($703) Cost to ship a car from Myrtle Beach, SC to Tampa, FL
Quick answer: Shipping a car 554 miles from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Tampa, Florida, typically costs between $703 and $977. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tampa to Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach to Tampa car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Myrtle Beach to Tampa:
- 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 Myrtle Beach
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Myrtle Beach, SC:
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- 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
- Hmh Logistics Llc: 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 FL
Relocating from Myrtle Beach to Tampa 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
If you’re planning a move from Myrtle Beach to Tampa, 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 554 miles from Myrtle Beach to Tampa 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from South Carolina to Florida. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Myrtle Beach. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Tampa.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Tampa, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Myrtle Beach to Tampa car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Myrtle Beach to Tampa, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Myrtle Beach to Tampa, 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 Tampa, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Myrtle Beach 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 Tampa will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 554 miles from Myrtle Beach to Tampa will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within South Carolina.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Myrtle Beach and Tampa can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
May, October and April are the most pleasant months in Myrtle Beach and ideal time to move. Heat can be a main consideration you might want to look at when you're deciding to move to Myrtle Beach.
Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Myrtle Beach to Tampa during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 554-mile trip from Myrtle Beach to Tampa, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Myrtle Beach to Tampa 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 Myrtle Beach and Tampa vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Myrtle Beach: Check with the City of Myrtle Beach for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to City of Myrtle Beach.
- Tampa: Permits are only valid at on-street, unrestricted parking spaces (not to exceed four hours). Not valid at Load/Unload, Freight Zone, No-Park or Handicapped spaces. The vehicle tag number will serve as your permit credential. Permits issued to Federal, State, County and City vehicles may be valid for up to one (1) calendar year at a cost of $156.00 per permit. Permits issued to public utility companies will be valid for a maximum of six (6) months at a cost of $117.00 per permit.
Car insurance requirements
- Myrtle Beach: 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.
- Tampa: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
Vehicle inspections
- Myrtle Beach: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Myrtle Beach: 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.
- Tampa: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Myrtle Beach to Tampa?
The cost to ship a car from Myrtle Beach, SC to Tampa, FL 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 Myrtle Beach to Tampa will range from $703 to $977.
How long will it take to ship my car from Myrtle Beach to Tampa?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 554 miles from Myrtle Beach to Tampa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Myrtle Beach to Tampa?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Myrtle Beach to Tampa. 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 Myrtle Beach to Tampa?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Myrtle Beach to Tampa 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 554-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.
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