Best Charleston Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, SGT Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Charleston, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Get A Quote |
SGT Auto Transport
|
(864) 492-1221 |
|
Get A Quote |
Easy Auto Ship
|
(888) 259-6046 |
|
Get A Quote |
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
(833) 775-1461 |
|
Get A Quote |
AmeriFreight
|
(770) 501-9057 |
|
Get A Quote |
Ship A Car Direct
|
(866) 563-0804 |
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the South Carolina car shipping page.
Best car shipping companies in Charleston
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of South Carolina, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Charleston.
SGT Auto Transport
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.
Easy Auto Ship
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Sherpa Auto Transport
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.
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Ship A Car Direct
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.
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
Hmh Logistics Llc
Andrew Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport
Average car shipping costs in Charleston
The average cost to ship a car from Charleston to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Charleston, South Carolina, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| South Carolina to Arizona | $1,655 – $2,513 |
| South Carolina to Florida | $788 – $1,137 |
| South Carolina to Texas | $1,151 – $1,835 |
| South Carolina to New York | $1,009 – $1,468 |
| South Carolina to Michigan | $987 – $1,625 |
| Ohio to South Carolina | $876 – $1,261 |
| Illinois to South Carolina | $1,028 – $1,446 |
| Georgia to South Carolina | $544 – $700 |
| North Carolina to South Carolina | $561 – $685 |
| California to South Carolina | $1,749 – $2,570 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Charleston
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Charleston or to another city in South Carolina can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Charleston to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Charleston might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Charleston: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Charleston’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Charleston’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Charleston come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: The hot and humid summers and potential thunderstorms in Charleston, South Carolina, can lead to delays and increased demand, raising car shipping costs. Additionally, adverse weather conditions may necessitate additional protective measures, further impacting expenses.
Tips for choosing the right Charleston, SC, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Charleston, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in South Carolina.
- Review insurance and safety in Charleston. Choose Charleston companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews in Charleston, South Carolina is critical for choosing the right car shipping company because they provide real experiences and highlight service quality. Reviews help identify reliable providers, ensuring your car’s safe and timely transport.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in Charleston is critical for choosing the right car shipping company to avoid getting scammed by ensuring reliability and understanding available services. Check reviews and validate credentials using trusted sources.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Charleston, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Charleston. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in Charleston. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in Charleston should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Charleston that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in Charleston who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Charleston?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Charleston, South Carolina, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Charleston, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Charleston?
Interstate 26 runs northwest to Columbia. Interstate 95 runs north-south along the eastern seaboard. Interstate 526 forms a loop around Charleston. Interstate 20 connects Columbia to the west. Interstate 77 links Columbia to the north.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Charleston car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Charleston?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Charleston. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of South Carolina, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take South Carolina regulations as an example. In South Carolina, drivers don’t need to get safety, VIN, or emissions inspections for their vehicles.
More car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in South Carolina, these resources should help:
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
