Based on our research, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company serving South Carolina with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in key areas like cost, customer satisfaction, and services. While there are several factors that influence the cost to ship your car out of South Carolina, the total average cost is $764 – $1,189.
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Why Trust FreightWaves Ratings?
Our mission at FreightWaves is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
The Best Car Shipping Companies in South Carolina
Car shipping companies that have a national presence have more availability, more services, and are usually more affordable. Here are our reviews of the most trusted car shipping companies serving South Carolina.
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise and free car wash at delivery are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a top-rated car shipper that offers some of the most affordable rates in the industry. The company consistently offers deals and discounts to military members, senior citizens, students, and emergency responders. They provide open and enclosed transport and door-to-door service for a wide variety of vehicles, including RVs, boats, and even golf carts. AmeriFreight maintains an excellent score with the BBB and in online reviews and can ship to anywhere in the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Discounts available
- Free cancellation
- RV and boat shipping
Cons
- No guaranteed pickup
- No GPS tracking
- Doesn’t ship internationally
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Local Auto Transport Options in South Carolina
While we’ve vetted and rated these local auto transport companies in South Carolina, they may have limited availability or service offerings compared to our top picks listed above.
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
Columbia Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a highly reputable car shipping company with a Google rating of 5.0 and a BBB rating of A+. They offer a wide range of services, including interstate and international shipping, as well as specialized transport for classic cars, electric vehicles, and inoperable cars. Additionally, they provide options such as open and enclosed transport, expedited delivery, and detailed inspection reports.
A noteworthy downside is that they do not guarantee damage-free delivery, which might concern some customers. Despite this, the company remains a trusted choice for car shipping, offering flexible payment options such as credit card, cash, and money order.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Hmh Logistics Llc
Hmh Logistics Llc (DOT: 3186769) provides a wide array of car shipping services, boasting a Google rating of 4.0. They offer specialized options such as classic car shipping, inoperable car transport, and motorcycle shipping, ensuring they can handle a variety of shipping needs.
However, a potential downside for some customers is that they do not offer fully insured shipments. Additionally, the company provides shipment tracking and expedited delivery, which adds convenience for the customers.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Andrew Auto Transport
Andrew Auto Transport (DOT: 2241947) offers a range of specialized car shipping services, including boat shipping, classic car shipping, and inoperable car transport. They also accommodate interstate and international shipping needs, along with services for heavy equipment, RVs, ATVs, motorcycles, and trailers, making them a versatile choice for various transport requirements.
Customers can choose between open and enclosed transport options, and the company supports multiple forms of payment including cash, money orders, and credit cards. Additionally, shipment tracking is available to provide peace of mind during the transport process. However, potential clients should note that Andrew Auto Transport does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which could be a concern for some.
Despite providing a broad spectrum of services, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and is currently rated 1.0 on Google. This leaves some uncertainty about their overall customer satisfaction and service quality.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Xpress Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport (DOT: 3878126) is a versatile car shipping company offering a broad range of services, including boat, motorcycle, RV, and heavy equipment shipping. They also provide fully insured shipping options and detailed inspection reports for added peace of mind.
While they cater to a variety of transportation needs, including international shipping and classic car transport, it is noteworthy that they do not offer transport for cars that don’t run. Additionally, they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp, Google, and BBB.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Understanding Car Shipping Costs in South Carolina
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of South Carolina:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From South Carolina to New York | 945 | 1229 |
| From South Carolina to Ohio | 812 | 1056 |
| From South Carolina to Florida | 757 | 984 |
| From South Carolina to Arizona | 1736 | 2257 |
| From South Carolina to Georgia | 485 | 631 |
| From Illinois to South Carolina | 1079 | 1403 |
| From California to South Carolina | 1724 | 2241 |
| From Texas to South Carolina | 1252 | 1628 |
| From North Carolina to South Carolina | 525 | 683 |
| From Michigan to South Carolina | 1053 | 1369 |
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are the factors that have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of South Carolina:
- Distance and Location: Shipping costs increase with longer distances and remote locations. Additionally, easily accessible and high-traffic areas tend to be cheaper.
- Vehicle Type and Condition: Larger vehicles or those requiring special handling, such as classic cars, may cost more to ship out of South Carolina. Additionally, non-operational vehicles might increase the price due to the extra equipment needed for loading and unloading.
- Transport Type: Open car shipping is less expensive and uses an open trailer, exposing your car to South Carolina’s weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping, which costs around 30% more, keeps your car inside a covered trailer, offering better protection for luxury or classic vehicles. Due to the lower cost, about 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: The hot and humid summers of South Carolina likely increase car shipping demand leading to potentially higher costs. Cooler, mild winters may reduce shipping demand, potentially lowering costs.
- Additional Services Door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping increase the cost of shipping a car out of South Carolina. These services offer convenience and speed, but they require more resources and coordination.
Each of these factors plays a significant role in the final cost of shipping your vehicle out of South Carolina. To get the best price, we recommend using the form below to get car shipping quotes from multiple South Carolina auto transport companies to compare their services and understand their payment options, ensuring they align with your specific needs and budget constraints.
How to Cut Car Shipping Costs
Car shipping can get pricey, particularly if you need to transport your vehicle long-distance or cross-country. However, there are a few things you can do to save money on your car shipping costs in South Carolina:
- Shop around. Don’t settle for the first car shipping company you find. Many offer instant online estimates, making it simple to get quotes from several providers. Compare both prices and services to ensure you’re evaluating similar options. Some companies may seem cheaper because their quotes are more basic than others.
- Ask about discounts. Many car shipping companies offer discounts for military personnel, students, senior citizens, and new or returning customers. When choosing a car shipper, look for deals or promotions that might lower your costs.
- Check for hidden fees. Car shipping companies might not reveal all the costs until you accept their quote, so it’s crucial to ask about hidden charges upfront. Common fees include gas, tolls, and terminal handling. Before signing, find out all fees and get them in writing to avoid surprises on your final bill.
- Book in advance. The later you book car shipping before your pickup date, the more you’ll pay, especially if you need it fast. Once you pick a car shipping company, book early to get the best price.
- Ship during the off season. Shipping your car costs more in spring and early summer due to high demand and low availability. The same applies to major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. To get the best price and more scheduling options, choose a less busy time of year if possible.
- Opt for open transport. Choosing between open and enclosed shipping can save you up to 50% on auto transport costs. Enclosed carriers offer extra protection but at a higher cost. Open carriers, while exposing your vehicle to weather and road risks, are usually safe and more affordable.
- Pick terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door service. Having someone pick up your car and deliver it to your new home is convenient but usually costs more than terminal-to-terminal shipping. If you can drive to and from the terminals, this option will save you money.
What You Need To Know Before Booking
To ensure your experience is a relatively seamless one, there are some key things you should understand about car shipping companies in South Carolina:
- Final costs may be higher than your initial quote. Some car shippers provide fixed rates, ensuring your quote stays the same until delivery. However, not all companies do this. Unforeseen events or last-minute route changes can affect your final cost.
- Delivery dates aren’t guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide a guaranteed delivery option and will strive to meet that date. Without this option, the given delivery timeline is just an estimate, not a certainty. Keep in mind that factors like bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays, even with “guaranteed” deliveries, that are beyond the car shipper’s control.
- It’s important to review insurance coverage. Make sure you know what a car shipping company’s insurance covers — and what it doesn’t — in case your car gets damaged during transit. Compare this with your current auto insurance policy, as it might already cover transportation.
- Don’t just sign off on your car delivery. Be sure to read your bill of lading when you receive it at delivery. It may look like a simple receipt, but it’s crucial. This document lists the services provided and proves your car arrived in good condition. Don’t sign it casually—make sure everything you paid for is included and any car damage is recorded. If not, you can’t file a claim later.
How We Chose the Best South Carolina Auto Transport Companies
Our methodology for selecting the top car shipping companies in South Carolina is centered around a comprehensive analysis of five critical factors: licensing, customer satisfaction, service range, pricing, and online reputation.
- Licensing ensures companies meet South Carolina and federal regulations, offering peace of mind.
- Customer satisfaction is gauged through reviews and feedback, highlighting reliability and service quality.
- The variety of services offered caters to different shipping needs, from classic cars to heavy equipment.
- Factoring in pricing ensures the company offers competitive and transparent pricing tailored to the unique demands of shipping a car through South Carolina.
- Lastly, a strong online reputation, through platforms like BBB and social media, reflects a company’s commitment to excellence and transparency.
Local Car Shippers In South Carolina
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
- Amerifreight Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship A Car Direct Review
FAQs About South Carolina Car Shipping
Should I drive my car or use a South Carolina car shipping company?
Shipping your car is more practical than driving long distances through South Carolina’s vast road network and varying weather. It saves time and effort, which is especially useful in the state’s diverse auto market.
How can I ensure the best car shipping experience?
Researching thoroughly is essential to avoid scams, especially when choosing companies familiar with South Carolina’s logistics. It’s also important to check that insurance meets local requirements and to follow vehicle preparation tips.
How do I choose the right car shipping method in South Carolina?
Think about your vehicle type, budget, and how quickly you need it. Enclosed shipping protects better against South Carolina’s weather, but open shipping costs less.
What should I know about insurance coverage?
Before hiring a South Carolina car shipping company, it’s crucial to know what the insurance covers and how much protection it offers. Make sure to understand any coverage limits and who pays if something happens to your car.
How can I prepare my car for a cross-country shipment out of South Carolina?
Preparing your car for a cross-country transport involves a few steps. Clean the car inside and out. Take photos of its current condition, noting any existing damage. Ensure it has no loose items or personal belongings. In South Carolina, drivers do not need a vehicle inspection before transport.
What are the signs of a reputable car shipping company in South Carolina?
Seek out positive reviews, proper licensing, and clear pricing. Choose a company experienced with South Carolina’s logistics and weather challenges.
