South Carolina to Alabama Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 399 miles from South Carolina to Alabama typically falls between $542 and $734. The process usually takes one–four days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Alabama to South 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 South Carolina to Alabama car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from South Carolina to Alabama:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in South Carolina
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in South Carolina who can get your vehicle to Alabama:
- Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Hmh Logistics Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-south-carolina/columbia
3.7 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise the excellent communication, professionalism, and seamless experiences provided by Auto Shipping Group. The team is described as helpful and reliable, with cars arriving undamaged and often ahead of schedule. However, there were no prominent negative aspects reported by customers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Hmh Logistics Llc
230 Comiskey Park Circle, Summerville, SC 29485 US
hmhlogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3186769
Andrew Auto Transport
4775 Apartment Blvd j2, North Charleston, SC 29418 US
andrewautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
The company is widely criticized for its lack of professionalism and inferior service delivery. Customers feel frustrated with the overall performance and question the company's reliability.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2241947
Xpress Auto Transport
1614 Taylor St #340, Columbia, SC 29201 US
xpressautoship.com/city/columbia-south-carolina
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- 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
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
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 South Carolina to Alabama
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from South Carolina to Alabama, 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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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 399 extra miles on your car to travel from South Carolina to Alabama. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from South Carolina to Alabama 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
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
South Carolina to Alabama auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in South Carolina and Alabama. The average journey covers about 399 miles and takes roughly one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to Alabama
| From South Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC to Huntsville, AL | $612 – $858 | 478 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charleston, SC to Montgomery, AL | $637 – $841 | 453 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charleston, SC to Birmingham, AL | $611 – $821 | 444 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charleston, SC to Mobile, AL | $661 – $949 | 620 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charleston, SC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $615 – $819 | 500 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Alabama
| From South Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC to Huntsville, AL | $564 – $772 | 394 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL | $527 – $728 | 370 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, SC to Birmingham, AL | $565 – $757 | 361 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, SC to Mobile, AL | $666 – $893 | 537 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Columbia, SC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $600 – $782 | 416 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from North Charleston, SC to Alabama
| From South Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston, SC to Huntsville, AL | $619 – $858 | 470 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Montgomery, AL | $587 – $821 | 445 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Birmingham, AL | $563 – $837 | 436 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Mobile, AL | $696 – $939 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $631 – $815 | 491 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mount Pleasant, SC to Alabama
| From South Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Huntsville, AL | $612 – $866 | 481 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Montgomery, AL | $631 – $816 | 456 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Birmingham, AL | $599 – $789 | 447 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Mobile, AL | $731 – $1,018 | 623 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $608 – $837 | 502 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rock Hill, SC to Alabama
| From South Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill, SC to Huntsville, AL | $554 – $798 | 401 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Montgomery, AL | $559 – $734 | 395 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Birmingham, AL | $587 – $726 | 382 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Mobile, AL | $671 – $960 | 563 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $581 – $829 | 437 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Carolina to Alabama
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from South Carolina to Alabama usually runs between $678 and $918.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Carolina to Alabama
When arranging car transport from the Palmetto State to the Heart of Dixie, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- 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 Alabama.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Carolina to Alabama spans approximately 399 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of South Carolina in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from South Carolina to Alabama, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–four days, while expedited service costs more.
Alabama vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Alabama, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
- Driver’s license: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
- Additional taxes: In Alabama, a 2% state sales tax is levied on the purchase of vehicles, including off-road motorcycles and ATVs. With the addition of city and county vehicle sales taxes, the total sales tax owed will amount to between 3.375% and 4% of the vehicle's cost.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from South Carolina
More than 5.4 million people call South Carolina home. Nicknamed the Palmetto State. South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
Transporting your vehicle to Alabama
About 5.1 million people are living in the Heart of Dixie. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to Alabama.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Carolina and delivery in Alabama?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in South Carolina and when dropping it off in Alabama.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Carolina to Alabama?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Carolina to Alabama, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Alabama, which you should verify before loading your car in South Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Carolina to Alabama?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Carolina to Alabama is about 399 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from South Carolina to Alabama.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
If I have a driver’s license in South Carolina, will I need one in Alabama?
When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
If I bought a car in South Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in Alabama after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Carolina to Alabama after purchasing it.
In Alabama, a 2% state sales tax is levied on the purchase of vehicles, including off-road motorcycles and ATVs. With the addition of city and county vehicle sales taxes, the total sales tax owed will amount to between 3.375% and 4% of the vehicle's cost.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Carolina and Alabama to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to Alabama?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to Alabama 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 South Carolina to Alabama?
Shipping a car from South Carolina to Alabama costs $542 to $734.
