Iowa to South Carolina Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,084 miles from Iowa to South Carolina usually costs between $830 and $1,288. Transit time is about two–eight days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Carolina to Iowa 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 Iowa to South Carolina car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Iowa to South Carolina:
- 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 Iowa
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Iowa that can transport your vehicle to South Carolina:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nimble Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.5 / 5.0
While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2230973
Nimble Inc
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US
nimbleinc.net
3.5 / 5.0
Nimble, Inc. is faced with serious concern regarding business practices, particularly around unpaid freight charges and customer service experiences. While there are some positive comments about their staff, numerous reviews highlight major issues related to financial responsibility and operational difficulties during service deliveries.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245757
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Iowa to South Carolina
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Iowa to South Carolina, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,084 miles on your car to travel between Iowa and South Carolina. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Iowa to South Carolina. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Iowa to South Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Iowa and South Carolina. The average travel distance is about 1,084 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to South Carolina
| From Iowa to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Charleston, SC | $985 – $1,537 | 1,200 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Columbia, SC | $854 – $1,288 | 1,091 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to North Charleston, SC | $850 – $1,428 | 1,192 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $947 – $1,523 | 1,203 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Rock Hill, SC | $781 – $1,353 | 1,063 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to South Carolina
| From Iowa to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Charleston, SC | $912 – $1,442 | 1,113 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Columbia, SC | $846 – $1,340 | 1,004 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to North Charleston, SC | $921 – $1,387 | 1,105 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $859 – $1,415 | 1,116 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Rock Hill, SC | $801 – $1,241 | 976 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to South Carolina
| From Iowa to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Charleston, SC | $805 – $1,367 | 1,034 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Columbia, SC | $795 – $1,234 | 924 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to North Charleston, SC | $830 – $1,327 | 1,026 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $813 – $1,288 | 1,036 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Rock Hill, SC | $802 – $1,183 | 896 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to South Carolina
| From Iowa to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Charleston, SC | $964 – $1,610 | 1,379 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Columbia, SC | $966 – $1,464 | 1,270 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to North Charleston, SC | $1,035 – $1,533 | 1,371 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $1,056 – $1,503 | 1,381 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Rock Hill, SC | $966 – $1,449 | 1,241 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to South Carolina
| From Iowa to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Charleston, SC | $854 – $1,288 | 1,089 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Columbia, SC | $850 – $1,306 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to North Charleston, SC | $830 – $1,236 | 1,081 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $830 – $1,340 | 1,091 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Rock Hill, SC | $852 – $1,244 | 951 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to South Carolina
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Iowa to South Carolina, the price usually falls between $1,038 and $1,610.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to South Carolina
When moving your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Palmetto State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to South Carolina than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The route from Iowa to South Carolina is about 1,084 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Iowa in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Iowa and South Carolina.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–eight days, but expedited options cost more.
South Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to South Carolina, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Driver’s license: 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.
- Additional taxes: In South Carolina, there is a sales tax imposed on the purchase of a vehicle. The sales tax rate is 6%, which is collected by the dealer at the time of purchase.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Iowa
More than 3.2 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
Transporting your vehicle to South Carolina
About 5.4 million people are living in the Palmetto State. South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in South Carolina?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in South Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to South Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to South Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Carolina, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to South Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to South Carolina is about 1,084 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Iowa to South Carolina.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in South Carolina?
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.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Carolina after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to South Carolina after purchasing it.
In South Carolina, there is a sales tax imposed on the purchase of a vehicle. The sales tax rate is 6%, which is collected by the dealer at the time of purchase.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and South Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to South Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to South Carolina is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Iowa to South Carolina?
Shipping a car from Iowa to South Carolina costs $830 to $1,288.
