($563) Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Columbia, SC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Shipping a car 393 miles from Huntsville, Alabama, to Columbia, South Carolina, typically costs between $563 and $827. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbia to Huntsville 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 Huntsville to Columbia car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Huntsville to Columbia:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in Huntsville
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Huntsville, AL:
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- SEC Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- TNAC Logistics, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
AMPM Auto Transport
11803 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934 US
ampmautotransport.com/knoxville-car-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Customers largely appreciate AmPm Auto Transport for their professional and friendly service, below market pricing, and prompt communication. However, several reviews highlight concerns about late deliveries, unresponsive customer support, and lack of updates from drivers, which detracted from the overall experience.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2247310
Alternative Business Names
- AMPM Auto Transport, Inc.
Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc
30 Hollingsworth Road, Readyville, TN 37149 US
tennesseeautocarriers.com
3.5 / 5.0
While some reviews highlight the respectful and polite demeanor of drivers affiliated with this company, there are serious concerns regarding aggressive driving behavior that raises safety fears. Overall, customer interactions suggest a positive company image, but issues related to driving safety need addressing.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1687391
SEC Auto Transport
105 Northcreek Dr, Shelbyville, TN 37160 US
lmrcompanies.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2291805
TNAC Logistics, Inc.
417 Hj Young Rd, Woodbury, TN 37190 US
tnaclogisticsinc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise TNAC Logistics for their excellent customer service, timely deliveries, and overall professionalism. The staff, particularly Melissa, is noted for their assistance and effective communication, making the shipping experience seamless. However, there are no negative aspects reported in these reviews.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2896276
Bennett Motor Express
1021 E 17th St, Chattanooga, TN 37408 US
bennettmotorexpressllc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 92693
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.
Car shipping alternatives from AL to SC
When you’re moving from Huntsville to Columbia, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Huntsville to Columbia, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 393-mile drive from Huntsville to Columbia into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Alabama to South Carolina. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Huntsville. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Columbia.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Columbia is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Huntsville to Columbia car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Huntsville to Columbia can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Huntsville to Columbia, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Huntsville tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Columbia, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Huntsville will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Columbia than a compact car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 393 miles from Huntsville to Columbia will cost more than a shorter move within Alabama.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Huntsville and Columbia.
Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Huntsville to Columbia during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 393-mile journey from Huntsville to Columbia makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Huntsville to Columbia takes between one and four days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Huntsville and Columbia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Huntsville: $0.50 per hour All parking meters are enforced Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meters are not enforced on City of Huntsville’s recognized holidays.
- Columbia: Check with the City of Columbia for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Columbia.
Car insurance requirements
- Huntsville: 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.
- Columbia: 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 inspections
- Huntsville: 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.
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Huntsville: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
- Columbia: 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Huntsville to Columbia?
The cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Columbia, SC varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Huntsville to Columbia will range from $563 to $827.
How long will it take to ship my car from Huntsville to Columbia?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 393 miles from Huntsville to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Huntsville to Columbia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Huntsville to Columbia. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Huntsville to Columbia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Huntsville to Columbia than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 393-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
