Columbia Car Shipping and Auto Transport Services in South Carolina
- No upfront payment until you choose a carrier
- A cost-saving strategy to save your money
- Book on your terms
- Additional Protection for your vehicle
- 20+ Years of Experience in the industry
- One of the best-reviewed companies in the industry
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Reviews
AmeriFreight Auto Transport Reviews
AmeriFreight Auto Transport is BBB-accredited and A-rated, and we're proud to say that customer service is our #1 priority. Don't just take our word for it, see what our customers have to say about our auto transport services!
4.8
Over 1,500+ Reviews BBB
4.8
Over 4,513+ Reviews Consumer Affairs
4.7
Over 4,000+ Reviews Google
4.9
Over 4,000+ Reviews Transport Reviews
4.8
Over 9,500+ Reviews Move.org
4.9
Over 500+ Reviews Trustpilot
Why Choose AmeriFreight for Columbia Car Shipping?
Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, is a thriving city known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and proximity to beautiful natural areas like Lake Murray. With a population of over 130,000, Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina and numerous historical sites. Whether you're moving to or from Columbia, AmeriFreight is here to offer reliable car shipping services tailored to your needs.
Experience
Top-Rated Auburn Auto Transport Experts
With over 20+ Years of Experience in the industry and a long list of satisfied customers, AmeriFreight is a leader in the auto transport industry. We've earned industry-wide recognition for our exceptional service, including an A rating with the BBB and thousands of positive reviews.
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Why AmeriFreight is One of the Nation's Best Car Shipping Companies
Cost Saving Strategy
We've created a smart cost-saving strategy that reduces expenses and improves efficiency-delivering real value to you.
No Up-Front Payment
We work for free until you accept a carrier offer-no payment info needed upfront. You'll get pickup and delivery dates plus the final shipping cost first.
Book with Confidence
In addition to not taking your credit card till dispatching a carrier to you, you can cancel with us at any time prior to booking your carrier.
Additional Protection
We know you value your vehicle. So we've partnered with AFTA PLAN to provide additional protection for your vehicle during transport. Make sure to ask your agent about AFTA PLAN.
20+ Years of Experience in the Industry
We have the strategy, the pricing, and the protection. Now add over two decades of experience to pull it all together. We know the auto transport business.
One of the Best-Reviewed in the Industry
We take pride in the experience our customers have when working with us. Check review sites and you'll see that we not only have the most reviews, we also have high reviews and customer satisfaction.
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Comprehensive Auto Transport Services for Columbia, SC
Open Car Transport: Affordable and Efficient – Open car transport is the most popular and budget-friendly option. Perfect for standard vehicles, your car is securely fastened to an open trailer for transport.
Enclosed Car Transport: Ultimate Protection – For luxury vehicles, classic cars, or those with high value, enclosed car transport offers the ultimate protection. Your car is shielded from the elements, road debris, and prying eyes during transport. Climate-controlled options are also available for added peace of mind.
Expedited Car Transport in Columbia, SC: Need it Fast? We Deliver! – For time-sensitive shipments, expedited car transport gets your vehicle to its destination quickly. While there is an additional cost for this service, it ensures your car arrives according to your specific timeline.
Specialty Vehicle Transport: Beyond Cars – AmeriFreight goes beyond cars! We also offer safe and reliable transport for motorcycles and RVs. Our team will create a customized solution to get your unique vehicle where it needs to go.
Step-by-Step Guide
How Columbia Car Shipping Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process starts with a quick and easy online quote. Use our user-friendly calculator to get instant rates. Simply provide your pickup and drop-off locations, vehicle type, and preferred shipping date.
Step 1
Book your order
Easily book your car shipping by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll take care of the details for a smooth booking process.
Step 2
Your vehicle is picked up
Our team will pick up your vehicle at your preferred location, handling it with care and ensuring it's safely loaded for transport.
Step 3
Your vehicle is delivered
We'll coordinate delivery to your chosen location, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and on time for you to enjoy.
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Delivery in Columbia: Welcoming Your Car to its New Home
The excitement builds as your car nears its destination in Columbia, SC. Here's what you can expect during the final leg of its journey:
Delivery Scheduling
Once your car arrives in the Columbia area, the carrier will contact you to arrange a convenient delivery time. This flexibility ensures you're present to receive your vehicle.
A Meticulous Final Inspection
Upon arrival, the carrier will conduct a final inspection of your car together with you. They will compare the condition to the initial inspection report completed during pickup. This ensures any potential discrepancies are documented.
Signing the Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is an important document that serves as a receipt for your car's condition upon delivery. The carrier will review the document with you, highlighting any notations from the pre-shipment and final inspections. Once you're satisfied with the vehicle's condition, you'll sign the bill of lading, finalizing the transport process.
Welcome to Columbia!
With the paperwork complete, it's time to take possession of your car! The carrier will assist you in unloading your vehicle from the transport trailer. AmeriFreight ensures a smooth transition, so feel free to ask any questions you may have about the car's condition or the transport process.
Even minor details are important. AmeriFreight's experienced carriers prioritize clear communication and a meticulous approach throughout the delivery process, ensuring your car arrives in Columbia exactly as it left, ready for your next adventure.
Factors
Cost Factors for Columbia Car Shipping
A few key factors impact the overall cost of shipping your vehicle. Understanding these factors helps you make an informed choice that aligns with your budget. We aim to offer transparent pricing, answer your questions, alleviate your concerns, and ensure the safe delivery of your car to its destination.

Distance: The Route Matters
The distance your vehicle needs to travel from Point A to Point B is one of the main factors impacting your car shipping rate. Cross-country moves, for instance, will cost more than a quick trip to a neighboring state, owing to the time and fuel required to transport your vehicle to its destination.

Vehicle Weight and Size:
Different car sizes affect the cost of shipping. Lighter, more compact vehicles occupy less space, typically resulting in a lower price. Conversely, larger vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs, can increase your rate due to their size and weight.

Open or Enclosed:
The majority of cars shipped across America are on open carriers. As an affordable choice, open carriers provide a variety of equipment to meet any shipping needs. If you are concerned about weather, visibility, or other factors, enclosed may be your option because it may protect your vehicle from nearly all outside factors. Enclosed shipment is an excellent choice for transporting luxury, exotic, and classic vehicles.

Seasonal Fluctuations: Timing is Key
Although you may hear that seasonal fluctuations may greatly affect your vehicle shipping cost, you'll be happy to know at AmeriFreight that isn't necessarily the case. Our strategies to save you money work year-round. For over twenty years we have built unique relationships with thousands of carriers in the industry. This ensures we have year-round capability to get your vehicle where it needs to go at the best price possible.
Routes
Popular Car Shipping Routes To and From Columbia, SC
| Route | Estimated Delivery Time (Days) | Open Transport Estimated Price | Enclosed Transport Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia to New York City | 3-5 | $624.00 | $1,061 |
| Miami to Columbia | 5-7 | $469.00 | $797 |
| Los Angeles to Columbia | 7-10 | $1,054.00 | $1,792 |
| Denver to Columbia | 4-6 | $929.00 | $1,579 |
| Atlanta to Columbia | 4-6 | $549.00 | $933 |
| Dallas to Columbia | 4-6 | $856.00 | $1,455 |
| Houston to Columbia | 5-7 | $856.00 | $1,455 |
| Seattle to Columbia | 8-12 | $1,404.00 | $2,387 |
| Phoenix to Columbia | 5-7 | $1,044.00 | $1,775 |
| Detroit to Columbia | 2-4 | $803 | $1,365 |
Routes and Transportation
Columbia's central location in South Carolina makes it easily accessible via several major highways:
- Interstate 26 (I-26): This major east-west interstate connects Columbia to Charleston and Asheville, North Carolina.
- Interstate 77 (I-77): Runs north-south, providing a direct route to Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Interstate 20 (I-20): An east-west route connecting Columbia to Atlanta, Georgia, and Florence, South Carolina.
Traffic congestion in Columbia is moderate, with peak hours around the downtown area and highways. During heavy rains, roads can become slick, but AmeriFreight's experienced drivers navigate these conditions safely and efficiently.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Columbia Car Shipping
Before your car is shipped, make sure to:
- Give it a thorough cleaning and inspection.
- Remove all personal belongings and accessories.
- Document any existing dents, scratches, or damage with clear photos for your records.
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Local Insights and Tips for Columbia Car Shipping
Shipping Your Car During Peak Season? Plan Ahead!
Columbia summers can be warm, and it's a popular time for moving. Booking your transport in advance ensures availability and potentially better rates.
Registering Your Vehicle with the South Carolina DMV (New Residents)
If you're new to the Columbia area, you'll need to register your vehicle with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. AmeriFreight can't handle this process for you, but here are some helpful tips:
- You'll need proof of ownership (title), vehicle insurance, and a completed application for vehicle registration.
- Depending on your situation, you may also need to pay sales tax, title fees, and registration fees.
For more information, visit the South Carolina DMV website.
Major Events in Columbia
Columbia hosts several major events that may impact car shipping schedules:
- South Carolina State Fair (October 2024): Large crowds and increased traffic near the fairgrounds.
- Famously Hot New Year (December 31, 2024): Road closures and downtown congestion.
- St. Pat's in Five Points (March 2024): Heavy traffic in the Five Points area.
New Resident Resources
For new residents of Columbia:
- South Carolina DMV: Vehicle registration, driver's licenses, and inspections.
- Public Utilities: Electric and water services are provided by Dominion Energy and City of Columbia Water.
- Public Transportation: Columbia's transit system, The COMET, offers bus services throughout the city.
For amenities, Prisma Health and Columbiana Centre Mall offer healthcare and shopping.
Top Tourist Spots in Columbia
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: World-class zoo with botanical gardens.
- South Carolina State Museum: Largest museum in the state with exhibits on history, science, and art.
- Congaree National Park: Old-growth forests and boardwalk trails, just a short drive from the city.
Moving Tips and Resources
For those moving to Columbia:
- Moving Companies: Trusted local movers like Two Men and a Truck and Gentle Giant Moving Company.
- Storage Options: Public Storage or Life Storage for secure storage solutions.
- Community Resources: Connect with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for local events and networking.
Set up your utilities, update your address with the DMV, and schedule your car shipping with AmeriFreight ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
Fun Things to Do in Columbia (After Your Car Arrives Safely!)
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: Animals and botanical gardens for the whole family.
- South Carolina State Museum: Exhibits on history, art, science, and technology.
- Congaree National Park: Hiking, canoeing, and natural beauty for outdoor enthusiasts.
- The Vista: Arts, dining, galleries, and nightlife in Columbia's entertainment district.
Columbia Car Shipping FAQ
Common questions about car shipping in Columbia:
- How long does shipping take? Transit times vary depending on distance, but AmeriFreight provides an estimate during the quote process.
- What factors influence the cost? Distance, vehicle type, condition, transport type (open vs. enclosed), and seasonal demand.
- What happens if there's damage? AmeriFreight partners with licensed, insured carriers. If damage occurs, instructions for filing a claim are provided.
- Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery? Preferred but not mandatory. You can also designate a trusted representative.
By choosing AmeriFreight, your Columbia car shipping experience will be smooth and stress-free. Get your free quote today.
Whether you have a new or used sedan, an SUV, a sports car, a truck, an armored personnel carrier, military vehicle or a bus that you want to ship across the country, our car shipping specialists can move it for you hassle free at the best rate possible. We service all continental U.S. including Hawaii and Alaska for all your car shipping needs for your personal vehicles or company fleets. Whether you need a long or short distance auto transport service, call us at (770) 486-1010 or use our online auto transport quote calculator