South Carolina Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for auto transport is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth experience when shipping your car to or from South Carolina:

• Clean your car: Wash the exterior so you can clearly see and document its current condition.
• Document existing damage: Take photos and videos of all sides of your vehicle — including the roof, undercarriage, and interior — before pickup. This protects you if any dispute arises.
• Remove personal belongings: Carriers are not insured to cover personal items left inside the vehicle. Remove everything from the interior and trunk.
• Disable your alarm: If your car alarm goes off during transport, it can drain the battery and cause delays. Disable it or leave instructions for the driver.
• Keep the gas tank low: Fill your tank to about one-quarter full. A full tank adds unnecessary weight, but you need enough fuel for loading and unloading.
• Check for leaks and mechanical issues: Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Notify your carrier in advance if the car is inoperable.
• Retract or remove accessories: Fold in side mirrors, remove roof racks, spoilers, or any custom accessories that could be damaged or cause clearance issues during transport.
• Leave a spare key: Provide the driver with a key so they can reposition your vehicle on the carrier if needed.

For more helpful advice, check out our vehicle shipping tips. And if you’re ready to get started, get a free quote from Sherpa Auto Transport today.

Yes — your vehicle is insured during transport. Every carrier in Sherpa Auto Transport’s network is required to carry cargo insurance, so your car is protected from the moment it’s loaded until it’s delivered to you in South Carolina.

Here’s how the coverage works:

• Carrier cargo insurance: All carriers we work with must meet minimum insurance requirements before joining our network. This coverage handles damage caused during transit.
• Sherpa’s added protection: On top of the carrier’s policy, Sherpa provides an additional layer of coverage for extra peace of mind — at no added cost to you.

Before your vehicle is picked up, we recommend doing a thorough walk-around inspection and noting any pre-existing scratches, dents, or damage on the Bill of Lading (the official condition report). Take photos from multiple angles. This documentation is your best protection if you ever need to file a claim.

Want to learn more before booking? Check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips or browse our FAQs for more answers. When you’re ready, get a free quote and ship your car to or from South Carolina with confidence.

For most South Carolina auto transport shipments, we recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan their routes and ensures you have flexibility on pickup dates.

That said, timing can vary depending on a few key factors:

• Peak seasons: Summer months and snowbird season (fall/spring) are the busiest times for car shipping. During these periods, book 2–4 weeks ahead to lock in the best rates and availability.
• Last-minute shipping: Need to ship quickly? Expedited transport is often available, but it typically costs more.
• Flexible vs. fixed dates: If your schedule is flexible, you may find better pricing. If you have a hard deadline, book early.

One thing that sets Sherpa Auto Transport apart is our Price Lock Promise — the price you’re quoted is the price you pay. No surprises at pickup or delivery.

Ready to plan ahead? Get a free quote today and secure your South Carolina shipment with confidence.

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.

When shipping your car to or from South Carolina, you’ll need to choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed auto transport.

Open transport is the most popular and budget-friendly option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier — the same kind you see hauling new cars on the highway. It’s safe, reliable, and works well for most standard vehicles. The trade-off is that your car is exposed to the elements, like weather and road debris, during transit.

Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road hazards. This is the preferred choice for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotics, or any car with high monetary or sentimental value. The added protection does come at a higher cost — typically 30–40% more than open transport.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Open Transport: Lower cost, widely available, great for everyday vehicles
• Enclosed Transport: Higher cost, maximum protection, ideal for high-value or classic cars

Not sure which option is right for you? Check out our in-depth Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Guide for a full comparison. When you’re ready, get a free quote and we’ll help you find the best fit for your vehicle and budget.

Yes! Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service throughout South Carolina and across the entire country. That means we pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or any other convenient location — and deliver it straight to your destination address.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient option for most customers. You don’t have to drive to a terminal or storage lot. We come to you.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Flexible pickup locations: We’ll do our best to get as close to your front door as possible. In some cases, large carriers may need to meet you at a nearby open area, such as a parking lot, due to narrow streets or low-hanging trees.
• South Carolina-friendly: Whether you’re shipping to or from Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, or anywhere else in the state, our drivers are experienced navigating South Carolina’s roads.
• No surprise fees: Thanks to our Price Lock Promise, the quote you receive is the price you pay — no hidden charges at pickup or delivery.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and see how easy door-to-door car shipping in South Carolina can be.

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!