($1,341) Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Charleston, SC

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,341 to $2,128 to ship your car 2,487 miles from Bakersfield, California, to Charleston, 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Charleston to Bakersfield car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Bakersfield to Charleston car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Bakersfield to Charleston:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Bakersfield

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Bakersfield, CA:

  1. Nationwide Transport Services: 3.88 out of 5 stars
  2. King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  3. A To Z Auto Shipping: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  4. ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  5. Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Nationwide Transport Services

1 World Trade Center #839, Long Beach, CA 90831 US

starstarstarstarstar3.88 / 5.0
Get a Quote (877) 278-3135

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2245458

King Of The Road Transport Inc

7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 955-0644

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • Student
  • Teacher

Additional Information

A To Z Auto Shipping

30101 Agoura Court, Suite 109, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0
Get a Quote (818) 991-9904

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • A to Z auto Shipping, Inc.

ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.

102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

ABC Auto Shipping, led by Arman, consistently receives high praise for its responsive customer service, effective communication, and reliable car transport services. Customers have reported positive experiences with timely deliveries, often ahead of schedule, and vehicles arriving in excellent condition. Though some reviewers noted slightly higher prices compared to competitors, many felt the service provided was worth the investment, especially considering the stress-free experience.

Get a Quote (877) 686-5611

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • Student
  • Teacher
  • Law enforcement

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • EZ Auto Logistics Subsidiary

Andrew Auto Transport

4809 Hahn Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 579-5913

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2241947

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 CA to SC

When you’re moving from Bakersfield to Charleston, 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 Bakersfield to Charleston, 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 plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,487-mile trip from Bakersfield to Charleston could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.

Use a driving service

Having a driver transport your car from California to South Carolina is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Bakersfield to Charleston. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Charleston 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 Bakersfield to Charleston car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Bakersfield to Charleston, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Bakersfield to Charleston, 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 Charleston, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Bakersfield is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Charleston will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.

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 2,487 miles from Bakersfield to Charleston will cost more than a shorter move within California.

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

Both seasonal trends and local weather in Bakersfield and Charleston can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.

Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Bakersfield to Charleston during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,487-mile drive between Bakersfield and Charleston, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Bakersfield to Charleston typically takes between five and thirteen days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Bakersfield and Charleston vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Bakersfield: First two hours - no charge $1 per each additional hour $10 maximum daily fee On-street parking spaces are available throughout downtown Bakersfield on a first-come, first-served basis. Most spaces have posted time limits which are monitored and enforced by the Bakersfield Police Department. There is no fee for on-street public parking.
  • Charleston: Resident property owners may renew Residential Parking Permits and single-day Visitor Permit Booklets by mail. Applications should be mailed to the following for immediate processing and handling: Revenue Collections 180 Lockwood Boulevard Suite 234 To schedule your appointment with The Parking division, please click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/22parkingappts

Car insurance requirements

  • Bakersfield: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
  • Charleston: 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

  • Bakersfield: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
  • Charleston: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.

Driver’s license

  • Bakersfield: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Charleston: 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 Bakersfield to Charleston?

The cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Charleston, 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 Bakersfield to Charleston will range from $1,341 to $2,128.

How long will it take to ship my car from Bakersfield to Charleston?

It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,487 miles from Bakersfield to Charleston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Bakersfield to Charleston?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Bakersfield to Charleston. 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 Bakersfield to Charleston?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Bakersfield to Charleston 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 2,487-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.

Helpful Bakersfield resources