South Dakota to North Carolina Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,531 miles from South Dakota to North Carolina typically falls between $1,095 and $1,564. The process usually takes three–nine days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Carolina to South Dakota car shipping guide.

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The best South Dakota to North Carolina 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 Dakota 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
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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
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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
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Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
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  • No hidden fees
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  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in South Dakota

Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in South Dakota can deliver your vehicle to North Carolina:

  1. Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  2. Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Auto Transport by Stopwatch

3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0
Get a Quote (616) 229-1517

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Yada Enterprises Inc

611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Yada Enterprises has received significant feedback regarding their vehicle transport services, highlighting both commendable customer interactions and notable issues with vehicle damage. While many customers appreciated the respectful conduct of drivers and timely delivery, there were serious concerns about vehicle mishandling and lack of accountability for damages during transport.

Get a Quote (605) 472-3800

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • 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 Dakota to North Carolina

Ship it with your movers

If your move takes you from South Dakota 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.

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  • Certified crews
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  • 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
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  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,531 miles to your car on the trip from South Dakota to North Carolina. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.

Hire a driver

You can hire someone to drive your car from South Dakota to North Carolina, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.

Ship by train

This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.

South Dakota 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 Dakota and North Carolina. The average journey covers about 1,531 miles and takes roughly three to nine days.

Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to North Carolina

From South Dakota to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Sioux Falls, SD to Charlotte, NC $976 – $1,505 1,331 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Raleigh, NC $1,017 – $1,614 1,383 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Greensboro, NC $1,017 – $1,598 1,309 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Durham, NC $1,017 – $1,490 1,361 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Winston-Salem, NC $1,007 – $1,497 1,283 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to North Carolina

From South Dakota to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Rapid City, SD to Charlotte, NC $1,247 – $1,639 1,669 miles 3 – 9 days
Rapid City, SD to Raleigh, NC $1,191 – $1,747 1,721 miles 3 – 9 days
Rapid City, SD to Greensboro, NC $1,151 – $1,639 1,647 miles 3 – 9 days
Rapid City, SD to Durham, NC $1,211 – $1,760 1,699 miles 3 – 9 days
Rapid City, SD to Winston-Salem, NC $1,175 – $1,812 1,621 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to North Carolina

From South Dakota to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Aberdeen, SD to Charlotte, NC $1,051 – $1,597 1,456 miles 3 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Raleigh, NC $1,164 – $1,564 1,508 miles 3 – 9 days
Aberdeen, SD to Greensboro, NC $1,040 – $1,613 1,434 miles 3 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Durham, NC $1,106 – $1,549 1,486 miles 3 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Winston-Salem, NC $1,128 – $1,678 1,409 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to North Carolina

From South Dakota to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Brookings, SD to Charlotte, NC $997 – $1,583 1,380 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Raleigh, NC $1,062 – $1,549 1,432 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Greensboro, NC $1,027 – $1,521 1,358 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Durham, NC $1,095 – $1,646 1,410 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Winston-Salem, NC $986 – $1,521 1,332 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to North Carolina

From South Dakota to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Watertown, SD to Charlotte, NC $1,079 – $1,598 1,364 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Raleigh, NC $1,106 – $1,533 1,417 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Greensboro, NC $1,007 – $1,598 1,342 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Durham, NC $1,079 – $1,505 1,394 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Winston-Salem, NC $1,007 – $1,474 1,317 miles 3 – 8 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to North Carolina

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 Dakota to North Carolina, expect costs to range from $1,369 to $1,955.

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

Transporting your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Tar Heel State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:

  • 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 North Carolina than smaller ones.
  • Distance and route: The route from South Dakota to North Carolina is about 1,531 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of South Dakota more expensive during these times.
  • Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between South Dakota and North Carolina.
  • Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–nine days, but expedited options cost 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 Dakota

More than 919,318 people call South Dakota home. Nicknamed the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

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 Dakota 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 Dakota and when dropping it off in North Carolina.

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

If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota 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 Dakota.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.

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 Dakota to North Carolina?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to North Carolina is about 1,531 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from South Dakota to North Carolina.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

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 Dakota, 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 Dakota, 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 Dakota 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 Dakota and North Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.

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

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

Shipping a car from South Dakota to North Carolina costs $1,095 to $1,564.

Helpful South Dakota resources