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Car Shipping in South Dakota: 2025 Costs & Routes

Last updated: October 2025

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
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ON THIS PAGE

1 South Dakota Car Shipping Overview
2 Top Destination States
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to South Dakota?
9 Car Transport FAQs
STATE OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in South Dakota

Looking to move a vehicle in or out of South Dakota? Our scrappy team, founded in 2012, cuts through the broker monopoly to give you affordable car shipping and reliable auto transport. With years of experience and glowing reviews, we break down the process, share cost estimates, and guide you to the best destinations. Let us make your South Dakota car transport simple and transparent.

Average Cost FROM South Dakota

$950 – $1,350
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO South Dakota

$1,025 – $1,375
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from South Dakota

1
California
33 shipments
$1,100 – $1,425
2
Florida
29 shipments
$1,075 – $1,450
3
Arizona
28 shipments
$1,125 – $1,475
4
Texas
19 shipments
$900 – $1,300
5
Georgia
16 shipments
$1,100 – $1,425
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination States from South Dakota

The most common destination states for car shipping from South Dakota, showing average costs and popular city pairs. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination States Updated: October 2025
Rank Destination State Avg Cost Range Popular Route
1 California $1,100 – $1,425 Sioux Falls to Pleasanton
2 Florida $1,075 – $1,450 Sioux Falls to Naples
3 Arizona $1,125 – $1,475 Mitchell to Casa Grande
4 Texas $900 – $1,300 Sioux Falls to Austin
5 Georgia $1,100 – $1,425 Rapid City to Atlanta
6 Washington $1,200 – $1,325 Rapid City to Spokane
7 North Carolina $1,250 – $1,475 Sioux Falls to Greensboro
8 Wisconsin $750 – $875 Kimball to Monroe
9 New York $1,150 – $1,300 Brookings to Whitesboro
10 Indiana $825 – $1,075 Box Elder to Woodlawn Heights
SD CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
They are very professional. Quick to respond. My car is in great shape and delivered in 3 days. They get great drivers. 10/10 recommend for when you are moving and are stressed and when looking at other companies. They may be a bit late, but they won’t leave your car stranded or broken like other companies I was looking into. Also I barely write reviews but this is for people who are already having a hard time moving and have to think about getting their car moved like I did.
tanja vidic
Aug 2024
Google logo
First time shipping a car to Michigan. Signed a contract with a broker and last minute the truck broke down and he could not find a driver and then the price went up. Scrambled at the last minute and we reached out to Sakaem and talked to Jack. Told him about our situation and he was very understanding and he was able to get our truck to Michigan without any problems. They could haven taken advantage of the situation but they didn’t. Also the driver was very nice. Thank you Jack!!!
Sandy Kanaski
Apr 2025
Google logo
Before calling Sakaem I was booked to use another transport company because their price was the best I could find. The day before they were going to pick up my car, they called me and said they had a reliable driver but he wanted an extra $300. I told them to forget it and called Sakaem. At the last minute they gave me a good price and said it was guaranteed. They service was great and my car arrived in NJ when they said it would be there. I will use them again in January!
Paul Shapiro
Jul 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in South Dakota

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you’re paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don’t pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs in South Dakota

Distance

Distance drives cost because fuel, driver time, and wear increase with miles. Longer hauls require more resources, so rates rise proportionally. Knowing the exact mileage between your South Dakota location and destination helps you compare quotes accurately.

Season

Season influences pricing due to demand fluctuations. Summer and holiday periods see higher volumes, prompting carriers to raise rates, while winter and off‑peak months often offer discounts. Planning your South Dakota shipment outside peak seasons can lower costs.

Route

Route matters as highways allow higher speeds and easier loading zones, reducing fuel and labor costs. Smaller roads or remote towns in South Dakota may add time and tolls, which carriers pass on to you in the final price.

Vehicle Type

Vehicle type affects loading difficulty and fuel usage. Compact cars load quickly and sit light, keeping costs low. SUVs, trucks, or oversized vehicles need stronger tie‑downs and may require special equipment, which raises the shipping price.

Traffic Considerations

Traffic spikes, especially the week before Thanksgiving, can delay pickups and increase driver overtime, which carriers add to the bill. Choosing a window with lighter road usage in South Dakota helps avoid extra fees and ensures smoother transit.

Carrier Availability

Carrier availability swings with seasonal demand. In peak months, limited trucks may cause weeks‑long waits, while off‑season periods often provide quicker bookings and lower rates. Scheduling early or being flexible can improve both timing and price.

Population Density

Population density influences pickup and delivery fees. Urban areas like Sioux Falls have more carriers and shorter distances to terminals, often lowering costs. Rural locations require longer deadhead miles and may add surcharges, raising the overall price.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship your car during South Dakota’s off‑season months—typically late fall through early spring—to avoid peak demand. Even a few weeks difference can lower carrier rates significantly.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Choose pickup or drop‑off spots near major highways rather than residential streets. Carriers spend less time navigating tight neighborhoods, which often translates into lower shipping fees.

3

Hub city advantages

Select a hub city like Sioux Falls or Rapid City that sits at highway intersections. More carrier options and competition there usually drive prices down for your shipment.

4

Weather considerations

Check South Dakota’s seasonal weather—heavy snow, ice, or spring storms can delay shipments and raise costs. Planning around milder periods helps keep your budget on track.

5

Booking in advance

Reserve your transport weeks ahead of time. Early bookings give carriers time to plan routes and secure space, usually resulting in lower rates than last‑minute requests.

6

Open carrier transport

Opt for an open trailer when your vehicle isn’t high‑value or exotic. Open decks are cheaper than enclosed ones, saving you money while still providing safe transport.

7

Flexible dates

Offer carriers a five‑day window for pickup and delivery instead of a fixed date. This flexibility lets them consolidate loads, often reducing your overall shipping cost.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your South Dakota car shipping needs. We will match any competitor’s quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from South Dakota

Professional auto transport service for South Dakota moves

South Dakota’s vehicle registration is streamlined for car shipping and auto transport. New owners can complete the title transfer and registration online through the South Dakota Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division, and there is no mandatory emissions test anywhere in the state [SDDMV]. A single‑time title fee and a modest registration tax are applied, and the state allows out‑of‑state owners to register a vehicle for up to 90 days without becoming a resident, which is useful for temporary moves or seasonal shipping.

Drivers should note a few unique regulations: front side windows must let in at least 35% light (tint darker than this is illegal) and trucks may not exceed 13 ft 6 in in height [SDDOT]. Winter weather demands snow tires or chains, especially in the western plains, so equip your car before a north‑bound auto transport. South Dakota requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000, but many insurers offer lower rates because of the state’s low accident frequency; non‑resident owners can often secure a policy that follows the vehicle wherever it travels [SDInsurance]. Keeping these tips in mind helps ensure a smooth car shipping experience across South Dakota’s open roads.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

South Dakota Vehicle Transport FAQs

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 is loaded, follow these simple steps to keep it safe and avoid extra fees:

  • Clean the vehicle. Remove trash, personal items, and any loose accessories (floor mats, bike racks, roof racks, spoilers, etc.) that could shift or get damaged.
  • Check fluids. Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full, and look for leaks in oil, coolant, or brake fluid.
  • Document the condition. Take clear photos of the exterior and interior from several angles; note any existing dents or scratches.
  • Secure loose parts. Fold in mirrors, retract antennas, and make sure the steering wheel is centered.
  • Provide the keys. Have a working set of keys (or remote) ready for the carrier.
  • Disable alarms. Turn off any anti‑theft devices that could activate during transport.
  • Review our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.

Yes. When you ship a vehicle through Sakaem Logistics in South Dakota, the carrier must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify the carrier’s policy before the load leaves and keep a copy on file for the entire trip. If the vehicle is damaged while in transit, the carrier’s cargo insurance covers the repair cost up to the policy limit. You will receive a proof‑of‑insurance document and a damage claim form should anything occur. This insurance applies to all shipments, whether you are moving a car, truck, or motorcycle, and we never add hidden fees for coverage.

Book early. The sooner you schedule, the better. We recommend at least 14 days in advance, but posting your shipment as soon as you know the date lets carriers bundle loads and often lowers rates. If you need a specific carrier or have a tight deadline, try to book 3‑5 days ahead, though options may be limited. Planning ahead also gives you time to complete paperwork and inspect your vehicle.

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, multi‑car trailer with a removable roof. It is the most common and cost‑effective method, typically 30‑50% cheaper than enclosed service. Vehicles are exposed to weather, road debris, and occasional dust, but the open deck is safe for most everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Enclosed transport places each vehicle inside a fully covered, climate‑controlled trailer. This adds an extra 40‑60% cost, but it shields the car from rain, snow, wind, road salt, insects, and stone chips. It is the preferred choice for high‑value, classic, vintage, or custom‑painted cars that cannot risk any exterior damage.

In South Dakota, the choice often hinges on two factors: budget and vehicle value. If you are moving a standard family sedan and want to save money, open transport is reliable and widely available across the state. If you own a collector’s car, a luxury model, or a vehicle with a fresh paint job, paying the premium for enclosed transport gives you peace of mind that the vehicle arrives in pristine condition.

Yes, we provide door‑to‑door auto transport throughout South Dakota. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will travel to those locations whenever it is safe and legal. If a road, bridge, or local regulation prevents a direct drop‑off, we will arrange a nearby, convenient spot such as a gas station or parking lot and keep you informed.

Because we started in 2012 to give people value and break the broker monopoly, we keep costs clear and avoid hidden fees. The vehicle is loaded onto a carrier, secured, and tracked until it reaches the address you gave us.

Our service works for any city in South Dakota, from Rapid City to Sioux Falls, and for both inbound and outbound moves.

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!

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun Facts About South Dakota

Discover interesting insights about the state you’re shipping to or from

South Dakota may be small, but it packs a surprising mix of natural wonders, historic sites, and friendly communities that make car shipping an adventure.

  • Geography: The state is home to the dramatic Badlands National Park, the rolling Black Hills, and the Missouri River, offering diverse routes for transport.
  • Landmarks: Visitors love Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, iconic stone faces that draw millions each year.
  • History: South Dakota entered the Union in 1889 and was the site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, a pivotal moment in Native American history.
  • Vehicle Laws: License plates must be displayed on both front and rear; temporary permits are easy to obtain for out‑of‑state drivers.
  • Climate: Winters are cold and snowy, while summer brings warm, dry days—plan shipments accordingly to avoid icy roads.
  • Economy: Agriculture dominates, especially corn and cattle, but tourism, finance, and renewable energy are growing fast.
  • Population: About 900,000 people live here, with a strong sense of community in cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
  • Unique Charm: The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally turns the Black Hills into a massive, friendly biker gathering each August.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Welcome to the Car Shipping 101 guide for South Dakota drivers. Whether you are moving across the state or sending a vehicle to another corner of the country, understanding the auto transport process helps you stay calm and confident from start to finish.

First, know the key players: a broker and a carrier. The broker, like Sakaem Logistics, acts as a match‑maker, finding a reliable carrier who actually moves the car. Carriers own the trucks and trailers, and they hold the necessary insurance and permits. Using a reputable broker ensures you work with vetted carriers with solid reviews and proper coverage.

Step 1: Call a broker to request a quote. Provide details such as pick‑up location in South Dakota, destination, vehicle size, and any timing constraints. The broker will give you a clear estimate and explain any service options, such as open versus enclosed transport.

Step 2: The broker selects a carrier that fits your needs. A trustworthy broker only partners with carriers that have a clean safety record and adequate insurance. You will receive the carrier’s name, contact information, and expected pick‑up window.

Step 3: The carrier arrives to pick up your car. Before they load, clear the interior of personal items, make sure the vehicle rolls freely, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel. This makes loading smoother and protects both your car and the trailer.

Step 4: The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination and unloads it. Once the car is safely delivered, you settle payment with the broker or carrier, depending on the agreement you signed at the start of the process.

A few final tips: For high‑end or classic cars, choose an enclosed trailer for added protection against weather and road debris. Always double‑check that the car is clean, the gas level is sufficient, and the wheels turn freely. Following these steps makes auto transport in South Dakota a hassle‑free experience.