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 are the key steps to take before your car ships:

Remove toll transponders and passes. If your vehicle has an E-ZPass or any toll transponder, remove it before shipping. This protects you from unexpected charges and prevents damage to the device during transit.

Clear out personal items. Remove all personal belongings, valuables, and fragile items from your car. Shipping carriers are not responsible for items left inside the vehicle.

Check your tire pressure and coolant. South Carolina's heat and humidity can affect tire pressure and engine coolant levels. Make sure both are at proper levels before shipping to prevent issues during transport.

Address salt air considerations. If you're shipping from coastal South Carolina areas, wash your vehicle thoroughly to remove any salt residue. Salt air can cause corrosion, and removing buildup helps protect your car's exterior during transit.

Remove exterior accessories. Take off roof racks, bike racks, antennas, or any other removable accessories that could be damaged or lost during shipping.

Provide a working key. Make sure you have a key available to give to your carrier. They'll need it to load and unload your vehicle safely.

Document your vehicle's condition. Take photos of your car from multiple angles before shipping. This creates a record of its condition before transit.

For more detailed information about vehicle preparation, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. We've been helping people ship cars since 2017, and these steps will help ensure your vehicle arrives in great condition.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it with us. All carriers in our network are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that every carrier's insurance is active and valid before they transport your car.

This means your vehicle is protected throughout the shipping process. We take the insurance verification seriously because we know how important your car is to you.

Keep in mind that while carrier insurance covers damage during transport, it's always a good idea to document your vehicle's condition before shipping. Take photos of any existing damage so you have a clear record if you need to file a claim.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for South Carolina shipments. This gives carriers time to bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction and keeps costs down for you.

However, timing matters more during certain seasons in South Carolina:

Winter (December to February): Schedule even earlier if possible. Ice and snow can hit the state unexpectedly, causing delays on routes to and from the Carolinas. Three weeks is better than two during these months.

Summer (June to September): This is hurricane season along South Carolina's coast. Carriers may face delays or reroutes due to weather. If you're shipping from coastal areas like Charleston or Myrtle Beach, book at least three weeks ahead. Heat waves can also affect carrier schedules, so don't wait until the last minute.

College Move Season (August and May): South Carolina has major universities like Clemson and University of South Carolina. August move-in and May move-out create high demand for car shipping. Carriers fill up fast during these months, so book four weeks ahead if you're moving during these windows.

Snowbird Season (October to April): Many people ship cars to and from Florida, and South Carolina sits right in the middle of that route. Carriers stay busy, so three weeks is your minimum.

The bottom line: South Carolina isn't a low-demand state, but it's not a hotspot either. Carriers run regular routes here, which works in your favor. Post your shipment as soon as you know your moving date. The earlier you book, the more carrier options you'll have and the better rates you'll find.

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 vs Enclosed Auto Transport: What's the Difference?

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport uses an open trailer where your car sits exposed to weather, debris, and road conditions. Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer.

Cost: Open transport is the budget-friendly option. Enclosed transport typically costs 50% to 100% more because it offers extra protection and requires specialized equipment.

Protection: Open trailers expose your car to rain, dirt, dust, and debris kicked up on the road. Enclosed trailers shield your vehicle from these elements. If you're shipping a high-value car, classic vehicle, or one with a custom paint job, enclosed transport is worth the extra investment.

When to Choose Each: Most people choose open transport for daily drivers and standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport if your car is valuable, rare, or you want maximum protection during shipping to South Carolina.

At Sakaem Logistics, we've been helping people find the right shipping solution since 2017. We're transparent about what each option offers so you can make the best choice for your vehicle.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in South Carolina. This is the most convenient option for shipping your vehicle.

When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery locations. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your car directly to those addresses whenever possible. We're transparent about the process: if there are any road restrictions, safety concerns, or access issues at your location, the carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative, such as a gas station or parking lot.

Since 2012, we've worked to break the monopoly that large brokers held over car shipping. Our highly rated reviews reflect our commitment to getting your vehicle where it needs to go with minimal hassle.

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!