South Carolina to Kentucky Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 426 miles from South Carolina to Kentucky ranges from $592 to $845 and takes one–four days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky 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 Kentucky car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from South Carolina to Kentucky:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in South Carolina
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in South Carolina that can transport your vehicle to Kentucky:
- 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 Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from South Carolina to Kentucky, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange 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 426 miles on your car going from South Carolina to Kentucky. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from South Carolina to Kentucky is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
South Carolina to Kentucky 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 Kentucky. The typical distance is about 426 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and four days.
Cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to Kentucky
| From South Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC to Louisville, KY | $694 – $997 | 616 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charleston, SC to Lexington, KY | $651 – $975 | 544 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charleston, SC to Bowling Green, KY | $722 – $1,009 | 576 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charleston, SC to Owensboro, KY | $783 – $1,107 | 644 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charleston, SC to Covington, KY | $716 – $1,007 | 618 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Kentucky
| From South Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC to Louisville, KY | $678 – $896 | 507 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Columbia, SC to Lexington, KY | $629 – $862 | 435 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, SC to Bowling Green, KY | $618 – $900 | 467 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, SC to Owensboro, KY | $712 – $985 | 535 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Columbia, SC to Covington, KY | $665 – $915 | 509 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from North Charleston, SC to Kentucky
| From South Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston, SC to Louisville, KY | $724 – $1,017 | 608 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Lexington, KY | $645 – $900 | 536 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Bowling Green, KY | $725 – $1,017 | 568 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Owensboro, KY | $716 – $1,055 | 636 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Covington, KY | $709 – $1,048 | 610 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mount Pleasant, SC to Kentucky
| From South Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Louisville, KY | $746 – $986 | 619 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Lexington, KY | $712 – $938 | 547 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Bowling Green, KY | $708 – $959 | 579 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Owensboro, KY | $724 – $1,055 | 647 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Covington, KY | $716 – $1,068 | 621 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rock Hill, SC to Kentucky
| From South Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill, SC to Louisville, KY | $643 – $936 | 478 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Lexington, KY | $612 – $788 | 407 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Bowling Green, KY | $641 – $871 | 439 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Owensboro, KY | $685 – $942 | 507 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Covington, KY | $617 – $865 | 481 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Carolina to Kentucky
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from South Carolina to Kentucky, expect costs to range from $740 to $1,056.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Carolina to Kentucky
When transporting your vehicle from the Palmetto State to the Bluegrass State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Kentucky than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: Traveling from South Carolina to Kentucky involves roughly 426 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of South Carolina in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from South Carolina to Kentucky, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Kentucky, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in 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 Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Carolina and delivery in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Carolina to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Carolina to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, 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 insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Carolina to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Carolina to Kentucky is about 426 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from South Carolina to Kentucky.
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.
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
If I have a driver’s license in South Carolina, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in South Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Carolina to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Carolina and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Shipping a car from South Carolina to Kentucky costs $592 to $845.
