Charleston, SC Car Shipping
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Charleston, SC Car Shipping
Looking for reliable car shipping to or from Charleston, SC? You’ve come to the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport in Charleston—from pricing and timelines to expert tips that save you money. Whether you’re relocating to the Holy City or shipping a vehicle across the country, we’ll help you navigate the car shipping process with confidence and ease.
Popular Routes from Charleston, SC
Key Takeaways From This Article
Charleston, SC Auto Transport
Car shipping from Charleston, SC typically costs $750-$1,900 and takes 3-7 days, with pricing varying based on distance, vehicle size, and transport type.
Our Charleston and South Carolina Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent, locked-in pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise—no hidden fees or last-minute surprises, just honest service with a 4.9-star rating from over 8,000 reviews.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance and route accessibility are the biggest cost factors—Charleston’s location along I-26 and I-95 keeps prices competitive, while shipping to remote areas or during peak seasons increases costs.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Charleston car shipping 1-2 weeks in advance for the best rates and availability, ensuring carriers can optimize routes and provide flexible pickup times.
How Car Shipping Works
South Carolina requires new residents to register vehicles within 45 days and maintain minimum 25/50/25 liability insurance, with no emissions testing required for most passenger vehicles.
State Insights
Save money by shipping during off-peak seasons, choosing open trailers for standard vehicles, offering flexible pickup dates, and meeting carriers at highway-accessible locations near Charleston.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 8,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Charleston, SC
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Charleston
to Los Angeles
|
2,480 mi
|
$1150–1525
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to San Diego
|
2,438 mi
|
$1200–1550
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to New York City
|
757 mi
|
$750–1000
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to San Francisco
|
2,778 mi
|
$1425–1650
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Phoenix
|
2,111 mi
|
$1200–1400
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Seattle
|
2,938 mi
|
$1450–1900
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Denver
|
1,703 mi
|
$1175–1375
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Riverside
|
2,446 mi
|
$1075–1250
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Boston
|
969 mi
|
$925–1175
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Dallas
|
1,081 mi
|
$975–1150
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Boston
|
969 mi
|
$925–1175
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Dallas
|
1,081 mi
|
$975–1150
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Washington
|
531 mi
|
$750–825
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Houston
|
1,086 mi
|
$1000–1150
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Charleston
to Salt Lake City
|
2,176 mi
|
$1200–1700
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 1,602 actual shipments involving Charleston, here’s how pricing varies by vehicle size and trailer type.
By Vehicle Type
By Trailer Type
Note: Updated 2026 pricing. Prices shown are averages based on actual Sherpa shipments over the last 12 months. Your quote may vary based on specific pickup/delivery locations, vehicle condition, current market demand, and time of year. Get an instant quote for accurate pricing.
Factors that Affect Charleston, SC Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping cost. The further your car travels, the more you’ll pay. For example, shipping from Charleston to a nearby state like North Carolina will cost less than shipping to California or Washington.
Route
Your route matters just as much as distance. Charleston sits along I-26 and near I-95, two major highways. Shipping along these busy corridors costs less than routes to remote coastal towns or rural areas. Major highways mean more carriers and easier access.
Season
Timing affects your price. Peak moving seasons (summer and early fall) drive costs up as demand increases. Winter months, especially January and February, typically offer lower rates. Plan ahead to avoid premium pricing during busy periods.
Vehicle Type
What you ship matters. Standard sedans cost less to transport than SUVs and trucks. Larger vehicles weigh more (increasing fuel costs), take up more trailer space, and require more effort to load and unload. Some trailers can’t even accommodate oversized trucks.
Traffic Patterns
Heavy travel periods increase costs. The week before Thanksgiving, holiday weekends, and college move-in periods create road congestion. This slows delivery times and raises prices. Book during quieter periods when possible.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability shifts with demand. During peak season, you might wait several weeks for pickup. Off-season shipping often means pickup within days. More available carriers also means more competitive pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
Trailer type impacts cost significantly. Open trailers (the most common option) cost less and work perfectly for most vehicles. Enclosed trailers protect luxury, classic, or exotic cars from weather and road debris but cost 40-60% more.
Population Density
Charleston’s location helps keep costs reasonable. The city offers good highway access without the tight constraints of major metros like New York City. However, shipping to downtown Charleston costs more than suburban areas with easier truck access. Consider meeting your carrier in a suburb like Mount Pleasant or Summerville to save money.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Save money by shipping during the off-season when demand is lower. Avoid peak periods like snowbird season when prices spike. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant savings on your Charleston car transport costs.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible pickup and delivery dates can reduce your shipping costs. By offering carriers a five-day window instead of exact dates, you give them more routing options. This flexibility often translates to lower rates for your Charleston car shipment.
Hub City Advantages
Choose pickup locations near major highways in Charleston for better rates. Highway-accessible areas attract more carriers, increasing competition and lowering prices. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting your carrier in a nearby city along a major route.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. They safely transport standard cars while keeping your budget in check. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-end vehicles needing extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Charleston, SC Work?
Car shipping from Charleston, SC is a straightforward process that typically takes 3-7 days to complete. When you book auto transport services, a carrier will pick up your vehicle from your specified location in Charleston and deliver it directly to your destination, covering an average distance of 2,042 miles. The cost for this service generally ranges from $750-$1900, depending on factors like distance, vehicle size, and transport type.
The car shipping process begins with requesting a quote and booking your transport. Next, you’ll prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. Charleston’s coastal location makes it a busy hub for auto transport, with easy access to major highways like I-26 and I-95. Once scheduled, the carrier will contact you to arrange pickup. Your vehicle is then loaded onto either an open or enclosed trailer and transported to your destination. Upon delivery, inspect your car and sign the bill of lading. Throughout the journey, reputable auto transport companies provide tracking updates so you know exactly where your vehicle is during transit.
Charleston, SC Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Charleston, SC, understanding state vehicle requirements helps ensure a smooth transition. South Carolina requires new residents to register their vehicles within 45 days of establishing residency [SCDMV]. You’ll need your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, and a passed vehicle inspection at an SCDMV branch. The state does not require emissions testing for most passenger vehicles, making registration simpler than many states [SCDMV].
South Carolina has specific vehicle regulations to note. Window tinting laws allow up to 27% light transmission on front side windows, while rear and back windows have no restrictions [SC Code of Laws]. The state enforces strict DUI laws with a 0.08% BAC limit and requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/25 coverage [SCDOI]. Charleston’s coastal climate means rust protection is wise for your auto transport investment, though winter tires are unnecessary due to mild winters.
Charleston drivers should prepare for humid, salt-air conditions that can accelerate vehicle wear. Regular undercarriage washing helps prevent corrosion after car shipping to this coastal city. Hurricane season preparedness is essential—maintain comprehensive insurance coverage and have an evacuation plan. These considerations make Charleston, SC unique for vehicle owners and worth discussing with your auto transport provider before shipping.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Charleston, South Carolina that we Serve
Downtown Charleston: 29401, 29403, 29424, 29425
West Ashley: 29407, 29414
Mount Pleasant: 29464, 29465, 29466
North Charleston: 29405, 29406, 29418, 29420
James Island: 29412
Johns Island: 29455
Daniel Island: 29492
Summerville: 29483, 29485, 29486
Goose Creek: 29445
Folly Beach & Isle of Palms: 29439, 29451
We serves the entire Charleston region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Charleston, SC
Charleston is home to several universities where parking requires advance planning. At the College of Charleston, students must register vehicles and purchase parking permits through the university’s transportation services [College of Charleston Parking Services]. The Charleston Southern University requires all students parking on campus to obtain permits, with limited spaces available in residential areas [Charleston Southern University]. The Citadel also mandates parking registration for cadets and students [The Citadel]. Before using car shipping services to transport your vehicle, confirm your housing includes parking—many off-campus apartments offer spots, but dorms often have restricted availability. During winter and summer breaks, most campuses allow registered vehicles to remain parked. Charleston’s mild climate rarely requires snow tires, though students should verify their auto insurance and roadside assistance coverage transfers to South Carolina [SC DMV]. Planning these details before shipping a car ensures a smooth transition to campus life.
Military Car Shipping in Charleston, SC
Charleston is home to Joint Base Charleston, comprising the Air Force Base and Naval Weapons Station. Military personnel shipping vehicles here should note several key considerations. Base access requires a valid military ID or visitor pass obtained through the Visitor Control Center [Joint Base Charleston]. Most on-base housing includes assigned parking spaces, but availability in barracks can be limited—contact your housing office early to confirm arrangements [Military Housing]. If deploying or taking extended leave, coordinate with your unit about long-term vehicle storage options, as policies vary by installation [DoD]. Charleston’s mild winters rarely require snow tires, but ensure your auto insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to South Carolina before arrival [USAA]. Register your vehicle with South Carolina DMV within 45 days of establishing residency [SC DMV]. Planning your auto transport around your PCS dates ensures your vehicle arrives when you need it most.
Charleston, SC Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Charleston, SC is simple. Follow these key steps:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and loose items. These aren’t covered by carrier insurance.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your vehicle is in good running condition with no leaks.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to avoid issues during transport.
Document condition: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver.
Remove accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or any custom exterior items that could get damaged.
Keep gas low: Maintain about a quarter tank of fuel for loading and unloading.
For more detailed guidance, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Our team is here to help make your Charleston car shipping experience smooth and stress-free.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Charleston, SC. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is valid and current. All contracted carriers also list Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy, giving you extra protection and peace of mind.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup in Charleston through delivery at your destination. If you’d like to review the carrier’s insurance certificate before transport, just ask—we’re happy to provide it.
We recommend scheduling your pickup from Charleston, SC at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why early booking helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes and bundle shipments, which often means lower costs for you
- More availability: You’ll have more carrier options, especially during busy seasons
- Flexible dates: You can choose pickup times that work best for your schedule
If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping with pickup in as little as 24-48 hours. Keep in mind this option costs more due to the rush nature of the service.
Best practice: Book as soon as you know your moving dates. This gives carriers time to optimize their routes through Charleston and ensures smooth, timely pickup.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open auto transport uses open-air trailers that carry multiple vehicles at once. Your car is exposed to weather and road elements during transit. This is the most common and affordable option, used for about 90% of vehicle shipments.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and dust. This premium service costs 50-60% more than open transport.
Which should you choose? Most standard vehicles ship safely via open transport. Consider enclosed transport if you have a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or custom paint job. It’s also popular for long-distance moves from Charleston when extra protection provides peace of mind.
Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service to and from Charleston, SC. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you choose, and deliver it directly to your destination.
When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses in Charleston or wherever you’re moving. Our carrier will come right to your location—no need to drive to a terminal or drop-off point.
What if the truck can’t access my street? In some Charleston neighborhoods, narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or tight turns may prevent large car carriers from reaching your exact address. If this happens, don’t worry. Your driver will contact you to arrange a nearby meeting spot, like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. This is common and easy to coordinate.
Door-to-door service is included in your quote at no extra charge. It’s the most convenient way to ship your car, and it’s our standard service for Charleston residents and those relocating to the area.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!