Best Car Shipping Companies in Columbia, SC (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Columbia, SC, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you’ll typically spend between and $1,457 to ship your car from Columbia.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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4.7 |
Best overall value |
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4.5 |
Most accurate pricing |
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4.4 |
Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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4.9 |
Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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4.4 |
Best for Damage Protection |
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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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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
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Top car shipping companies in Columbia, SC
Whether your car needs to be shipped around South Carolina or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in Columbia:
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
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) specializes in a wide variety of vehicle transport services, including options for inoperable cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even heavy equipment. Known for their robust offerings, the company provides guaranteed delivery, damage-free guarantees, and detailed inspection reports, ensuring a secure and reliable shipping experience. Despite their comprehensive services, Charlotte Auto Shipping Group does not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment, which might be a limitation for some customers.
The company benefits from an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, although it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. Whether customers need international shipping or classic car transport, this company covers it all, including storage solutions and expedited delivery for those on a tight schedule.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
Columbia Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a trusted choice for transporting vehicles, boasting a stellar Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer a wide range of services, including motorcycle, trailer, RV, and electric vehicle shipping, which accommodates diverse transportation needs. For clients with specific requirements, such as shipping classic cars or cars that don't run, Columbia Auto Shipping Group provides tailored solutions with detailed inspection reports for peace of mind.
However, the company does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp but stands out with its international shipping capabilities and multiple payment options, including cash, credit cards, and money orders. Despite not providing certain discounts like those for seniors or teachers, they do offer a military discount, enhancing their appeal to servicemembers.
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) is a comprehensive car shipping company that offers a wide array of services including damage-free guarantees, insured shipping for classic and electric vehicles, and the ability to transport motorcycles, RVs, and even cars that don't run. Customers can expect reliable terminal-to-terminal delivery and expedited options for quicker services. While they boast a respectable Google rating of 4.2, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, leaving some potential clients seeking more reviews.
A noteworthy downside is that Lmr Trucking Llc does not offer international shipping, which may be a consideration for those needing cross-border transport. Additionally, while they accept various shipping needs, they do not accept cryptocurrency payments, which might be inconvenient for some tech-savvy clients.
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
Atlantic Express
Atlantic Express (DOT: 1771262) is a car shipping company that offers a range of services including the transport of motorcycles, classic cars, RVs, and even heavy equipment. They prioritize safety with fully insured transports and a damage-free guarantee, catering to both domestic and international needs. With a Google rating of 3.4, the company provides flexible options such as open or enclosed transport and accommodates cars that don't run.
However, customers should note that Atlantic Express does not offer a guaranteed delivery service or the ability to pay by money order or cash, which may be seen as a downside by some. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, leaving potential customers without these specific points of reference.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Xpress Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport (DOT: 3878126) offers a wide range of auto transport services, including the shipping of classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and electric vehicles. They provide international shipping and expedited delivery options, and ensure that all shipments are fully insured and come with detailed inspection reports. However, they do not transport inoperable cars, which might be a downside for some customers.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, so prospective customers might want to conduct further research or contact the company directly for references or reviews. Additionally, Xpress Auto Transport does not offer discounts for seniors or students, and deposits are required prior to shipment. Nonetheless, they facilitate payments by credit card, providing convenience for their customers.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- 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
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Comparing Columbia car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 2 local car shipping companies in Columbia, 5 across South Carolina, and 519+ nationwide to compare service availability and help you choose the best option for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Columbia, across South Carolina, and nationwide:
- Multi-car shipping: 2 in Columbia (100.0%), 5 in South Carolina (100.0%), 416 nationwide (67.75%)
- Real-time tracking: 2 in Columbia (100.0%), 5 in South Carolina (100.0%), 338 nationwide (55.05%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 0 in Columbia (0.0%), 1 in South Carolina (20.0%), 176 nationwide (28.66%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 0 in Columbia (0.0%), 1 in South Carolina (20.0%), 172 nationwide (28.01%)
- Expedited delivery: 2 in Columbia (100.0%), 4 in South Carolina (80.0%), 333 nationwide (54.23%)
| Company | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Columbia Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lmr Trucking Llc | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Atlantic Express | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Xpress Auto Transport | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Columbia, across South Carolina, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 1 in Columbia (50.0%), 1 in South Carolina (20.0%), 159 nationwide (25.9%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Columbia Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Lmr Trucking Llc | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Atlantic Express | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Xpress Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Columbia
With a population of 136,632 and the status of a major South Carolina city, Columbia sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Columbia compared to smaller towns nearby.
Moving your car from Columbia, South Carolina will vary but usually falls between to $1,457. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Columbia, South Carolina to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| South Carolina to Illinois | $978 - $1,552 |
| South Carolina to California | $1,682 - $2,445 |
| South Carolina to Michigan | $978 - $1,609 |
| South Carolina to Georgia | $513 - $707 |
| South Carolina to Ohio | $847 - $1,118 |
| Texas to South Carolina | $1,211 - $1,835 |
| Arizona to South Carolina | $1,498 - $2,298 |
| New York to South Carolina | $971 - $1,358 |
| North Carolina to South Carolina | $572 - $728 |
| Florida to South Carolina | $765 - $1,040 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Columbia
As a major city, Columbia benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Columbia is 87, which sits close to the national average. As a result, car shipping prices here tend to align with typical market rates across the country.
- Move distance: You'll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Columbia or within South Carolina, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you're moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Columbia vs. the suburbs.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Columbia might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Shipping method choices in Columbia: Pick between standard open-air carriers for budget-friendly transport or enclosed trailers for extra protection against the elements. Enclosed shipping costs more but shields your car from the unexpected.
- Gas prices: The going rate for fuel in Columbia can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Columbia, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Hot and humid summers in Columbia, South Carolina can increase car shipping prices by causing extra wear on transport vehicles, while rare winter snow may add to costs due to potential weather delays or road closures.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Columbia?
Many car shipping companies in Columbia, South Carolina, provide real-time tracking. Typically, customers can monitor their vehicle's journey via the company's website or mobile app. This allows you to see when your car leaves Columbia, its estimated arrival time, and any possible delays during the trip.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Columbia?
Interstate 26 connects Columbia to Charleston and Asheville. Interstate 20 links Columbia to Atlanta and Florence. Interstate 77 runs from Columbia to Charlotte. Interstate 95 provides access for longer north-south routes.
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 Columbia or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Columbia?
Most carriers don't need an inspection to ship your car from Columbia. But if your vehicle is classic or high-value, they might ask for proof of insurance. Make sure to check the delivery state's inspection laws, as they can differ.
Take South Carolina regulations as an example. In South Carolina, drivers don't need to have their vehicles inspected for safety, VIN, or emissions.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Columbia?
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 Columbia to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Columbia?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in Columbia specializing in open carrier delivery include Charlotte Auto Shipping Group (offers military discounts), Columbia Auto Shipping Group (offers military discounts), and Lmr Trucking Llc (offers military discounts).
Who ships classic cars out of Columbia?
Columbia-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include Charlotte Auto Shipping Group, Columbia Auto Shipping Group, and Lmr Trucking Llc.
