($880) Cost to ship a car from Little Rock, AR to Columbia, SC
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $880 to $1,277 to ship your car 732 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Columbia, South Carolina. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbia to Little Rock 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
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The best Little Rock to Columbia car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Little Rock to Columbia:
- 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
- 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 Little Rock
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Little Rock, AR:
- Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 AR to SC
If you’re relocating from Little Rock to Columbia, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Little Rock to Columbia, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 732-mile journey from Little Rock to Columbia could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Arkansas to South Carolina. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Little Rock. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Columbia.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Columbia—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Little Rock to Columbia car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Little Rock to Columbia, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Little Rock to Columbia, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Columbia, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Little Rock. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Columbia will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 732 miles from Little Rock to Columbia is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Arkansas.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Little Rock and Columbia can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Little Rock has hot, humid summers and cool winters with usually little snow.
If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Little Rock to Columbia during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 732-mile trip from Little Rock to Columbia, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Little Rock to Columbia takes between one and six days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Little Rock and Columbia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Little Rock: All meters have a time limit, generally two (2)hours, except around the Little Rock Convention Center where the meters are four (4) hours.
- 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
- Little Rock: In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto 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
- Little Rock: Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Little Rock: If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
- 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 Little Rock to Columbia?
The cost to ship a car from Little Rock, AR 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 Little Rock to Columbia will range from $880 to $1,277.
How long will it take to ship my car from Little Rock to Columbia?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 732 miles from Little Rock to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Little Rock to Columbia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Little Rock 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 Little Rock to Columbia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Little Rock 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 732-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.
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