($769) Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Little Rock, AR
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 740 miles from Columbia, South Carolina, to Little Rock, Arkansas, will run you about $769 to $1,195. 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.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Little Rock to Columbia 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 Columbia to Little Rock car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Columbia to Little Rock:
- 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
- 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 Columbia
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Columbia, SC:
- Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Lmr Trucking Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Atlantic Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 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.
Car shipping alternatives from SC to AR
Relocating from Columbia to Little Rock means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Columbia to Little Rock, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 740 miles from Columbia to Little Rock 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from South Carolina to Arkansas, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Columbia to Little Rock safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Little Rock. 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 Columbia to Little Rock car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Columbia to Little Rock, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Columbia to Little Rock, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Little Rock, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Columbia 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 Little Rock will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 740 miles from Columbia to Little Rock will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within South Carolina.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Columbia and Little Rock can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
Little Rock has hot, humid summers and cool winters with usually little snow.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Columbia to Little Rock during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 740-mile distance between Columbia and Little Rock and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Columbia to Little Rock typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Columbia and Little Rock vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Columbia: Check with the City of Columbia for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Columbia.
- Little Rock: All meters have a time limit, generally two (2)hours, except around the Little Rock Convention Center where the meters are four (4) hours.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Little Rock: In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Little Rock: Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Little Rock: If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Columbia to Little Rock?
The cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Little Rock, AR 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 Columbia to Little Rock will range from $769 to $1,195.
How long will it take to ship my car from Columbia to Little Rock?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 740 miles from Columbia to Little Rock. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Columbia to Little Rock?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Columbia to Little Rock. 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 Columbia to Little Rock?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Columbia to Little Rock 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 740-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.
136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
105 Northcreek Dr, Shelbyville, TN 37160 US
2843 Us Highway 80 W # B, Savannah, GA 31408 US
1614 Taylor St #340, Columbia, SC 29201 US