South Carolina is one of the most dynamic states for vehicle transportation in the U.S., thanks to its blend of coastal ports, growing population, and proximity to key southeastern cities.
Whether you're relocating to Charleston, shipping a car from Columbia to California, or transporting a seasonal vehicle to Hilton Head, understanding how South Carolina car shipping works is essential for a smooth experience.
That’s where Tiger Auto Transport stands out. As a top-rated, family-owned logistics provider with over 27 years of experience, Tiger offers fully insured, door-to-door service across all 50 states.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about shipping a car to or from South Carolina, from pricing and service options to key cities, tips, and routes.
Why Ship a Car To or From South Carolina?
1. High Interstate Access
South Carolina is intersected by major highways like I-95, I-26, and I-77, making it easily accessible for east coast and cross-country shipping. These interstates connect South Carolina to Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and beyond, helping auto carriers reach pickup and drop-off points efficiently.
2. Coastal Ports and Military Bases
Charleston and Port Royal are vital ports for both international vehicle imports and domestic distribution. Additionally, military bases like Fort Jackson and Joint Base Charleston create consistent demand for military car shipping services.
3. Popular Retirement and Snowbird Destination
Thousands of retirees move to South Carolina each year from colder regions, especially during winter. Many ship their vehicles instead of driving long distances, creating strong seasonal demand.
4. Growing Urban Centers
South Carolina’s cities like Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach are experiencing steady population growth, leading to more relocations and vehicle transports across the state.
Why Choose Tiger Auto Transport?
Tiger Auto Transport is one of the most trusted names in car shipping nationwide, known for reliability, competitive rates, and excellent support.
Whether you’re a student moving to a university, a military family, or a car buyer receiving a vehicle, Tiger handles every shipment with care and transparency.
Key Features:
- Door-to-door service anywhere in South Carolina
- Real-time tracking and 24/7 customer support
- Fully insured with verified carriers
- Flexible service tiers: budget-friendly to expedited
- Experienced in snowbird, student, and military moves
- Owns trucks, not just a broker, more control, less risk
With over 31,000 satisfied customers and more than 350,000 vehicles delivered, Tiger Auto Transport is a top-tier provider trusted by individuals and businesses nationwide.
Major Cities Covered in South Carolina
Tiger Auto Transport operates across the entire state, with full coverage in:
- Charleston
- Columbia
- Greenville
- Myrtle Beach
- Spartanburg
- Rock Hill
- Hilton Head Island
- Florence
- Sumter
- Beaufort
- Aiken
- Anderson
- North Charleston
- Summerville
- Lexington
Whether you're shipping to a college town, a coastal resort, or a rural area, Tiger coordinates the right carrier for each delivery.
South Carolina Car Shipping Routes
Tiger handles both short and long-distance car shipping services. Some of the most frequent routes include:
Popular Long-Distance Routes:
- Charleston to Los Angeles
- Columbia to Phoenix
- Greenville to Chicago
- Myrtle Beach to Houston
- Spartanburg to New York City
Regional Routes:
- South Carolina to Florida
- South Carolina to North Carolina
- South Carolina to Georgia
- South Carolina to Virginia
- South Carolina to Texas
In-State Routes:
- Charleston to Columbia
- Myrtle Beach to Greenville
- Hilton Head to Rock Hill
Each route is optimized for speed, safety, and price, whether you're shipping a daily driver or a classic car.
South Carolina Car Shipping Costs
Prices vary based on distance, season, vehicle type, and transport mode. Here's what to expect:
Factor | Impact |
Distance | Longer distances = higher cost |
Vehicle Size | Trucks/SUVs cost more than sedans |
Transport Type | Enclosed is more expensive than open |
Urgency | Expedited services cost extra |
Pickup Area | Rural locations may add to the price |
Tiger Auto Transport provides instant online quotes, and you can book your shipment entirely online or by phone.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open Transport
- Most common and affordable
- Vehicle is exposed to weather but insured
- Ideal for standard or used vehicles
Enclosed Transport
- Protected from elements and debris
- Recommended for luxury, exotic, or classic cars
- Limited carrier availability, higher cost
South Carolina weather is typically mild, but enclosed transport is worth considering for high-value cars or winter shipments.
Who Ships Vehicles in South Carolina?
Military Families
Fort Jackson and Joint Base Charleston generate regular car shipping traffic. Tiger offers special discounts and flexible timelines for military moves.
Retirees and Snowbirds
South Carolina is a top relocation destination for retirees from New York, New Jersey, and the Midwest. Many use Tiger for seasonal vehicle transport.
College Students
Schools like the University of South Carolina, Clemson, and Coastal Carolina create consistent demand for student car shipping at the beginning and end of each term.
Car Dealerships and Auctions
Tiger partners with dealerships and auctions across the state to deliver vehicles quickly and securely.
People Relocating for Work or Family
Whether it’s a local move or cross-country relocation, Tiger helps individuals and families ship their vehicles reliably and on time.
Vehicle Prep Checklist
To ensure a smooth shipping experience:
- Wash and Inspect Your Car – Take clear photos of the exterior from multiple angles.
- Remove Personal Items – Unless you’ve selected Prime or Expedited service, do not leave items in the vehicle.
- Check Fluid Levels and Tire Pressure – Make sure the car is in drivable condition (unless it’s a non-running transport).
- Disable Alarms – Prevent any accidental triggers during transport.
- Leave 1/4 Tank of Gas – Enough for loading/unloading, but not too much weight.
- Confirm Contact Info – You’ll need to be reachable for updates and drop-off coordination.
What Makes Tiger Auto Transport Different?
Tiger isn’t just a broker. With its own fleet of trucks and decades of logistics experience, it offers more control and accountability than many other auto shippers.
- Vetted Drivers – Only certified, fully insured drivers are used.
- Family-Owned – Every shipment is treated with a personal touch.
- Real-Time Tracking – Know where your vehicle is at all times.
- 24/7 Customer Support – Get answers any time, any day.
- Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees. What you’re quoted is what you pay.
- Price Match Guarantee – Found a better rate? Tiger will match it.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Get an Instant Quote
Use Tiger's online calculator to input your ZIP codes, car details, and preferred dates.
Step 2: Choose a Service Tier
Pick Flexible, Prime, or Expedited, depending on your budget and timeline.
Step 3: Schedule Pickup
A carrier is assigned, and you’ll receive a window for pickup. Dispatch keeps you updated.
Step 4: Prepare the Vehicle
Clean the car, document its condition, and remove personal items (if applicable).
Step 5: Pickup and Transit
Your driver inspects the car, loads it safely, and begins the journey.
Step 6: Delivery
The car is delivered to your chosen address. A final inspection is completed, and you sign off on the job.
Conclusion: The Best Choice for South Carolina Car Shipping
Shipping a car to or from South Carolina doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're a student returning to college, a retiree relocating to the Lowcountry, or a family moving across the country, you need a reliable partner to ensure your vehicle arrives safely, on time, and without added stress.
Tiger Auto Transport offers everything you need, from coast-to-coast coverage and flexible pricing to dedicated customer support and real-time tracking. With over 27 years of proven service, Tiger delivers peace of mind along with your vehicle.
If you’re planning a South Carolina car shipping project, choose the provider that prioritizes service, safety, and simplicity.
Get a free quote today and let Tiger Auto Transport handle the rest.
