($1,347) Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Charleston, SC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,436 miles from San Diego, California, to Charleston, South Carolina, generally falls between $1,347 and $2,097. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Charleston to San Diego 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 San Diego to Charleston car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from San Diego to Charleston:
- 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 San Diego
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving San Diego, CA:
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- San Diego Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Send It Car Shippers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Express Inc.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA 92101 US
autoexpressinc-car-shipping-san-diego.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3428899
San Diego Auto Shipping Group
3312 1228 University Ave Suite 200-161, San Diego, CA 92103 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-california/san-diego
3.64 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the excellent communication and service provided by Auto Shipping Group's representatives, alongside timely deliveries and good vehicle condition upon arrival. Some customers faced issues with a representative's communication and unexpected price increases due to bidding wars with drivers.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- 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
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego
888 Prospect St # 200, La Jolla, CA 92037 US carshippingcarriers.com3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2249744
Global Auto Transportation
4234 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102 US
globalautotransportation.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Send It Car Shippers
845 15th St Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92101 US
senditcarshippers.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3517052
Alternative Business Names
- Send It Car Shippers Inc
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
If you’re planning a move from San Diego to Charleston, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from San Diego to Charleston, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 2,436 miles from San Diego to Charleston might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from California to South Carolina. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from San Diego to Charleston carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Charleston—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 San Diego to Charleston car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from San Diego to Charleston can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from San Diego to Charleston, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from San Diego are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Charleston? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from San Diego. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Charleston will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 2,436 miles from San Diego 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
The time of year and weather conditions in San Diego and Charleston play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
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.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from San Diego to Charleston in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 2,436-mile journey from San Diego to Charleston makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from San Diego 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 San Diego and Charleston vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
- 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
- San Diego: 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
- San Diego: 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
- San Diego: 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 San Diego to Charleston?
The cost to ship a car from San Diego, 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 San Diego to Charleston will range from $1,347 to $2,097.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Diego to Charleston?
It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,436 miles from San Diego to Charleston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Diego to Charleston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Diego 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 San Diego to Charleston?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from San Diego 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 2,436-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.
