Car Shipping in South Carolina: 2025 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.

Before your car leaves South Carolina, follow these simple steps to keep it safe and avoid delays:

• Remove all personal belongings, toll tags, and any loose items from the interior and trunk.
• Take off or secure any aftermarket accessories (roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, etc.) that could shift during transport.
• Check fluid levels and top up oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid; leave the fuel tank about a quarter full.
• Ensure the battery is fully charged and the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.
• Document the vehicle’s condition with clear photos of all angles, noting existing scratches or dents.
• Disable any alarms or anti‑theft devices, and keep the keys (or a spare) handy for the carrier.
• Fold in side mirrors and lock the doors.

Following these steps helps the driver load and unload quickly and protects your car from damage while it’s on the road.

Yes. All carriers we work with carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we book a shipment, we confirm that the carrier’s policy is active and covers the entire transport. This means your vehicle is protected against loss or damage while it moves through South Carolina and beyond. If a claim is needed, the carrier’s insurance handles it directly.

Book early. We suggest you schedule your pickup at least 14 days in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan routes and combine your load with other vehicles heading the same way, which often lowers cost.

During peak moving times—such as summer and holiday periods—booking 3–4 weeks ahead is safer because demand is higher. If you wait until the last minute, you may face limited carrier options and higher rates.

In South Carolina, most carriers operate out of major ports like Charleston and inland terminals near Columbia. Early scheduling lets them fit your shipment into their existing routes, so you get a smoother, more reliable pickup.

In short: aim for at least two weeks, and consider longer lead times during busy seasons.

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 Auto Transport Process Article 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.

Open auto transport uses a standard flatbed trailer with the vehicle exposed to the elements. It is the most common method, works well for everyday cars, and typically costs 30‑50% less than enclosed service.

Enclosed auto transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. The enclosure shields the car from rain, sun, road debris, salt spray, and potential theft. Because the trailer holds fewer vehicles, the price is usually about 50% higher.

In South Carolina the climate can be hot, humid, and occasionally stormy, and coastal routes may expose cars to salty air. For a standard sedan or SUV that will be driven soon after delivery, open transport is a safe, cost‑effective choice. For classic, exotic, or freshly painted cars—especially those headed to a show or a collector’s garage—enclosed transport offers the extra protection worth the extra cost.

Typical rates range from $0.50‑$0.70 per mile for open service and $0.75‑$1.00 per mile for enclosed service, but exact pricing depends on distance, vehicle size, and timing. At Sakaem Logistics we provide both options with clear, upfront quotes so you can pick the level of protection that fits your budget and peace of mind.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport throughout South Carolina. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will travel to those locations, load your vehicle, and deliver it directly to the drop‑off address you provided. If a street is too narrow, a gate is locked, or local rules prevent a direct stop, we will arrange a safe nearby spot such as a well‑lit parking lot or gas station.

We have been moving cars since 2012, challenging the big‑broker monopoly by keeping rates fair and service clear. Our customers consistently give us high ratings because we keep you informed at every step and avoid hidden fees.

There are no extra charges for the door‑to‑door service itself; you only pay the quoted transport price. An alternate location is used only when safety or legal restrictions make the exact address inaccessible.

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!