($944) Cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Boston, MA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 751 miles from Charleston, West Virginia, to Boston, Massachusetts, will run you about $944 to $1,353. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Boston to Charleston 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 Charleston to Boston car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Charleston to Boston:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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
Diesel Auto Express
1823 Kentucky Ave, Springfield, OH 45505 US
dieselautoexpress.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1885300
American Auto Transport Inc.
1443 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 US
american-auto-transport.com
3.62 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
Jack Cooper Transport
239 Triport Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324 US
jackcooper.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Ceva Logistics
2727 London Groveport Rd, Groveport, OH 43125 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Ceva Logistics offers reliable delivery services with commendable customer support, as drivers communicate well and handle packages safely. However, unsafe driving behavior and delays in resolving damaged package issues have raised concerns among customers.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Xpress Auto Transport
201 E Main St suite 340, Lexington, KY 40507 US
xpressautoship.com/city/lexington-kentucky
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
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 MA
Getting your car from Charleston to Boston can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Charleston to Boston, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 751 miles from Charleston to Boston might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from West Virginia to Massachusetts. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Charleston. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Boston.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Boston—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Charleston to Boston car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Charleston to Boston, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Charleston to Boston, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Charleston tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Boston, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Charleston. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Boston will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 751 miles from Charleston to Boston 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
The time of year and weather conditions in Charleston and Boston play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Charleston to Boston 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 751-mile distance between Charleston and Boston and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Charleston to Boston takes between two and seven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Charleston and Boston vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Charleston:
- Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.
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.
- Boston: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
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.
- Boston: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
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.
- Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Charleston to Boston?
The cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Boston, MA 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 Boston will range from $944 to $1,353.
How long will it take to ship my car from Charleston to Boston?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 751 miles from Charleston to Boston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charleston to Boston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charleston to Boston. 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 Boston?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Charleston to Boston 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 751-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.
