($1,337) Cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to San Francisco, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,777 miles from Charleston, South Carolina, to San Francisco, California, will run you about $1,337 to $2,077. 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 San Francisco to Charleston 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 Charleston to San Francisco car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Charleston to San Francisco:
- 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 Charleston
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Charleston, SC:
- Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Lmr Trucking Llc: 3.5 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
Lmr Trucking Llc
105 Northcreek Dr, Shelbyville, TN 37160 US
lmrcompanies.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
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
18 Broad St #340, Charleston, SC 29401 US
xpressautoship.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured 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 #: 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.
Car shipping alternatives from SC to CA
When you’re moving from Charleston to San Francisco, 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 Charleston to San Francisco, 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
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,777-mile trip from Charleston to San Francisco could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from South Carolina to California is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Charleston to San Francisco. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to San Francisco is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Charleston to San Francisco car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Charleston to San Francisco, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Charleston to San Francisco, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to San Francisco, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Charleston 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 San Francisco will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,777 miles from Charleston to San Francisco will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in South Carolina.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Charleston and San Francisco often affect the cost of auto transport.
Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Charleston to San Francisco in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,777-mile trip from Charleston to San Francisco, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Charleston to San Francisco takes between seven and fifteen days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Charleston and San Francisco vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Charleston: Resident property owners may renew Residential Parking Permits and single-day Visitor Permit Booklets by mail. Applications should be mailed to the following for immediate processing and handling: Revenue Collections 180 Lockwood Boulevard Suite 234 To schedule your appointment with The Parking division, please click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/22parkingappts
- San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
Car insurance requirements
- Charleston: 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.
- San Francisco: 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 inspections
- Charleston: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- San Francisco: 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
- Charleston: 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.
- San Francisco: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Charleston to San Francisco?
The cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to San Francisco, CA 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 Charleston to San Francisco will range from $1,337 to $2,077.
How long will it take to ship my car from Charleston to San Francisco?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,777 miles from Charleston to San Francisco. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charleston to San Francisco?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charleston to San Francisco. 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 Charleston to San Francisco?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Charleston to San Francisco 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 2,777-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.
