Best Car Shipping Companies in Columbia, SC (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Need reliable car shipping in Columbia, SC? Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick. They’ve earned a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, offer a variety of services, and keep prices competitive. While prices can vary, you’ll usually pay between $601 and $1,454 to ship your car from Columbia.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our South Carolina car shipping guide.
Our track record
Top car shipping companies in Columbia, SC
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of South Carolina, these are the best auto transport companies available in Columbia:
Nexus Auto Transport
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
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
Montway Auto Transport
montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Navi Auto Transport
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
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
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
Columbia Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a wide range of car shipping services, including transportation for electric vehicles, classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even inoperable cars. The company boasts top-notch ratings with a perfect 5.0 on Google and an A+ rating from the BBB.
While they offer expedited delivery and international shipping, they do not provide damage-free guarantees, which may be a concern for some customers. Columbia Auto Shipping Group does not yet have a rating on Yelp, indicating potential clients might want to consult Google or the BBB for assurance of their quality services.
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
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a wide array of services including interstate and international shipping, enclosed and open transport, and specialized shipping for motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, and heavy equipment. They also provide guaranteed delivery and detailed inspection reports to ensure peace of mind. Currently, the business holds an A+ rating with the BBB but has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Additionally, they offer a damage-free guarantee and cater to cars that don’t run, ensuring that even inoperable vehicles can be transported. However, the company does not accept cryptocurrency for payments, which may be an inconvenience for some customers.
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
Lmr Trucking Llc
Lmr Trucking Llc (DOT: 2230121) is a dynamic car shipping company that offers a diverse range of services including damage-free guarantees, transportation for classic cars, boats, motorcycles, and even heavy equipment. Customers can benefit from services like enclosed transport, expedited delivery, and detailed inspection reports. A significant downside for some might be that the company does not accept cryptocurrency or provide international shipping services. With a solid Google rating of 4.2, Lmr Trucking Llc is committed to providing reliable shipping solutions, although it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
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 an active car shipping company that provides comprehensive services including classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and the transport of inoperable cars. Customers will appreciate their commitment to quality, as they offer a damage-free guarantee and fully insured shipping. With a Google rating of 3.4, the company shows a decent level of customer satisfaction.
Although Atlantic Express does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or expedited delivery services, they do provide international shipping and heavy equipment shipping, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs. However, it is worth noting that they do not offer any senior or military discounts, which might be a downside for some customers.
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 an extensive range of shipping services that cater to various vehicle types and needs, including classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even heavy equipment. They also provide international shipping and detailed inspection reports, ensuring comprehensive documentation and peace of mind for their customers.
While the company excels in diverse transport options, a notable downside is their lack of service for inoperable cars, which may be a concern for some customers. Additionally, they do not accept payments via cash or money order.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
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, 6 across South Carolina, and 560+ 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%), 6 in South Carolina (100.0%), 454 nationwide (67.26%)
- Real-time tracking: 2 in Columbia (100.0%), 5 in South Carolina (83.33%), 368 nationwide (54.52%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 0 in Columbia (0.0%), 2 in South Carolina (33.33%), 188 nationwide (27.85%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 0 in Columbia (0.0%), 2 in South Carolina (33.33%), 185 nationwide (27.41%)
- Expedited delivery: 2 in Columbia (100.0%), 4 in South Carolina (66.67%), 363 nationwide (53.78%)
| Company | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Charlotte 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%), 2 in South Carolina (33.33%), 168 nationwide (24.89%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Charlotte Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Lmr Trucking Llc | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Atlantic Express | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Xpress Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
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 a car out of Columbia, South Carolina typically starts around $601 but can go up to as much as $1,454 or more. Your final price depends on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping your vehicle from Columbia, South Carolina to other states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| South Carolina to California | $1,681 – $2,702 |
| South Carolina to Texas | $1,186 – $1,778 |
| South Carolina to Illinois | $1,058 – $1,460 |
| South Carolina to Arizona | $1,542 – $2,414 |
| South Carolina to Florida | $836 – $1,126 |
| Michigan to South Carolina | $996 – $1,689 |
| North Carolina to South Carolina | $566 – $691 |
| New York to South Carolina | $1,019 – $1,426 |
| Ohio to South Carolina | $915 – $1,175 |
| Georgia to South Carolina | $554 – $721 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Columbia
Car shipping from Columbia depends on multiple factors like distance, demand, and seasonal shifts. Local conditions such as population size and cost of living can also play a role.
- Moving distance: Shipping your car within Columbia or nearby cities in South Carolina usually costs less than transporting it across the country.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you’re moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Columbia vs. the suburbs.
- Vehicle type and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to move, while classic, luxury, or specialty vehicles from Columbia often need extra care and can bump up the price. Learn more about classic car transport.
- Shipping methods in Columbia: Choose between open-air transport for affordability or enclosed shipping for extra protection from weather and road hazards; the safer the option, the higher the price.
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Columbia can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances.
- Delivery timing: If you need your car ASAP, expedited or guaranteed shipping from Columbia will cost more.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Hot and humid summers in Columbia, South Carolina can increase car shipping prices due to higher demand and the impact of extreme temperatures on transportation logistics. Mild winters generally keep costs steady, except during rare weather disruptions.
Tips for choosing the right Columbia car shipping company
- Get clear quotes: Get a detailed estimate from Columbia providers. In South Carolina, expect to pay about $1,100 on average.
- Review insurance options: Choose carriers that clearly explain their coverage and make it easy to file a claim. Some offer perks like a damage-free guarantee to ensure peace of mind.
- Read verified reviews: Customer stories from Columbia give you a behind-the-scenes look at how companies actually perform.
- Vet the companies: Before booking, check the FMCSA company snapshot for USDOT numbers and compliance status.
- Know what you’re paying for: Some quotes don’t include all services. Ask if things like door-to-door delivery or insurance are baked into the price.
- Get realistic delivery dates: Good shippers will give you honest timeframes based on location, weather, and demand.
- Tailor your experience: Look for add-ons like express shipping or door delivery in Columbia to simplify the process.
- Tap into local referrals: Ask neighbors, coworkers, or family in Columbia who they’ve used — and what their experience was like.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
FAQ
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More South Carolina car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in South Carolina, these resources should help:
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