7 Best Car Shipping Companies in South Dakota (2026 Cost Guide)
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Quick answer: We picked Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in South Dakota for its strong balance of price, service quality, and customer reviews. Our team gave them 4.7 out of 5 stars. Cost depends mainly on distance and transport type, but you'll pay between $655 and $1,377 to ship your car from South Dakota.
South Dakota car shipping facts
- 100% of South Dakota auto shipping companies rely on open transport, the most widely used and cost-efficient option.
- Meanwhile, 100% of car transporters in South Dakota provide enclosed shipping for extra security.
- Nationwide, only 28% of carriers guarantee delivery dates, though no South Dakota shippers offer that guarantee. For dependable scheduling, consider Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
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
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in South Dakota
Our team has spent more than 400 hours assessing 612 car shipping providers nationwide, including 2 in South Dakota. We verify every detail so the information we share stays reliable and unbiased, giving you clear guidance on the best car shipping companies in your area.
Planning to ship your car from Sioux Falls or anywhere else in South Dakota? Check out our top choices for reliable auto shippers below:
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- 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
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD, 57702
http://www.stopwatchusa.com
Auto Transport by Stopwatch (DOT: 2965797) offers interstate vehicle shipping with open and enclosed transport options.
The company ships classic cars, electric vehicles, and cars that do not run, and accepts credit card payments.
It does not offer guaranteed delivery, shipment tracking, or a damage-free guarantee, which may be a downside for some customers.
Auto Transport by Stopwatch has a 5.0 rating on Yelp, a 5.0 rating on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Yada Enterprises Inc
611 N Main St, Redfield, SD, 57469
http://yadaenterprises.net
Yada Enterprises Inc (DOT: 1255110) offers insured interstate auto transport, including open and enclosed shipping for classic cars and electric vehicles.
The company accepts credit card payments, but it does not provide expedited delivery, shipment tracking, or transport for inoperable cars, which may be a drawback for some customers.
Yada Enterprises Inc has a 2.6 Yelp rating, a 3.1 Google rating, and an NR rating with the BBB.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Average cost of transporting a car out of SD
Shipping a car out of South Dakota runs between $655 and $1,377. But keep in mind, prices can vary depending on how far you're going and which transport method you use.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $540 - $851
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $859 - $1,199
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,130 - $1,293
For example:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota to California | $1,423 | $1,971 |
| South Dakota to New York | $1,316 | $1,881 |
| South Dakota to Michigan | $906 | $1,338 |
| South Dakota to North Carolina | $1,369 | $1,899 |
| South Dakota to Texas | $967 | $1,412 |
| Ohio to South Dakota | $912 | $1,549 |
| Florida to South Dakota | $1,476 | $2,081 |
| Illinois to South Dakota | $922 | $1,277 |
| Georgia to South Dakota | $1,176 | $1,734 |
| Arizona to South Dakota | $1,106 | $1,693 |
What affects car shipping costs from South Dakota
- Your move distance: Shipping within South Dakota or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
- Location: Shipping from a rural part of South Dakota often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Sioux Falls or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
- Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from South Dakota cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 100% of South Dakota shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Shipping options in the Mount Rushmore State: 100% of South Dakota auto transporters offer open transport, and 100% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from South Dakota's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
- Gas prices: Fuel costs in South Dakota factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.82 per gallon right now.
- Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
- Discounts: In South Dakota, 2 companies offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular South Dakota car shipping routes.
How to ship a car from South Dakota
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in South Dakota.
- Estimate your shipping cost. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of South Dakota typically costs $655 - $1,377, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- Choose open vs enclosed transport. Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. This is especially relevant given South Dakota's weather patterns.
- Verify MC/DOT licensing. Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes. Compare at least three of the 2 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in South Dakota. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
- Book an off-peak ship date. Book early and avoid peak summer windows when you can. In South Dakota, in-state car shipping usually takes 1 - 3 days, while longer interstate routes often require 7 - 14 days.
FAQs
Do South Dakota car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or other specialty vehicles?
Specialty vehicle shipping is limited among South Dakota shippers in our data, so confirm directly before booking. No South Dakota shippers in our data ship motorcycles. None ship RVs. None ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when requesting quotes.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
What is the minimum car insurance required in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
Are South Dakota car shippers insured against damage?
50% of car shippers in South Dakota are fully insured, and none offer a damage-free guarantee. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
Does South Dakota require a vehicle inspection?
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
