South Carolina to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 829 miles from South Carolina to Illinois falls between $808 and $1,173. Delivery typically takes two–seven days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in South Carolina can deliver your vehicle to Illinois:
- 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 Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from South Carolina to Illinois, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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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 829 miles on your car going from South Carolina to Illinois. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from South Carolina to Illinois, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
South Carolina to Illinois 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 Illinois. The typical distance is about 829 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to Illinois
| From South Carolina to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL | $808 – $1,217 | 909 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charleston, SC to Aurora, IL | $760 – $1,229 | 943 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charleston, SC to Joliet, IL | $808 – $1,217 | 916 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charleston, SC to Naperville, IL | $768 – $1,241 | 930 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charleston, SC to Rockford, IL | $833 – $1,295 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Illinois
| From South Carolina to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL | $780 – $1,168 | 800 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Columbia, SC to Aurora, IL | $769 – $1,197 | 834 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Columbia, SC to Joliet, IL | $772 – $1,180 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Columbia, SC to Naperville, IL | $811 – $1,192 | 821 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Columbia, SC to Rockford, IL | $767 – $1,252 | 890 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from North Charleston, SC to Illinois
| From South Carolina to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL | $808 – $1,290 | 901 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Aurora, IL | $824 – $1,191 | 935 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Joliet, IL | $840 – $1,180 | 908 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Naperville, IL | $784 – $1,217 | 922 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Rockford, IL | $829 – $1,287 | 991 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mount Pleasant, SC to Illinois
| From South Carolina to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Chicago, IL | $824 – $1,278 | 912 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Aurora, IL | $824 – $1,291 | 946 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Joliet, IL | $808 – $1,290 | 919 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Naperville, IL | $808 – $1,253 | 933 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Rockford, IL | $786 – $1,295 | 1,002 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rock Hill, SC to Illinois
| From South Carolina to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill, SC to Chicago, IL | $813 – $1,188 | 771 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Aurora, IL | $787 – $1,168 | 805 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Joliet, IL | $758 – $1,162 | 779 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Naperville, IL | $797 – $1,150 | 793 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Rockford, IL | $812 – $1,165 | 862 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Carolina to Illinois
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from South Carolina to Illinois, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,010–$1,466.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Carolina to Illinois
If you’re shipping a car from the Palmetto State to the Land of Lincoln, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from South Carolina to Illinois.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Carolina to Illinois spans approximately 829 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between South Carolina and Illinois.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Illinois, 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: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
- Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
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 Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Carolina and delivery in Illinois?
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 Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Carolina to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Carolina to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, 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 liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Carolina to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Carolina to Illinois is about 829 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from South Carolina to Illinois.
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 Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
If I have a driver’s license in South Carolina, will I need one in Illinois?
Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
If I bought a car in South Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Carolina to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Carolina and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to Illinois 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 Illinois?
Shipping a car from South Carolina to Illinois costs $808 to $1,173.
