($575) Cost to ship a car from Tallahassee, FL to Columbia, SC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 354 miles from Tallahassee, Florida, to Columbia, South Carolina, will run you about $575 to $771. 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 Columbia to Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee to Columbia car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Tallahassee, FL:
- Centurion Auto Logistics Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Exclusive Auto Shipping: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Proficient Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- 8 Brothers Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Virginia Transportation Corp: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Centurion Auto Logistics Inc
5912 New Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209 US
centurionautologistics.com
3.56 / 5.0
The company generally offers outstanding service with friendly and professional staff, although there are significant concerns regarding reckless driver behavior causing unsafe conditions. Overall sentiment appears mixed, spotlighting fine service quality.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2215614
Alternative Business Names
- ATC Logistics
- Centurion Leasing Company
- Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.
- Centurion-Eagle Auto Transport
- Centurion Leasing Shop
Exclusive Auto Shipping
732 S Lewis Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32305 US
exclusiveautoshipping.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the exceptional service provided by Jared at Exclusive Auto Transport. His responsiveness, reliability, and proactive communication are highly regarded. However, there are no significant negative experiences reported, indicating a strong overall satisfaction with the service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2968838
Proficient Auto Transport
10057 103rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32210 US
proficientautotransport.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers have reported a range of experiences with Proficient Auto Transport. Many commend the company for its reliable service and professional drivers, highlighting effective communication and successful deliveries. However, negative feedback centers around issues of unprofessional driver behavior and problems with accounting practices, including delayed payments and miscommunications regarding pay rates.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1297747
8 Brothers Inc.
636 E 21st St, Jacksonville, FL 32206 US
8brothers.com
3.5 / 5.0
8 Brothers Inc is praised for their professional and careful car shipping services, with exceptional communication and a high level of customer care. Customers commend the company's efficiency and attention to detail throughout the shipping process. However, some feedback may reflect challenges during peak seasons or potential difficulties securing carriers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2418874
Virginia Transportation Corp
5761 W 12th St, Jacksonville, FL 32254 US
virginiatransportation.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 643760
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 FL to SC
Getting your car from Tallahassee to Columbia can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Tallahassee 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 354-mile drive from Tallahassee 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Florida to South Carolina. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Tallahassee to Columbia carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Columbia, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Tallahassee to Columbia car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Tallahassee to Columbia, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Tallahassee 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
Your shipping price from Tallahassee depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Columbia will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 354 miles from Tallahassee to Columbia will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Florida.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Tallahassee and Columbia can impact car shipping prices.
Tallahassee has long summers and short, mild winters, as well as drier springs and autumns.
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 peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tallahassee to Columbia during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 354 miles between Tallahassee and Columbia, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Tallahassee to Columbia typically takes between one and four days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Tallahassee and Columbia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tallahassee: Effective October 29, 2021, carriers may purchase Florida trip permits online through the FLHSMV Commercial Vehicle Permit Portal. A Florida Temporary Trip Permit is valid for ten (10) days and costs $30.00. Carriers may also contact the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services at (850) 617-3711 weekdays from 8-4:30 to obtain a trip permit.
- 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
- Tallahassee: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- 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
- Tallahassee: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Tallahassee: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- 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 Tallahassee to Columbia?
The cost to ship a car from Tallahassee, FL 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 Tallahassee to Columbia will range from $575 to $771.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tallahassee to Columbia?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 354 miles from Tallahassee to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tallahassee to Columbia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee to Columbia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Tallahassee 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 354-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.
