Maine to South Carolina Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,169 miles from Maine to South Carolina ranges from $811 to $1,283 and takes two–eight days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, 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 Maine 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 Maine to South Carolina car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Maine 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 Maine
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Maine that can transport your vehicle to South Carolina:
- Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- CraftsTransport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.
84 Airport Rd, Old Town, ME 04468
sullivansauto.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 541179
Xpress Auto Transport
23 Water, St #340, Bangor, ME 04401
xpressautoship.com/city/bangor-maine
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
CraftsTransport
138 High, St Suite 172, Ellsworth, ME 04605
craftstransport.com/index.html
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 Maine to South Carolina
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Maine 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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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,169 miles on your car going from Maine to South Carolina. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Maine to South Carolina. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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.
Maine 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 Maine and South Carolina. The average travel distance is about 1,169 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to South Carolina
| From Maine to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Charleston, SC | $823 – $1,254 | 1,075 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Columbia, SC | $784 – $1,204 | 1,022 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to North Charleston, SC | $815 – $1,292 | 1,067 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Mount Pleasant, SC | $792 – $1,292 | 1,077 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Rock Hill, SC | $789 – $1,187 | 969 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to South Carolina
| From Maine to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Charleston, SC | $811 – $1,350 | 1,107 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Columbia, SC | $784 – $1,229 | 1,054 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to North Charleston, SC | $745 – $1,242 | 1,099 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Mount Pleasant, SC | $871 – $1,310 | 1,109 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Rock Hill, SC | $760 – $1,279 | 1,001 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to South Carolina
| From Maine to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Charleston, SC | $940 – $1,454 | 1,204 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Columbia, SC | $820 – $1,323 | 1,151 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to North Charleston, SC | $828 – $1,297 | 1,196 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Mount Pleasant, SC | $876 – $1,355 | 1,206 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Rock Hill, SC | $745 – $1,229 | 1,098 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to South Carolina
| From Maine to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Charleston, SC | $792 – $1,279 | 1,076 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Columbia, SC | $784 – $1,229 | 1,023 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to North Charleston, SC | $823 – $1,229 | 1,068 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Mount Pleasant, SC | $753 – $1,267 | 1,079 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Rock Hill, SC | $813 – $1,261 | 970 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to South Carolina
| From Maine to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Charleston, SC | $811 – $1,323 | 1,105 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Columbia, SC | $753 – $1,279 | 1,052 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to North Charleston, SC | $760 – $1,317 | 1,097 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Mount Pleasant, SC | $888 – $1,283 | 1,107 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Rock Hill, SC | $787 – $1,258 | 999 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to South Carolina
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Maine to South Carolina, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,014–$1,604.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to South Carolina
If you’re shipping a car from the Pine Tree State to the Palmetto State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to South Carolina.
- Distance and route: The route from Maine to South Carolina is about 1,169 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Maine in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Maine to South Carolina, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- 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 Maine
More than 1.4 million people call Maine home. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
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 Maine 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 Maine and when dropping it off in South Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to South Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine 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 Maine.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
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 Maine to South Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to South Carolina is about 1,169 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Maine to South Carolina.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
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 Maine, 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 Maine, 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 Maine 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 Maine and South Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to South Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine 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 Maine to South Carolina?
Shipping a car from Maine to South Carolina costs $811 to $1,283.
