Alabama to South Carolina Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 399 miles from Alabama to South Carolina typically falls between $542 and $749. The process usually takes one–four days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Carolina to Alabama car shipping guide.
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
The best Alabama to South Carolina car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Alabama to South Carolina:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Alabama
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Alabama ready to move your vehicle to South Carolina:
- US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
US AutoLogistics
3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
usal.com
3.52 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 357779
Global Auto Transportation
1101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
globalautotransportation.com/birmingham-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
The company generally provides responsive service with competitive pricing and timely vehicle deliveries, though some customers experienced issues with customer service and communication during the process.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Vehicle Transport Services
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US
vehicletransportservices.co/birmingham-alabama-companies
3.5 / 5.0
Vehicle Transport Services Birmingham has garnered positive feedback for their excellent shipping service and overall customer satisfaction. However, there are notable concerns about their customer support being unhelpful and lacking adequate time to address customer inquiries regarding future shipments.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2249744
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Alabama to South Carolina
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Alabama to South Carolina, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 399 miles on your car to travel between Alabama and South Carolina. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Alabama to South Carolina, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Alabama to South Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Alabama and South Carolina. The average travel distance is about 399 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to South Carolina
| From Alabama to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL to Charleston, SC | $606 – $832 | 477 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Columbia, SC | $581 – $749 | 393 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Huntsville, AL to North Charleston, SC | $576 – $874 | 469 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Mount Pleasant, SC | $587 – $866 | 480 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Rock Hill, SC | $594 – $751 | 401 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to South Carolina
| From Alabama to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL to Charleston, SC | $625 – $858 | 453 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Columbia, SC | $527 – $713 | 369 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Montgomery, AL to North Charleston, SC | $623 – $805 | 445 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Mount Pleasant, SC | $607 – $841 | 455 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Rock Hill, SC | $536 – $734 | 396 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to South Carolina
| From Alabama to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL to Charleston, SC | $617 – $805 | 444 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Columbia, SC | $516 – $735 | 360 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Birmingham, AL to North Charleston, SC | $575 – $846 | 436 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Mount Pleasant, SC | $563 – $780 | 446 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Rock Hill, SC | $542 – $757 | 381 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to South Carolina
| From Alabama to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL to Charleston, SC | $696 – $998 | 619 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mobile, AL to Columbia, SC | $633 – $875 | 535 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mobile, AL to North Charleston, SC | $682 – $978 | 611 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mobile, AL to Mount Pleasant, SC | $668 – $1,008 | 622 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mobile, AL to Rock Hill, SC | $651 – $932 | 562 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tuscaloosa, AL to South Carolina
| From Alabama to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Charleston, SC | $606 – $824 | 499 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Columbia, SC | $577 – $759 | 415 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to North Charleston, SC | $649 – $866 | 491 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Mount Pleasant, SC | $596 – $819 | 502 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Rock Hill, SC | $581 – $772 | 437 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Alabama to South Carolina
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Alabama to South Carolina, expect costs to range from $678 to $936.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Alabama to South Carolina
Transporting your vehicle from the Heart of Dixie to the Palmetto State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to South Carolina.
- Distance and route: The route from Alabama to South Carolina is about 399 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Alabama in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Alabama and South Carolina and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Alabama to South Carolina takes one–four days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
South Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to South Carolina, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
- Vehicle inspection: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Additional taxes: In South Carolina, there is a sales tax imposed on the purchase of a vehicle. The sales tax rate is 6%, which is collected by the dealer at the time of purchase.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Alabama
More than 5.1 million people call Alabama home. Nicknamed the Heart of Dixie. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to Alabama.
Transporting your vehicle to South Carolina
About 5.4 million people are living in the Palmetto State. South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Alabama and delivery in South Carolina?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Alabama and when dropping it off in South Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Alabama to South Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Alabama to South Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Carolina, which you should verify before loading your car in Alabama.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
How long does it take to ship a car from Alabama to South Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Alabama to South Carolina is about 399 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Alabama to South Carolina.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
If I have a driver’s license in Alabama, will I need one in South Carolina?
If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
If I bought a car in Alabama, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Carolina after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Alabama to South Carolina after purchasing it.
In South Carolina, there is a sales tax imposed on the purchase of a vehicle. The sales tax rate is 6%, which is collected by the dealer at the time of purchase.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Alabama and South Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to South Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to South Carolina is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Alabama to South Carolina?
Shipping a car from Alabama to South Carolina costs $542 to $749.
