North Carolina to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,531 miles from North Carolina to South Dakota usually costs between $1,164 and $1,630. Transit time is about three–nine days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota to North Carolina car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best North Carolina to South Dakota 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 North Carolina to South Dakota:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in North Carolina

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in North Carolina that can relocate your vehicle to South Dakota:

  1. 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  2. Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  4. Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars

48 States Auto Shipping

1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0

Customers report extremely poor service due to lack of communication and significant delays in vehicle pickup and delivery. The overall sentiment is frustration over unresponsive support and inconsistent scheduling.

Get a Quote (866) 237-9212

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Perfect Auto Transport Inc.

Ship A Car ASAP

4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise David’s exemplary service, highlighting his professionalism, excellent communication, and the efficiency of the car shipping process. However, some feedback indicates occasional delays in response times from representatives at the company.

Get a Quote (844) 321-2727

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • JE Carriers, LLC

Charlotte Auto Shipping Group

15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the company's exceptional service and professionalism, highlighting their friendly demeanor and timely delivery. However, there were no significant negative aspects mentioned.

Get a Quote (704) 412-3669

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

Stewart Transport Solutions

341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (910) 892-7900

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Speedy Car Shipping

3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers praised the clear and user-friendly website and the exceptional customer service. They reported a strong trust in the company's process and recommendations. However, no significant negative feedback was indicated.

Get a Quote (919) 367-1879

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior

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 North Carolina to South Dakota

Ship it with your movers

If you’re planning a move from North Carolina to South Dakota, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.

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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,531 extra miles on your car to travel from North Carolina to South Dakota. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

You can hire someone to drive your car from North Carolina to South Dakota, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.

Ship by train

This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.

North Carolina to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times

Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in North Carolina and South Dakota. The typical distance is about 1,531 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and nine days.

Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to South Dakota

From North Carolina to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Charlotte, NC to Sioux Falls, SD $1,048 – $1,614 1,332 miles 3 – 8 days
Charlotte, NC to Rapid City, SD $1,175 – $1,725 1,667 miles 3 – 9 days
Charlotte, NC to Aberdeen, SD $1,073 – $1,646 1,457 miles 3 – 8 days
Charlotte, NC to Brookings, SD $976 – $1,614 1,381 miles 3 – 8 days
Charlotte, NC to Watertown, SD $997 – $1,614 1,367 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to South Dakota

From North Carolina to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Raleigh, NC to Sioux Falls, SD $1,017 – $1,474 1,384 miles 3 – 8 days
Raleigh, NC to Rapid City, SD $1,241 – $1,729 1,722 miles 3 – 9 days
Raleigh, NC to Aberdeen, SD $1,129 – $1,613 1,508 miles 3 – 9 days
Raleigh, NC to Brookings, SD $1,139 – $1,678 1,432 miles 3 – 8 days
Raleigh, NC to Watertown, SD $1,095 – $1,646 1,418 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Greensboro, NC to South Dakota

From North Carolina to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Greensboro, NC to Sioux Falls, SD $1,007 – $1,536 1,301 miles 3 – 8 days
Greensboro, NC to Rapid City, SD $1,223 – $1,760 1,647 miles 3 – 9 days
Greensboro, NC to Aberdeen, SD $1,040 – $1,694 1,433 miles 3 – 8 days
Greensboro, NC to Brookings, SD $986 – $1,490 1,357 miles 3 – 8 days
Greensboro, NC to Watertown, SD $1,007 – $1,614 1,343 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Durham, NC to South Dakota

From North Carolina to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Durham, NC to Sioux Falls, SD $986 – $1,552 1,353 miles 3 – 8 days
Durham, NC to Rapid City, SD $1,151 – $1,812 1,699 miles 3 – 9 days
Durham, NC to Aberdeen, SD $1,150 – $1,533 1,485 miles 3 – 8 days
Durham, NC to Brookings, SD $1,084 – $1,678 1,409 miles 3 – 8 days
Durham, NC to Watertown, SD $1,048 – $1,536 1,394 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to South Dakota

From North Carolina to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Winston-Salem, NC to Sioux Falls, SD $920 – $1,511 1,285 miles 3 – 8 days
Winston-Salem, NC to Rapid City, SD $1,247 – $1,708 1,623 miles 3 – 9 days
Winston-Salem, NC to Aberdeen, SD $1,040 – $1,662 1,410 miles 3 – 8 days
Winston-Salem, NC to Brookings, SD $1,068 – $1,598 1,333 miles 3 – 8 days
Winston-Salem, NC to Watertown, SD $1,048 – $1,567 1,320 miles 3 – 8 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina to South Dakota

SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.

For a larger vehicle going from North Carolina to South Dakota, the price usually falls between $1,455 and $2,038.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Carolina to South Dakota

If you’re shipping a car from the Tar Heel State to the Mount Rushmore State, keep these cost factors in mind:

  • Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
  • Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to South Dakota.
  • Distance and route: The trip from North Carolina to South Dakota covers roughly 1,531 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
  • Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of North Carolina more expensive during these times.
  • Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between North Carolina and South Dakota.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–nine days, while expedited service costs more.

South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to South Dakota, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.

  • Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
  • Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from North Carolina

More than 10.8 million people call North Carolina home. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.

Transporting your vehicle to South Dakota

About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in North Carolina and delivery in South Dakota?

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in North Carolina and when dropping it off in South Dakota.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Carolina to South Dakota?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Carolina to South Dakota, 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 Dakota, which you should verify before loading your car in North Carolina.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.

In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.

How long does it take to ship a car from North Carolina to South Dakota?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Carolina to South Dakota is about 1,531 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from North Carolina to South Dakota.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.

South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

If I have a driver’s license in North Carolina, will I need one in South Dakota?

If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

If I bought a car in North Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from North Carolina to South Dakota after purchasing it.

When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both North Carolina and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to South Dakota?

The cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to South Dakota 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 North Carolina to South Dakota?

Shipping a car from North Carolina to South Dakota costs $1,164 to $1,630.

Helpful North Carolina resources