($833) Cost to ship a car from New Orleans, LA to Charleston, SC
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 760 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Charleston, South Carolina, generally falls between $833 and $1,148. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Charleston to New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Charleston car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from New Orleans 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 New Orleans
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving New Orleans, LA:
- Ultimate Auto Transport: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 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 LA to SC
When you’re moving from New Orleans to Charleston, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from New Orleans to Charleston, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 760-mile trip from New Orleans to Charleston 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 Louisiana to South Carolina. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from New Orleans to Charleston 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 Charleston. 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 New Orleans to Charleston car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from New Orleans to Charleston, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from New Orleans to Charleston, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Charleston, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of New Orleans has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Charleston will cost more than moving a smaller car.
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 760 miles from New Orleans to Charleston is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Louisiana.
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 patterns in New Orleans and Charleston often affect the cost of auto transport.
New Orleans has short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The summer months are the wettest, while October is the driest month. Hurricanes pose a severe threat to the area, and the city is particularly at risk because of its low elevation, because it is surrounded by water from the north, east, and south and because of Louisiana's sinking coast.
Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from New Orleans to Charleston in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 760-mile drive between New Orleans and Charleston, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from New Orleans to Charleston usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing New Orleans and Charleston vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- New Orleans: To ensure public safety, an Oversized Load permit is required for vehicles whose dimensions are larger than legally permissible by the Code of City of New Orleans Sections 154-1521 through 154-1525 and 154-1561. The permit may be granted for a singular trip or annually depending on the needs of the operator. $40 application fee $10 for singular trip (issued for specific vehicle, route, and date) $125 for annual permit (issued for specific vehicle and all city truck routes)
- Charleston: Resident property owners may renew Residential Parking Permits and single-day Visitor Permit Booklets by mail. Applications should be mailed to the following for immediate processing and handling: Revenue Collections 180 Lockwood Boulevard Suite 234 To schedule your appointment with The Parking division, please click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/22parkingappts
Car insurance requirements
- New Orleans: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
- Charleston: 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
- New Orleans: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
- Charleston: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
Driver’s license
- New Orleans: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Charleston: 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 New Orleans to Charleston?
The cost to ship a car from New Orleans, LA to Charleston, 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 New Orleans to Charleston will range from $833 to $1,148.
How long will it take to ship my car from New Orleans to Charleston?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 760 miles from New Orleans to Charleston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from New Orleans to Charleston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Charleston?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from New Orleans 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 760-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.
W Kingston St, Laurel, MS 39440 US
140 James Dr E Suite A, St Rose, LA 70087 US
141 Allen Toussaint Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 US
4450 Old Canton Rd #340, Jackson, MS 39211 US
155 E Porter St, Jackson, MS 39201 US