South Carolina to North Carolina Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 205 miles from South Carolina to North Carolina usually costs between $435 and $559. Transit time is about one–four days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Carolina 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 North Carolina car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from South Carolina to North Carolina:
- 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 South Carolina
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in South Carolina ready to move your vehicle to North Carolina:
- 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
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
When moving from South Carolina to North Carolina, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 205 miles to your car on the trip from South Carolina to North Carolina. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus 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 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 North Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in South Carolina and North Carolina. Average distances are close to 205 miles, with delivery usually taking one–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 | $453 – $559 | 208 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC | $504 – $694 | 279 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charleston, SC to Greensboro, NC | $509 – $648 | 285 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charleston, SC to Durham, NC | $534 – $708 | 303 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charleston, SC to Winston-Salem, NC | $484 – $694 | 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 | $299 – $483 | 92 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC | $440 – $586 | 226 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, SC to Greensboro, NC | $418 – $532 | 183 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, SC to Durham, NC | $449 – $618 | 234 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, SC to Winston-Salem, NC | $392 – $524 | 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 | $442 – $575 | 199 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC | $462 – $630 | 270 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Greensboro, NC | $499 – $668 | 276 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Durham, NC | $504 – $681 | 295 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Winston-Salem, NC | $504 – $635 | 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 | $475 – $611 | 211 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Raleigh, NC | $499 – $648 | 281 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Greensboro, NC | $509 – $648 | 287 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Durham, NC | $498 – $729 | 306 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Winston-Salem, NC | $509 – $648 | 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 | $196 – $365 | 27 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Raleigh, NC | $429 – $592 | 191 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Greensboro, NC | $341 – $536 | 118 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Durham, NC | $389 – $524 | 169 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Winston-Salem, NC | $336 – $479 | 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 $544 and $699.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Carolina to North Carolina
When transporting your vehicle from the Palmetto State to the Tar Heel State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to North Carolina.
- Distance and route: The trip from South Carolina to North Carolina covers roughly 205 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between South Carolina and North Carolina may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- 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
Once you arrive in North Carolina, 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: 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 $435 to $559.
136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US
230 Comiskey Park Circle, Summerville, SC 29485 US
4775 Apartment Blvd j2, North Charleston, SC 29418 US
1614 Taylor St #340, Columbia, SC 29201 US