($787) Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Kansas City, MO
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 992 miles from Columbia, South Carolina, to Kansas City, Missouri, ranges from $787 to $1,221. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. 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 Kansas City to Columbia 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 Columbia to Kansas City car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Columbia to Kansas City:
- 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
- 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 Columbia
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Columbia, SC:
- 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
- Xpress Auto Transport: 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 MO
If you’re relocating from Columbia to Kansas City, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Columbia to Kansas City, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 992 miles from Columbia to Kansas City might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from South Carolina to Missouri, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Columbia to Kansas City safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Kansas City—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Columbia to Kansas City car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Columbia to Kansas City, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Columbia to Kansas City, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Columbia are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Kansas City? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Columbia 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 Kansas City 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 992 miles from Columbia to Kansas City 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 Columbia and Kansas City often affect the cost of auto transport.
If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Columbia to Kansas City in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 992-mile drive between Columbia and Kansas City, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Columbia to Kansas City takes between two and seven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Columbia and Kansas City vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Columbia: Check with the City of Columbia for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Columbia.
- Kansas City: Although there's no specific permit required to move in Kansas City, you may still need to apply for a loading permit or something similar if your move requires you to block public lanes, curbs, sidewalks, etc.
Car insurance requirements
- Columbia: 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.
- Kansas City: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
Vehicle inspections
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Kansas City: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
Driver’s license
- Columbia: 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.
- Kansas City: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Columbia to Kansas City?
The cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Kansas City, MO 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 Columbia to Kansas City will range from $787 to $1,221.
How long will it take to ship my car from Columbia to Kansas City?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 992 miles from Columbia to Kansas City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Columbia to Kansas City?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Columbia to Kansas City. 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 Columbia to Kansas City?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Columbia to Kansas City 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 992-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.
136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
105 Northcreek Dr, Shelbyville, TN 37160 US
1614 Taylor St #340, Columbia, SC 29201 US