Car Shipping in South Carolina: 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.

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

• Document its condition. Take photos of the exterior and interior from several angles and note any existing scratches or dents.
• Remove personal items. Take out all loose objects, toll tags, GPS units, and anything that could shift or be damaged.
• Check fluids and battery. Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full, top off windshield wiper fluid, and make sure the battery is charged.
• Secure accessories. Detach roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, antennae, and any aftermarket parts that aren’t permanently attached.
• Disable alarms and anti‑theft devices. Deactivate any alarm systems or steering locks that could interfere with loading.
• Provide the keys. Gather all sets of keys (including remote fobs) and keep them handy for the carrier.
• Leave the car in neutral. For manual transmissions, leave it in neutral; for automatics, put it in park.

Following these steps helps our drivers in South Carolina load and unload quickly, and it protects your vehicle during the journey. For more detailed tips, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.

Yes. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before a vehicle leaves the terminal we confirm the carrier’s policy is active and covers the entire route, including South Carolina. If any damage occurs while the truck is in transit, the cargo insurance will pay up to the policy limit. You remain responsible for any deductible the carrier applies, but the coverage protects the vehicle’s value during shipping.

Schedule early, but two weeks is a safe minimum. Most carriers need at least 10‑14 days to build a route and match your vehicle with other shipments in South Carolina. Booking sooner gives you more options, lower rates, and reduces the chance of delays. If you wait until the last minute, you may face limited carrier availability and higher prices.

We suggest placing your request as soon as you know your move date—ideally 2‑3 weeks ahead. This allows us to bundle your load with nearby pickups, which keeps costs down and speeds up delivery.

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 transport uses a standard flatbed trailer with multiple vehicles side‑by‑side. It’s the most common method, costs about 30‑50% less than enclosed, and provides adequate protection for most everyday cars. The vehicles are exposed to weather, road debris, and occasional wind‑driven particles, but carriers use tie‑downs and tarps to keep them secure.

Enclosed transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This shields the car from rain, snow, sun, dust, and debris, making it ideal for high‑value, classic, antique, or custom‑painted cars. The trade‑off is a higher price—typically 40‑60% more than open—because the trailer holds fewer vehicles and requires more handling.

In South Carolina the choice often depends on climate and vehicle value. If you’re moving a daily driver, an open carrier is usually sufficient and saves money. If you own a collectible, a luxury model, or a car with a fresh finish, the extra cost of enclosed transport can be worth the added protection.

Yes, we provide door-to-door auto transport throughout South Carolina. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will travel to those locations and load your vehicle, then drive it to the drop-off point you chose. If a street is too narrow, a gate is locked, or local regulations prevent a direct stop, we will coordinate a nearby safe spot such as a well-lit parking lot or a gas station.

Because we are a scrappy, independent broker founded in 2012, we keep costs low and pass the savings to you. Our drivers are vetted, insured, and experienced with South Carolina routes—from Charleston’s coastal highways to the Upstate’s mountain passes.

We keep you informed at every step: a confirmation email with the carrier’s name, a tracking link, and a final delivery notice. No hidden fees, no surprise stops.

So whether you’re moving a family sedan out of Columbia or shipping a classic car to Greenville, our door-to-door service is designed to be simple, reliable, and transparent.

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!