($808) Cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Columbia, SC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 746 miles from Buffalo, New York, to Columbia, South Carolina, ranges from $808 to $1,127. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. 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 Columbia to Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Columbia car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Buffalo 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 Buffalo
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Buffalo, NY:
- Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vision Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport Inc.
140 Irwin Pl, Amherst, NY 14228 US
erinandbillstransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Storage solutions
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 878835
Alternative Business Names
- Erin's Automotive & Transportation
- Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport
Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group
2305 Vestal Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 US
shankbros.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 514146
Global Auto Transportation
78 College St, Buffalo, NY 14201 US
globalautotransportation.com/buffalo-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Customers praised the excellent service, fast response times, and reliable communication from their representatives. However, some noted that their cars arrived dirty due to transportation conditions, and there were reports of delays with carrier assignments.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Jack Cooper Transport
85 Ransier Dr, Buffalo, NY 14224 US
jackcooper.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Vision Transportation
7659 Bramalea Rd, Brampton, ON 645
visiontrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2257988
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
If you’re relocating from Buffalo to Columbia, 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’re planning a move from Buffalo to Columbia, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 746 miles from Buffalo 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from New York to South Carolina. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Buffalo to Columbia carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Columbia—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Buffalo to Columbia car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Buffalo to Columbia can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Buffalo to Columbia, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Buffalo tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Columbia, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Buffalo 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 Columbia will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 746 miles from Buffalo to Columbia is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within New York.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Buffalo and Columbia play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.
If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Buffalo to Columbia in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 746-mile drive between Buffalo and Columbia, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Buffalo to Columbia takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Buffalo and Columbia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Buffalo:
- 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
- Buffalo: 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
- Buffalo: 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
- Buffalo: 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 Buffalo to Columbia?
The cost to ship a car from Buffalo, 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 Buffalo to Columbia will range from $808 to $1,127.
How long will it take to ship my car from Buffalo to Columbia?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 746 miles from Buffalo to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Buffalo to Columbia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Columbia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Buffalo 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 746-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.
