South Carolina to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,510 miles from South Carolina to California ranges from $1,345 to $2,140. Expect the trip to take around seven–fifteen days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California 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 California car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from South Carolina to California:
- 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
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in South Carolina ready to move your vehicle to California:
- 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 California
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from South Carolina for a move to California, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,510 miles on your car going from South Carolina to California. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from South Carolina to California. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
South Carolina to California auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in South Carolina and California. The typical distance is about 2,510 miles, with shipping times generally falling between seven and fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to California
| From South Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,343 – $1,989 | 2,479 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Charleston, SC to San Diego, CA | $1,228 – $2,153 | 2,437 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Charleston, SC to San Jose, CA | $1,307 – $2,224 | 2,735 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Charleston, SC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,318 – $2,092 | 2,495 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Charleston, SC to San Francisco, CA | $1,417 – $2,224 | 2,777 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to California
| From South Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,242 – $1,956 | 2,396 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Columbia, SC to San Diego, CA | $1,267 – $2,058 | 2,353 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Columbia, SC to San Jose, CA | $1,332 – $2,100 | 2,651 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Columbia, SC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,267 – $2,112 | 2,411 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Columbia, SC to San Francisco, CA | $1,359 – $2,079 | 2,693 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from North Charleston, SC to California
| From South Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston, SC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,292 – $1,948 | 2,471 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| North Charleston, SC to San Diego, CA | $1,228 – $2,112 | 2,429 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| North Charleston, SC to San Jose, CA | $1,362 – $2,267 | 2,727 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,331 – $2,092 | 2,487 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| North Charleston, SC to San Francisco, CA | $1,390 – $2,202 | 2,769 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mount Pleasant, SC to California
| From South Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,305 – $1,989 | 2,482 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to San Diego, CA | $1,216 – $2,112 | 2,440 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to San Jose, CA | $1,390 – $2,051 | 2,738 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,318 – $2,071 | 2,498 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to San Francisco, CA | $1,390 – $2,224 | 2,780 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rock Hill, SC to California
| From South Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill, SC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,343 – $2,133 | 2,417 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to San Diego, CA | $1,344 – $2,038 | 2,374 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to San Jose, CA | $1,318 – $2,142 | 2,672 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,241 – $2,010 | 2,432 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to San Francisco, CA | $1,348 – $2,181 | 2,714 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Carolina to California
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from South Carolina to California you should expect to pay between $1,681 and $2,675.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Carolina to California
If you’re shipping a car from the Palmetto State to the Golden State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to California.
- Distance and route: The route from South Carolina to California is about 2,510 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from South Carolina in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between South Carolina and California may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is seven–fifteen days, but you can pay for expedited service.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to California, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Vehicle inspection: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Driver’s license: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
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 California
About 39.0 million people are living in the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Carolina and delivery in California?
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 California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Carolina to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Carolina to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, 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.
The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Carolina to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Carolina to California is about 2,510 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from South Carolina to California.
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.
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
If I have a driver’s license in South Carolina, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in South Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Carolina to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Carolina and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to California 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 California?
Shipping a car from South Carolina to California costs $1,345 to $2,140.
