($896) Cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Wichita, KS
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 945 miles from Charleston, West Virginia, to Wichita, Kansas, generally falls between $896 and $1,389. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wichita to Charleston car shipping guide.
The best Charleston to Wichita car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Charleston to Wichita:
- 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 Charleston
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Charleston, WV:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- American Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 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 WV to KS
When you’re moving from Charleston to Wichita, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Charleston to Wichita, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 945-mile drive from Charleston to Wichita into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from West Virginia to Kansas, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Charleston to Wichita safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Wichita, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Charleston to Wichita car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Charleston to Wichita, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Charleston to Wichita, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Charleston 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 Wichita? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Charleston 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 Wichita will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 945 miles from Charleston to Wichita will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within West Virginia.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Charleston and Wichita can impact car shipping prices.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
Wichita experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid hail and lightning.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Charleston to Wichita during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 945-mile trip from Charleston to Wichita, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Charleston to Wichita typically takes between two and seven days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Charleston and Wichita vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Charleston:
- Wichita: Each permit has an applicable fee, the general fee schedule is described on the respective permits. Fees should be received by the City of Wichita prior to work being completed or street being used. Use of street is required for occurrences when the street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or alley is partially or completely closed by construction or staging activity. To discuss whether a use of street is appropriate for specific activities, or a specific job, please contact Traffic Engineering at 316-268-4446.
Car insurance requirements
- Charleston: West Virginia's required minimum insurance standards, encompassing liability coverage at $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- Wichita: Kansas mandates car insurance for all drivers, with minimum liability coverage: $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Charleston: New residents are given 10 days from the date they title a vehicle to have a West Virginia safety inspection at any official inspection station licensed by the West Virginia State Police.
- Wichita: Kansas only requires car inspections when registering an out-of-state vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Charleston: If you are moving to West Virginia and you have a valid, non-expired out-of-state license, you are eligible to transfer the license. If your out-of-state license has expired, you are required to take all tests and obtain a certified driving record, dated no more than 30 days from the date of the application, from the state in which you were previously licensed.
- Wichita: Kansas requires new residents to obtain a driver's license and register their vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Charleston to Wichita?
The cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Wichita, KS 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 Charleston to Wichita will range from $896 to $1,389.
How long will it take to ship my car from Charleston to Wichita?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 945 miles from Charleston to Wichita. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charleston to Wichita?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charleston to Wichita. 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 Charleston to Wichita?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Charleston to Wichita 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 945-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.
1823 Kentucky Ave, Springfield, OH 45505 US
239 Triport Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324 US
2727 London Groveport Rd, Groveport, OH 43125 US
201 E Main St suite 340, Lexington, KY 40507 US