10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Charleston, SC

Top car shipping companies in Charleston, SC

Whether your car needs to be shipped around South Carolina or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms serving Charleston, whether they're based in the city or operate in the wider area:

Compare Charleston, SC car shippers

Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across South Carolina and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Charleston.

Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Charleston, across South Carolina, and nationwide:

Here's a closer look at the companies serving Charleston and which of these services they offer:

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 (25.98%)

Average cost to ship a car out of Charleston, SC

Charleston is one of South Carolina's major cities, with a population of 150,277 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Charleston compared to smaller towns nearby.

On average, moving your car from Charleston, South Carolina costs $722 - $1,393. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.

Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Charleston, South Carolina to various states:

Check out all car shipping routes.

Factors influencing car shipping costs from Charleston, SC

Charleston's size works in its favor here: more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability tend to keep costs competitive. According to Charleston's cost of living index, the South Carolina city is about 12% more expensive than the national average. This can push car shipping costs higher due to increased labor and operational expenses in the region.

• Distance: Shipping your car within Charleston or to a nearby city in South Carolina usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
• Location: Pickups from busier, higher-traffic parts of Charleston tend to cost more than pickups in quieter suburban neighborhoods nearby.
• The 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. 100% of the 4 Charleston shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, in line with the South Carolina average, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• 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. Among the 4 Charleston shippers we have service data for, 100% offer open transport , and 100% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
• Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Charleston can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in South Carolina is about $2.68 per gallon right now.
• Need it fast? Standard open transport in Charleston costs about $0.60 - $1 per mile; expedited delivery runs $1 - $1.50 per mile. On average, expedited or guaranteed delivery adds $200 - $500 to the price.
• Off-season savings: Peak summer and month-end dates cost more to ship. Choose an off-peak window instead and expect to pay 10% - 30% less.

How to ship a car from Charleston, SC

Work through this checklist to compare Charleston car shippers and choose a reliable one:

1. Pin down your shipping route. Check whether you're staying within South Carolina or shipping across state lines. In-state and regional routes typically cost less than cross-country ones, and your ZIP codes finalize the price.
2. Weigh local market factors. This market has more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. Cost of living comes in 12% above the national average.
3. Look at national and local options. National carriers typically handle interstate routes best, while local shippers (we track 5 in Charleston) can offer faster turnaround close to home.
4. Settle on open vs. enclosed. Open transport keeps costs down for everyday vehicles, while enclosed transport is the safer call for classic or high-value cars that need extra protection.
5. Verify licensing before booking. Look up each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers on the FMCSA carrier lookup to confirm they're properly registered.
6. Gather 3+ quotes and plan your timing. Run your details through the moveBuddha car shipping calculator for quotes from at least three companies, and book off-peak when you can since summer and end-of-month dates cost more.

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