South Carolina to North Carolina Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 205 miles from South Carolina to North Carolina ranges from $444 to $560. Expect the trip to take around one–four days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Carolina to South Carolina car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best South Carolina to North Carolina 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 North Carolina:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in South Carolina

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in South Carolina who can get your vehicle to North Carolina:

  1. Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
  2. Hmh Logistics Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Columbia Auto Shipping Group

136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US

starstarstarstarstar3.7 / 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.

Get a Quote (803) 233-2806

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

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 211-1506

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

Andrew Auto Transport

4775 Apartment Blvd j2, North Charleston, SC 29418 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (888) 579-5913

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

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (803) 710-4354

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

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 North Carolina

Ship it with your movers

If your move takes you from South Carolina to North Carolina, 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 205 miles to your vehicle on the route from South Carolina to North Carolina. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.

Hire a driver

Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from South Carolina to North Carolina. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.

Ship by train

Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.

South Carolina to North Carolina auto transport costs and transit times

Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in South Carolina and North Carolina. The average journey covers about 205 miles and takes roughly one to four days.

Cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to North Carolina

From South Carolina to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Charleston, SC to Charlotte, NC $410 – $560 208 miles 1 – 4 days
Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC $452 – $642 279 miles 1 – 4 days
Charleston, SC to Greensboro, NC $484 – $630 285 miles 1 – 4 days
Charleston, SC to Durham, NC $479 – $655 303 miles 1 – 4 days
Charleston, SC to Winston-Salem, NC $466 – $630 285 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to North Carolina

From South Carolina to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC $311 – $446 92 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC $454 – $558 226 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbia, SC to Greensboro, NC $390 – $544 183 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbia, SC to Durham, NC $419 – $554 234 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbia, SC to Winston-Salem, NC $355 – $499 169 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from North Charleston, SC to North Carolina

From South Carolina to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
North Charleston, SC to Charlotte, NC $421 – $521 199 miles 1 – 4 days
North Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC $423 – $559 270 miles 1 – 4 days
North Charleston, SC to Greensboro, NC $461 – $611 276 miles 1 – 4 days
North Charleston, SC to Durham, NC $471 – $623 295 miles 1 – 4 days
North Charleston, SC to Winston-Salem, NC $457 – $642 276 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Mount Pleasant, SC to North Carolina

From South Carolina to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Mount Pleasant, SC to Charlotte, NC $430 – $549 211 miles 1 – 4 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Raleigh, NC $457 – $661 281 miles 1 – 4 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Greensboro, NC $471 – $604 287 miles 1 – 4 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Durham, NC $484 – $675 306 miles 1 – 4 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Winston-Salem, NC $457 – $642 287 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Rock Hill, SC to North Carolina

From South Carolina to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Rock Hill, SC to Charlotte, NC $202 – $337 27 miles 1 – 4 days
Rock Hill, SC to Raleigh, NC $400 – $569 191 miles 1 – 4 days
Rock Hill, SC to Greensboro, NC $311 – $467 118 miles 1 – 4 days
Rock Hill, SC to Durham, NC $385 – $509 169 miles 1 – 4 days
Rock Hill, SC to Winston-Salem, NC $329 – $489 104 miles 1 – 4 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from South Carolina to North Carolina

SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.

For a larger vehicle going from South Carolina to North Carolina, the price usually falls between $555 and $700.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Carolina to North Carolina

When arranging car transport from the Palmetto State to the Tar Heel State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to North Carolina.
  • Distance and route: The journey from South Carolina to North Carolina spans about 205 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
  • Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from South Carolina around these times usually come with higher costs.
  • Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between South Carolina and North Carolina.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–four days, while expedited service costs more.

North Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know

After relocating to North Carolina, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.

  • Car insurance requirements: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
  • Vehicle inspection: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
  • Driver’s license: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • Additional taxes: If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.

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 North Carolina

About 10.8 million people are living in the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Carolina and delivery in North Carolina?

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 North Carolina.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Carolina to North Carolina?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Carolina to North Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Carolina, 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.

Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.

How long does it take to ship a car from South Carolina to North Carolina?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Carolina to North Carolina is about 205 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 North Carolina.

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.

Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.

If I have a driver’s license in South Carolina, will I need one in North Carolina?

New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.

If I bought a car in South Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Carolina after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Carolina to North Carolina after purchasing it.

If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Carolina and North Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to North Carolina?

The cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

Shipping a car from South Carolina to North Carolina costs $444 to $560.

Helpful South Carolina resources