($1,288) Cost to ship a car from Long Beach, CA to Charleston, WV
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,341 miles from Long Beach, California, to Charleston, West Virginia, will run you about $1,288 to $2,177. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Charleston to Long Beach 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 Long Beach to Charleston car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Long Beach to Charleston:
- 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
- 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 Long Beach
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Long Beach, CA:
- Nationwide Transport Services: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide United Auto Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Direct Connect Auto Transport: 3.52 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 CA to WV
If you’re relocating from Long Beach to Charleston, 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’re planning a move from Long Beach 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
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 2,341-mile drive from Long Beach to Charleston 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 California to West Virginia. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Long Beach. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Charleston.
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 Long Beach to Charleston car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Long Beach to Charleston, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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
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 2,341 miles from Long Beach to Charleston is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within California.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Long Beach and Charleston play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Long Beach has hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Long Beach to Charleston in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,341-mile drive between Long Beach and Charleston, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Long Beach to Charleston takes between five and thirteen days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Long Beach and Charleston vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Long Beach: THE APPLICANT AGREES THAT THE PERMIT(S) APPLIED FOR MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN ANY MANNER, EXCEPT AS A TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR USE BY VARIOUS VISITORS AND SERVICE PEOPLE TO THE APPLICANTS RESIDENCE. THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF A PERMIT IS IN VIOLATION OF LBMC SECTION 10.32.040 AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A FINE IN THE AMOUNT OF $100.00 AND ANY MISUSE OF A PERMIT IS GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION OF SAID PERMIT. NO MORE THAN 20 PERMITS MAY BE ISSUED PER CALENDAR YEAR. TWENTY-FOUR HOUR PERIOD MUST ELAPSE BETWEEN TWO CONSECUTIVE PERMITS.
- Charleston:
Car insurance requirements
- Long Beach: 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: West Virginia's required minimum insurance standards, encompassing liability coverage at $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Long Beach: 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: New residents are given 10 days from the date they title a vehicle to have a West Virginia safety inspection at any official inspection station licensed by the West Virginia State Police.
Driver’s license
- Long Beach: 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 West Virginia and you have a valid, non-expired out-of-state license, you are eligible to transfer the license. If your out-of-state license has expired, you are required to take all tests and obtain a certified driving record, dated no more than 30 days from the date of the application, from the state in which you were previously licensed.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Long Beach to Charleston?
The cost to ship a car from Long Beach, CA to Charleston, WV 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 Long Beach to Charleston will range from $1,288 to $2,177.
How long will it take to ship my car from Long Beach to Charleston?
It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,341 miles from Long Beach to Charleston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Long Beach to Charleston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Long Beach 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 Long Beach to Charleston?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Long Beach 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 2,341-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.
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
2202 S Figueroa St #506, Los Angeles, CA 90007 US
102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618 US
8605 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 US