Kentucky to South Carolina Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 426 miles from Kentucky to South Carolina ranges from $575 to $821. Expect the trip to take around one–four days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky to South Carolina:
- 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 Kentucky
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Kentucky can deliver your vehicle to South Carolina:
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Louisville Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Safe Way Auto Transport, LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Highway Express Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Jack Cooper Transport
6709 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Louisville Auto Shipping Group
9900 Corporate Campus Dr #3000, Louisville, KY 40223 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-kentucky/louisville
3.56 / 5.0
Customers have reported a positive experience with Louisville Auto Shipping Group, highlighting their excellent communication and customer focus. However, there were significant concerns regarding the professionalism of a transport coordinator, which detracted from the overall experience.
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
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Safe Way Auto Transport, LLC
501 Lake Shore Dr, Kuttawa, KY 42055 US
safewayautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Safe Way Auto Transport generally receives positive feedback for its excellent communication, timely vehicle delivery, and overall professional service. However, some customers have reported issues with missed pickups and unresponsive customer support, leading to significant frustration and unsatisfactory experiences.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2232026
Ceva Logistics
6712 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the friendly staff and timely offloading services. However, issues with delivery reliability, slow check-in processes, and poor communication have been highlighted.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Highway Express Inc
1800 E Blue Lick Rd, Suite 7, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 US
highwayexpressinc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
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 Kentucky to South Carolina
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Kentucky for a move to South Carolina, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 426 miles to your vehicle on the route from Kentucky to South Carolina. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Kentucky to South Carolina is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Kentucky to South Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Kentucky and South Carolina. The trip typically spans 426 miles and takes about one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to South Carolina
| From Kentucky to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY to Charleston, SC | $731 – $949 | 616 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Louisville, KY to Columbia, SC | $621 – $871 | 507 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Louisville, KY to North Charleston, SC | $675 – $978 | 608 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Louisville, KY to Mount Pleasant, SC | $682 – $939 | 619 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Louisville, KY to Rock Hill, SC | $612 – $807 | 479 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to South Carolina
| From Kentucky to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, KY to Charleston, SC | $679 – $920 | 543 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Lexington, KY to Columbia, SC | $593 – $813 | 434 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lexington, KY to North Charleston, SC | $640 – $911 | 535 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Lexington, KY to Mount Pleasant, SC | $614 – $849 | 545 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Lexington, KY to Rock Hill, SC | $548 – $751 | 405 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bowling Green, KY to South Carolina
| From Kentucky to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY to Charleston, SC | $647 – $989 | 576 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Columbia, SC | $625 – $858 | 467 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to North Charleston, SC | $637 – $895 | 569 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Mount Pleasant, SC | $667 – $951 | 579 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Rock Hill, SC | $593 – $780 | 439 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to South Carolina
| From Kentucky to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro, KY to Charleston, SC | $732 – $1,055 | 645 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Columbia, SC | $666 – $893 | 536 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Owensboro, KY to North Charleston, SC | $725 – $1,045 | 637 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Mount Pleasant, SC | $703 – $964 | 647 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Rock Hill, SC | $602 – $880 | 507 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to South Carolina
| From Kentucky to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covington, KY to Charleston, SC | $703 – $1,018 | 619 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Covington, KY to Columbia, SC | $621 – $845 | 510 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Covington, KY to North Charleston, SC | $696 – $969 | 611 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Covington, KY to Mount Pleasant, SC | $661 – $939 | 621 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Covington, KY to Rock Hill, SC | $643 – $832 | 481 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky to South Carolina
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Kentucky to South Carolina you should expect to pay between $719 and $1,026.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to South Carolina
If you’re shipping a car from the Bluegrass State to the Palmetto State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Kentucky to South Carolina.
- Distance and route: The journey from Kentucky to South Carolina spans approximately 426 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Kentucky in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Kentucky and South Carolina.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
South Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in South Carolina, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- 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 Kentucky
More than 4.5 million people call Kentucky home. Nicknamed the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky and when dropping it off in South Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Kentucky to South Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Kentucky 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 Kentucky.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
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 Kentucky to South Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to South Carolina is about 426 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Kentucky to South Carolina.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky and South Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to South Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky 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 Kentucky to South Carolina?
Shipping a car from Kentucky to South Carolina costs $575 to $821.
