($788) Cost to ship a car from Albany, NY to Columbia, SC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 848 miles from Albany, New York, to Columbia, South Carolina, will run you about $788 to $1,166. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbia to Albany 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 Albany to Columbia car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Albany to Columbia:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Albany
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Albany, NY:
- Fox Auto Transport: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Intercity Lines Inc: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Fisher Shipping Company: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Quickship LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Loyal Transportation Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Fox Auto Transport
150 Pleasant St Suite 209, Easthampton, MA 01027 US
foxautotransport.com
3.86 / 5.0
Fox Auto Transport is praised for its excellent customer service, efficient transportation, and reliable communication throughout the process. Many customers have specifically highlighted Patrick and Paul for their professionalism and attention to detail. However, some users reported fluctuating prices and occasional scheduling issues, leading to frustration for a few customers.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2237933
Intercity Lines Inc
552 Old West Brookfield Rd, Warren, MA 01083 US
intercitylines.com
3.84 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 223672
Fisher Shipping Company
27B Midstate Dr Suite 106, Auburn, MA 01501 US
fishershipping.com
3.8 / 5.0
Fisher Shipping has received overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional customer service, efficient transport, and professionalism throughout the shipping process. Customers appreciate the promptness and clear communication from their representatives, ensuring a smooth experience when transporting their vehicles. However, there are instances of dissatisfaction concerning claims and damage inspection. A few clients experienced issues with notable scratches on vehicles after transport, raising concerns about damage during shipping. Overall, most customers would highly recommend Fisher Shipping for vehicle transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2235479
Alternative Business Names
- Fisher Auto Transport
Quickship LLC
299 Wahconah St, Pittsfield, MA 01201 US
quickshipcars.com
3.5 / 5.0
Quickship LLC has received a mix of extremely positive feedback praising its excellent customer service, quick responses, and reliable delivery times. Many customers highlighted specific employees like Neil Collins and Victor Miller for their professional assistance throughout the shipping process. However, numerous negative reviews described significant issues, including bait-and-switch pricing tactics, poor communication, and unrefunded deposits. Many customers reported being overcharged after the initial quote and experiencing delays or complete failure to pick up their vehicles. These major complaints overshadow the few positive experiences with this company.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3785111
Loyal Transportation Inc
1764 State Route 52, Walden, NY 12586 US
loyaltransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2242233
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 NY to SC
When you’re moving from Albany to Columbia, 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 Albany to Columbia, 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
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 848 miles from Albany to Columbia can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from New York to South Carolina is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Albany to Columbia. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Columbia. 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 Albany to Columbia car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Albany to Columbia, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Albany to Columbia, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Albany are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Columbia? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Albany 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 Columbia will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 848 miles from Albany to Columbia will cost more than a shorter move within New York.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Albany and Columbia.
August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.
If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Albany to Columbia during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 848-mile distance between Albany and Columbia and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Albany to Columbia is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Albany and Columbia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.
- Columbia: Check with the City of Columbia for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Columbia.
Car insurance requirements
- Albany: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
- Columbia: 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
- Albany: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
- Columbia: 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 Albany to Columbia?
The cost to ship a car from Albany, NY to Columbia, 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 Albany to Columbia will range from $788 to $1,166.
How long will it take to ship my car from Albany to Columbia?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 848 miles from Albany to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Albany to Columbia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Albany to Columbia. 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 Albany to Columbia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Albany to Columbia 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 848-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.
