($767) Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Rochester, NY

Quick answer: Shipping a car 815 miles from Columbia, South Carolina, to Rochester, New York, typically costs between $767 and $1,257. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Rochester to Columbia car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Forbes
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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 Rochester car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Columbia to Rochester:

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
Licensedcheckmark
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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 safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Columbia

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Columbia, SC:

  1. Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
  2. Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  3. Lmr Trucking Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Atlantic Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. 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

Charlotte Auto Shipping Group

15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the company's exceptional service and professionalism, highlighting their friendly demeanor and timely delivery. However, there were no significant negative aspects mentioned.

Get a Quote (704) 412-3669

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • 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
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Lmr Trucking Llc

105 Northcreek Dr, Shelbyville, TN 37160 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (843) 747-8880

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Atlantic Express

2843 Us Highway 80 W # B, Savannah, GA 31408 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

This shipping company excels in customer service, efficient customs clearance, and overall friendly interactions. However, concerns were raised regarding vehicle handling, leading to significant damage during loading.

Get a Quote (912) 231-3598

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

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.

Car shipping alternatives from SC to NY

If you’re planning a move from Columbia to Rochester, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from Columbia to Rochester, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 815 miles from Columbia to Rochester can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.

Use a driving service

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from South Carolina to New York. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Columbia. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Rochester.

Ship your car via train

For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Rochester. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.

Factors affecting Columbia to Rochester car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Columbia to Rochester, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Columbia to Rochester, 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 Rochester? 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 Rochester will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 815 miles from Columbia to Rochester will cost more than a shorter move within South Carolina.

Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in Columbia and Rochester play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.

The cold weather and snow might be a challenge if you're planning to relocate to Rochester, NY during January and February. August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Rochester.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Columbia to Rochester in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 815-mile distance between Columbia and Rochester and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Columbia to Rochester is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing Columbia and Rochester 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.
  • Rochester: Rochester’s parking regulations are designed to promote traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and availability of parking spaces on city streets. A variety of street signs placed along city streets indicate the parking regulations that apply. In addition to signs, parking meters are in place to provide on-street parking to as many vehicles as possible. Make sure to obtain the proper requirements upon moving.

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.
  • Rochester: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.

Vehicle inspections

  • Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
  • Rochester: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.

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.
  • Rochester: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Columbia to Rochester?

The cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Rochester, NY 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 Rochester will range from $767 to $1,257.

How long will it take to ship my car from Columbia to Rochester?

It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 815 miles from Columbia to Rochester. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Columbia to Rochester?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Columbia to Rochester. 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 Rochester?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Columbia to Rochester 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 815-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.

Helpful Columbia resources