($626) Cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Columbia, SC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 355 miles from Charleston, West Virginia, to Columbia, South Carolina, ranges from $626 to $830. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbia 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 Columbia car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Charleston to Columbia:
- 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
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies 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 SC
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Columbia, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Charleston to Columbia, 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
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 355-mile journey from Charleston to Columbia could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from West Virginia to South Carolina. 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 Columbia.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Columbia is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Charleston to Columbia car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Charleston to Columbia can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Charleston to Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia 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 355 miles from Charleston to Columbia 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 Columbia 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.
If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Charleston to Columbia in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 355-mile journey from Charleston to Columbia makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Charleston to Columbia is one to four days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Charleston and Columbia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Charleston:
- Columbia: Check with the City of Columbia for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Columbia.
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.
- Columbia: In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
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.
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their 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.
- Columbia: If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Charleston to Columbia?
The cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Columbia, SC 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 Columbia will range from $626 to $830.
How long will it take to ship my car from Charleston to Columbia?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 355 miles from Charleston to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charleston to Columbia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charleston to Columbia. 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 Columbia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Charleston to Columbia 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 355-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.
