519 across the country to compare service options and assist you in selecting the best solution.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Charleston, across South Carolina, and nationwide:
- Real-time tracking: 4 in Charleston (100.0%), 5 in South Carolina (100.0%), 338 nationwide (55.05%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 2 in Charleston (50.0%), 1 in South Carolina (20.0%), 176 nationwide (28.66%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 2 in Charleston (50.0%), 1 in South Carolina (20.0%), 172 nationwide (28.01%)
- Expedited delivery: 3 in Charleston (75.0%), 4 in South Carolina (80.0%), 333 nationwide (54.23%)
- Insurance included: 2 in Charleston (50.0%), 3 in South Carolina (60.0%), 475 nationwide (77.36%)
| Company | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lmr Trucking Llc | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hmh Logistics Llc | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Andrew Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Xpress Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Charleston, across South Carolina, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 1 in Charleston (25.0%), 1 in South Carolina (20.0%), 159 nationwide (25.9%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Lmr Trucking Llc | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hmh Logistics Llc | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Andrew Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Xpress Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Charleston
With a population of 150,277 and the status of a major South Carolina 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 car out of Charleston, South Carolina usually ranges from to $1,356. Your final price will depend on how far you’re going and current fuel costs.
Check out these estimated price ranges for moving a vehicle from Charleston, South Carolina to another state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| South Carolina to Texas | $1,029 - $1,439 |
| South Carolina to Florida | $657 - $893 |
| South Carolina to California | $1,333 - $2,101 |
| South Carolina to Michigan | $831 - $1,328 |
| South Carolina to Ohio | $670 - $971 |
| Arizona to South Carolina | $1,287 - $2,074 |
| New York to South Carolina | $833 - $1,097 |
| Illinois to South Carolina | $790 - $1,194 |
| Georgia to South Carolina | $440 - $589 |
| North Carolina to South Carolina | $472 - $560 |
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. The cost of living index in Charleston is 112, which is well above the national average. This can increase the price of car shipping due to higher labor and operational costs in the region.
- Distance matters: Moving your car locally within Charleston or to nearby areas in South Carolina is typically more affordable than shipping it across state lines.
- Location type: It’s often pricier to transport a car out of busy downtown Charleston compared to moves between quieter suburban neighborhoods.
- Vehicle type and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to move, while classic, luxury, or specialty vehicles from Charleston often need extra care and can bump up the price. Learn more about classic car transport.
- Available shipping options in Charleston: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- Fuel prices: What you’ll pay to ship can go up or down depending on current gas rates in Charleston, especially with long-distance trips.
- How fast you need it: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Charleston comes at a higher price tag.
- Weather and season: High summer temperatures, heavy rains, and frequent thunderstorms in Charleston can increase car shipping prices due to potential delays and added precautions transport companies must take. Transporters may charge more during peak hurricane season or when severe weather risks are higher.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Charleston?
Many car shipping companies in Charleston, South Carolina, provide real-time tracking services. Customers can usually track their vehicle's journey on the company's website or mobile app. You can check when your vehicle departs from Charleston, get the estimated arrival time, and monitor any delays during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Charleston?
I-26. I-95. I-526. I-26 connects Charleston to inland cities. I-95 runs north-south along the East Coast. I-526 acts as a local bypass around Charleston. These highways speed up car shipping logistics.
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 South Carolina regulations as an example. In South Carolina, drivers don't need to have their vehicles go through safety, VIN, or emissions inspections.
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?
Charleston car shippers offering economical open transport services at competitive rates include Columbia Auto Shipping Group (offers military discounts), Lmr Trucking Llc (offers military discounts), and Hmh Logistics Llc.
Who ships classic cars out of Charleston?
Professional vintage car transport companies in Charleston offering secure enclosed delivery include Columbia Auto Shipping Group, Lmr Trucking Llc, and Hmh Logistics Llc.