Best Car Shipping Companies in Charleston, SC (2026 Cost Guide)
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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 $1,384 to ship your car from Charleston.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our South Carolina car shipping guide.
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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:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company's transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn't ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
Columbia Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) provides a wide range of transportation services, including interstate and international shipping, classic car and motorcycle transport, as well as options for enclosed transport and expedited delivery. They are known for their commitment to quality, being fully insured and offering detailed inspection reports. With a stellar Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ BBB rating, they are highly regarded for their professionalism and service excellence. However, a potential downside is that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers.
While they do not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, they accommodate other options like money orders, cash, and credit card payments. The company stands out with their ability to transport inoperable cars, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Lmr Trucking Llc
Lmr Trucking Llc (DOT: 2230121) offers comprehensive car shipping services including damage-free guarantees and classic car shipping. With a notable Google rating of 4.2, the company is trusted for its fully insured shipments, covering options like enclosed transport and transportation for inoperable cars.
Customers can also benefit from expedited delivery and shipment tracking services. However, the company does not offer international shipping, which might be a downside for some customers looking for global transport options. While Lmr Trucking Llc provides a military discount, other discounts like those for seniors or students are not available. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, bringing an opportunity for future growth in customer feedback platforms.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Hmh Logistics Llc
Hmh Logistics Llc (DOT: 3186769) is a versatile car shipping company that offers a range of services including boat, motorcycle, and classic car shipping, as well as transport for RVs and heavy equipment. They offer both open and enclosed transport options and can handle cars that don’t run. They also ensure a damage-free delivery with shipment tracking and guaranteed delivery timelines, making them reliable in the car shipping industry. The company is highly rated on Google with a rating of 4.0, although it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.
While they offer a breadth of transport services, Hmh Logistics Llc does not provide terminal-to-terminal delivery or detailed inspection reports, which may be a consideration for some customers. Despite these limitations, they make payment easy with options to pay by credit card, though a deposit is required to secure their services.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Andrew Auto Transport
Andrew Auto Transport (DOT: 2241947) is an active car shipping company that provides a range of specialized services including boat, motorcycle, trailer, RV, and classic car shipping. They also offer both open and enclosed transport options, catering to a variety of shipping needs. Despite being well-equipped for different types of transport, the company currently does not offer a damage-free guarantee or accept cryptocurrency, which may be a downside for some customers.
Unfortunately, Andrew Auto Transport has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, and has a low Google rating of 1.0. While they offer services like interstate and international shipping, potential customers might want to consider this rating when making their decision.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Xpress Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport (DOT: 3878126) is a dynamic car shipping company that offers a wide range of transportation solutions, including classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and international shipping. They are fully insured, providing peace of mind to customers with their comprehensive coverage options.
The company specializes in handling various vehicle types, such as trailers, RVs, and even heavy equipment. They also offer convenient services like open and enclosed transport, as well as expedited delivery for those in a hurry. However, some customers might find it a downside that they do not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or accept cryptocurrency as a payment method.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. Overall, Xpress Auto Transport appears to be committed to providing versatile and reliable transportation services, although they have room to expand their discount offerings and reputation on review platforms.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
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 518 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%), 337 nationwide (54.98%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 2 in Charleston (50.0%), 1 in South Carolina (20.0%), 175 nationwide (28.55%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 2 in Charleston (50.0%), 1 in South Carolina (20.0%), 171 nationwide (27.9%)
- Expedited delivery: 3 in Charleston (75.0%), 4 in South Carolina (80.0%), 332 nationwide (54.16%)
- Insurance included: 2 in Charleston (50.0%), 3 in South Carolina (60.0%), 474 nationwide (77.32%)
| 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%), 158 nationwide (25.77%)
| 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 $1,384. 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 Illinois | $948 - $1,362 |
| South Carolina to Texas | $1,117 - $1,760 |
| South Carolina to Ohio | $789 - $1,096 |
| South Carolina to New York | $904 - $1,341 |
| South Carolina to Arizona | $1,512 - $2,318 |
| Georgia to South Carolina | $487 - $646 |
| Michigan to South Carolina | $892 - $1,499 |
| California to South Carolina | $1,613 - $2,300 |
| North Carolina to South Carolina | $497 - $665 |
| Florida to South Carolina | $697 - $998 |
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.
