($821) Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Myrtle Beach, SC
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $821 to $1,212 to ship your car 965 miles from Portland, Maine, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Myrtle Beach to Portland 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 Portland to Myrtle Beach car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Portland to Myrtle Beach:
- 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
- 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 Portland
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Portland, ME:
- Intercity Lines Inc: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Fisher Shipping Company: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Dreamline Logistics LLC: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Rust Auto Shippers: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Ck5 Transport Svc Llc: 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 ME to SC
If you’re relocating from Portland to Myrtle Beach, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Portland to Myrtle Beach, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 965-mile trip from Portland to Myrtle Beach 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Maine to South Carolina. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Portland. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Myrtle Beach.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Myrtle Beach, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Portland to Myrtle Beach car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Portland to Myrtle Beach, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Portland to Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Portland depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Myrtle Beach will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 965 miles from Portland to Myrtle Beach will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Maine.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Portland and Myrtle Beach can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
May, October and April are the most pleasant months in Myrtle Beach and ideal time to move. Heat can be a main consideration you might want to look at when you're deciding to move to Myrtle Beach.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Portland to Myrtle Beach during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 965 miles between Portland and Myrtle Beach, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Portland to Myrtle Beach is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Portland and Myrtle Beach vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Portland:
- Myrtle Beach: Check with the City of Myrtle Beach for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to City of Myrtle Beach.
Car insurance requirements
- Portland: 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.
- Myrtle Beach: 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
- Portland: 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.
- Myrtle Beach: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Portland: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
- Myrtle Beach: 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 Portland to Myrtle Beach?
The cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Myrtle Beach, 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 Portland to Myrtle Beach will range from $821 to $1,212.
How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to Myrtle Beach?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 965 miles from Portland to Myrtle Beach. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to Myrtle Beach?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Portland to Myrtle Beach. 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 Portland to Myrtle Beach?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Portland to Myrtle Beach 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 965-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.
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