($722) Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to Columbia, SC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 507 miles from Louisville, Kentucky, to Columbia, South Carolina, will run you about $722 to $973. 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 Louisville 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 Louisville to Columbia car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Louisville to Columbia:
- 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 Louisville
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Louisville, KY:
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Louisville Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Highway Express Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 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
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
Auto Driveaway
3214 7th Street Rd Suite 101, Louisville, KY 40216 US
autodriveaway.com/locations/louisville
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
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 KY to SC
Relocating from Louisville to Columbia means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Louisville 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 plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 507-mile trip from Louisville to Columbia could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Kentucky to South Carolina. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Louisville to Columbia carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Columbia. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Louisville to Columbia car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Louisville to Columbia, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Louisville to Columbia, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Columbia, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Louisville. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Columbia will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 507 miles from Louisville to Columbia is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Kentucky.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Louisville and Columbia can impact car shipping prices.
Louisville has seasonal extremes in both temperature and precipitation are not uncommon during early spring and late fall; severe weather is not uncommon, with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region. Winter typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
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 Louisville to Columbia during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 507-mile journey from Louisville to Columbia 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 Louisville to Columbia typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Louisville and Columbia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Louisville: Building Moving Permit or Access to Open Space permits are required.
- 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
- Louisville: 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.
- 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
- Louisville: 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.
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Louisville: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- 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 Louisville to Columbia?
The cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY 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 Louisville to Columbia will range from $722 to $973.
How long will it take to ship my car from Louisville to Columbia?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 507 miles from Louisville to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Louisville to Columbia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Louisville 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 Louisville to Columbia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Louisville 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 507-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.
