($824) Cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Kansas City, MO
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 751 miles from Charleston, West Virginia, to Kansas City, Missouri, ranges from $824 to $1,266. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use 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 Kansas City to Charleston car shipping guide.
The best Charleston to Kansas City car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Charleston to Kansas City:
- 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
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers 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 MO
Relocating from Charleston to Kansas City means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Charleston to Kansas City, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 751 miles from Charleston to Kansas City 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 West Virginia to Missouri. 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 Kansas City.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Kansas City. 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 Charleston to Kansas City car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Charleston to Kansas City, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Charleston to Kansas City, 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 Kansas City? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Charleston is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Kansas City will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 751 miles from Charleston to Kansas City is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within West Virginia.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Charleston and Kansas City 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.
Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Charleston to Kansas City in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 751-mile drive between Charleston and Kansas City, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Charleston to Kansas City takes two to seven days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Charleston and Kansas City vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Charleston:
- Kansas City: Although there's no specific permit required to move in Kansas City, you may still need to apply for a loading permit or something similar if your move requires you to block public lanes, curbs, sidewalks, etc.
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.
- Kansas City: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
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.
- Kansas City: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
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.
- Kansas City: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Charleston to Kansas City?
The cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Kansas City, MO 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 Kansas City will range from $824 to $1,266.
How long will it take to ship my car from Charleston to Kansas City?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 751 miles from Charleston to Kansas City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charleston to Kansas City?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charleston to Kansas City. 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 Kansas City?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Charleston to Kansas City 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.
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