($687) Cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Albany, NY
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 654 miles from Charleston, West Virginia, to Albany, New York, will run you about $687 to $1,081. 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 Albany 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 Albany car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Charleston to Albany:
- 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 NY
When you’re moving from Charleston to Albany, 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’re planning a move from Charleston to Albany, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 654 miles from Charleston to Albany 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from West Virginia to New York. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Charleston to Albany carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Albany—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 Albany car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Charleston to Albany, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Charleston to Albany, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Albany, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car 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 Albany 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 654 miles from Charleston to Albany 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
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Charleston and Albany 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.
August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.
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 Albany during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 654-mile trip from Charleston to Albany, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Charleston to Albany is one to six days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Charleston and Albany vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Charleston:
- Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.
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.
- Albany: 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
- 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.
- Albany: 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
- 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.
- Albany: 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 Charleston to Albany?
The cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Albany, 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 Charleston to Albany will range from $687 to $1,081.
How long will it take to ship my car from Charleston to Albany?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 654 miles from Charleston to Albany. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charleston to Albany?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charleston to Albany. 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 Albany?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Charleston to Albany 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 654-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.
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