South Carolina Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in South Carolina is straightforward. Here's what you need to do:

Remove Personal Items and Accessories

Take out any toll transponders, GPS devices, radar detectors, and phone mounts. Remove any interior accessories like seat covers, floor mats, or custom stereo equipment. For exterior items, take off roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, or any aftermarket parts that could get damaged or fall off during transport.

Check Your Vehicle's Condition

Since South Carolina has hot summers with high humidity, check your tire pressure and coolant levels before shipping. Heat can affect both, and you want your vehicle in good working order. Clean off any salt residue from coastal areas if your car has been near the beach—salt air can corrode parts during transit.

Prepare Documentation

Make sure you have a working key available to give the carrier. They'll need it to move your vehicle on and off the transport truck. If you have a second key, keep it with you.

Document Your Vehicle

Take photos of your car's current condition from multiple angles. Note any existing damage. This protects you and creates a clear record before shipping begins.

Empty the Tank (Mostly)

Leave only a quarter tank of gas or less. This reduces weight and minimizes fire risk during transport.

For more detailed preparation tips, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide. We've been helping people ship cars since 2012, and these steps ensure your vehicle arrives safely.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during shipping in South Carolina. We require all carriers on our network to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we assign your shipment, we verify that each carrier's insurance is current and valid for the full duration of your transport.

This coverage protects your vehicle in case of damage during transit. We take this seriously because we know how important your car is to you. That's why we've been vetting carriers carefully since 2012—to make sure you get reliable protection without the hassle that comes with dealing with big brokers who cut corners.

When you get a quote from us, this insurance requirement is already built in. You won't pay extra for it, and you won't have to worry about whether your carrier is properly covered.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for South Carolina shipments. This gives carriers enough time to bundle your vehicle with others and find the best route for your move.

South Carolina Seasonal Factors:

Hurricane Season (June-November): South Carolina's Atlantic coast makes it vulnerable to hurricane season delays. If you're shipping to or from coastal areas like Charleston, schedule pickups earlier during these months. Carriers may experience route disruptions or slower timelines due to weather preparations and storm impacts.

Winter Weather (December-February): While South Carolina doesn't get heavy snow like northern states, ice storms and occasional winter weather can slow carriers down. If you're shipping during winter, add an extra week to your timeline to account for potential delays.

Summer Heat (July-August): Peak summer heat can affect carrier schedules as drivers manage heat-related fatigue. Holiday weekends in summer also increase traffic. Plan ahead if shipping during these months.

College Move-In/Move-Out (August and May): South Carolina has major universities like Clemson and the University of South Carolina. These times see higher demand for auto transport. Schedule at least three weeks out if shipping during August move-ins or May move-outs.

Holiday Periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's): Carriers get busier around holidays. Book earlier if shipping during late November through early January.

The sooner you schedule, the better. Post your shipment as soon as possible so carriers can find matches in your area and get you the best rate.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. 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. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open auto transport uses an open trailer that exposes your vehicle to the elements and road conditions. This is the most affordable option and works well for most standard vehicles. However, your car may be exposed to dust, debris, weather, and minor road hazards during transit.

Enclosed auto transport protects your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This shields your car from weather, debris, and road elements. Enclosed transport typically costs 50% to 100% more than open transport.

When to choose each option:

Choose open transport if you want the best value and your vehicle can handle standard road exposure. Most people shipping everyday cars use open transport.

Choose enclosed transport if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or car with a custom paint job that needs extra protection. The added cost is worth it when your vehicle is irreplaceable.

In South Carolina, both options are widely available. Think about your vehicle's value and your comfort level with exposure to help decide which works best for you.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout South Carolina. This means we pick up your vehicle from your preferred location and deliver it directly to your destination address.

When you book with us, we'll ask for your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will do their best to accommodate your exact locations. However, if there are safety concerns or access restrictions—like narrow driveways or low-hanging trees—the carrier may suggest a nearby alternative spot, such as a gas station or parking lot. We'll always work with you to find a solution that works.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient option for most people shipping cars in South Carolina. Since 2012, we've been committed to making car shipping straightforward and fair. Our highly rated reviews speak to our dedication to getting your vehicle where it needs to go.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!