North Carolina to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,531 miles from North Carolina to South Dakota ranges from $1,089 to $1,667 and takes three–nine days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota to North Carolina 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 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: 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 North Carolina
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in North Carolina who can get your vehicle to South Dakota:
- 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 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.
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.
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,531 miles to your vehicle on the route from North Carolina to South Dakota. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from North Carolina to South Dakota for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
North Carolina to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in North Carolina and South Dakota. The average journey covers about 1,531 miles and takes roughly three to 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 | $1,040 – $1,466 | 1,332 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Rapid City, SD | $1,144 – $1,730 | 1,667 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Aberdeen, SD | $1,109 – $1,634 | 1,457 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Brookings, SD | $951 – $1,451 | 1,381 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Watertown, SD | $1,010 – $1,496 | 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 | $1,030 – $1,511 | 1,384 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Rapid City, SD | $1,173 – $1,788 | 1,722 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Aberdeen, SD | $1,078 – $1,588 | 1,508 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Brookings, SD | $1,035 – $1,571 | 1,432 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Watertown, SD | $1,066 – $1,494 | 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 | $1,010 – $1,451 | 1,301 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Rapid City, SD | $1,098 – $1,614 | 1,647 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Aberdeen, SD | $1,109 – $1,540 | 1,433 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Brookings, SD | $981 – $1,526 | 1,357 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Watertown, SD | $981 – $1,496 | 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 | $941 – $1,556 | 1,353 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Durham, NC to Rapid City, SD | $1,167 – $1,680 | 1,699 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Durham, NC to Aberdeen, SD | $1,003 – $1,603 | 1,485 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Durham, NC to Brookings, SD | $1,003 – $1,494 | 1,409 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Durham, NC to Watertown, SD | $961 – $1,466 | 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 | $896 – $1,429 | 1,285 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Rapid City, SD | $1,110 – $1,697 | 1,623 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Aberdeen, SD | $1,014 – $1,556 | 1,410 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Brookings, SD | $1,030 – $1,421 | 1,333 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Watertown, SD | $951 – $1,481 | 1,320 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina to South Dakota
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from North Carolina to South Dakota, expect costs to range from $1,361 to $2,084.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Carolina to South Dakota
When moving your vehicle from the Tar Heel State to the Mount Rushmore State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- 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 Dakota.
- Distance and route: The journey from North Carolina to South Dakota spans about 1,531 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from North Carolina in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from North Carolina to South Dakota, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from North Carolina to South Dakota should take between three and nine days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
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 $1,089 to $1,667.
1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US
4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US
3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US