Best Car Shipping Companies in South Dakota (April 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

Nexus Auto Transport stands out as the best car shipping company in South Dakota, thanks to their strong track record for fair pricing, broad service coverage, and consistent availability across routes. On average, shipping a car from South Dakota costs $764-$1,240.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?

FreightWaves Checkpoint strives to take the guesswork out of finding a reliable car shipping company.

We rate over 2,400 companies nationwide based on the things that matter — price, service quality, availability, and customer satisfaction being key among them. We also read through hundreds of customer reviews to uncover patterns and highlight what actual users are saying.

Our editorial team fact-checks all content so you can count on getting trustworthy, accurate, and up-to-date information with every guide we publish.

The Best Car Shipping Companies in South Dakota

Car shipping companies with national coverage tend to deliver better service, more flexible options, and competitive rates. Explore our top-rated picks trusted by customers in South Dakota.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5.0

Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.

Get A Quote (224) 310-1412

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Live shipment tracking
  • Fast, no-hassle quotes
  • Door-to-door pickup
  • Competitive discounts

Cons

  • No international shipping
  • Pay more with debit/credit card

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door deliveries
  • Open and enclosed trailers
  • Hawaii/Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5.0

Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.

Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise and free car wash at delivery are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.

Get A Quote (833) 775-1461

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
  • Pay by credit card available
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No deposit upfront to schedule
  • $100k in cargo insurance
  • Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
  • Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans

Cons

  • Online instant quote not available
  • Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
  • No international shipping
  • No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Insured shipping

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5.0

Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.

Get A Quote (501) 248-0223

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Price match policy
  • Quick turnaround
  • Discounts
  • White-glove transport
  • 24/7 tracking

Cons

  • Limited international shipping
  • No guaranteed pickup date

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

SGT Auto Transport

4.8 / 5.0

SGT Auto Transport is a highly-rated car shipping broker that works with more than 25,000 carriers to transport vehicles. They offer long-distance car shipping to 49 states. With the exception of Hawaii, all services are door-to-door and you can choose from open or enclosed shipping options. Get free quotes online in minutes and book an exact pick-up date for a seamless vehicle move.

Get A Quote (864) 492-1221

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Open and enclosed auto transport options available
  • Car shipping to Hawaii
  • Motorcycle shipping available
  • Free cancellation
  • Full insurance coverage included in the price
  • Nothing to pay up front
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Limited international shipping
  • Doesn’t ship RVs
  • No digital tracking

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Long-distance and international shipping
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

Ship A Car Direct

4.4 / 5.0

Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.

Get A Quote (855) 952-1031

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
  • No deposit upfront to schedule
  • Expedited Shipping Available
  • Pay by credit card available
  • Ships all vehicle types
  • Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
  • $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
  • Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days

Cons

  • Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
  • Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
  • No international shipping
  • Website lacks information

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

Local Auto Transport Options in South Dakota

Although these local auto transport providers in South Dakota have been assessed and rated, their service scope or availability may be more limited than the top-rated companies above.

Auto Transport by Stopwatch

3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD, 57702
3.76 / 5.0

Auto Transport by Stopwatch (DOT: 2965797) is a car shipping company that specializes in transporting various types of vehicles, including classic cars, electric vehicles, and inoperable cars. While they offer both open and enclosed transport options, some potential customers might find it disappointing that they do not provide shipment tracking services. The company, however, does not yet have established ratings on Yelp and Google, but maintains a solid BBB rating of A+.

Get a Quote (616) 229-1517

Services Offered

  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Classic Car Shipping

Yada Enterprises Inc

611 N Main St, Redfield, SD, 57469
3.7 / 5.0

Yada Enterprises Inc (DOT: 1255110) is a car shipping company that provides a variety of services, including interstate transport, classic car shipping, and electric vehicle shipping. They are fully insured and allow payment by credit card, making transactions convenient and secure for their customers.

Unfortunately, Yada Enterprises Inc does not offer guaranteed delivery, which may be a downside for customers seeking specific timelines. The company has a Yelp rating of 2.6 and a Google rating of 3.1, indicating a mix of customer experiences, but it has not been rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Get a Quote (605) 472-3800

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Classic Car Shipping

Local Car Shippers In South Dakota

Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:

0% complete

Find the Best Car Shipping Option for You

1. Are you working with a tight delivery deadline?

2. Is your vehicle luxury, classic, or exotic?

3. Are you shipping your car more than 500 miles?

4. Do you need door-to-door service?

5. Are you shipping more than one vehicle?

6. Is it ok for your vehicle be exposed to weather?

7. Is budget a top priority for you?

8. Is terminal-to-terminal shipping ok?

9. Is your vehicle inoperable (won’t start or drive)?

Understanding Car Shipping Costs in South Dakota

Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of South Dakota:

Shipping Route Open Trailer Enclosed Trailer
From South Dakota to Michigan 1133 1473
From South Dakota to North Carolina 1572 2044
From South Dakota to New York 1616 2101
From South Dakota to Ohio 1172 1524
From South Dakota to Texas 1175 1528
From Georgia to South Dakota 1571 2042
From Florida to South Dakota 1784 2319
From Illinois to South Dakota 1102 1433
From California to South Dakota 1640 2132
From Arizona to South Dakota 1369 1780

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs

These are factors have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of South Dakota:

  • Distance and location: Distance and location affect car shipping costs through mileage, terrain, and accessibility challenges, leading to variable pricing. Proximity to major routes or urban areas typically reduces expenses.
  • Vehicle type and condition: If you're shipping from South Dakota and your vehicle is large, non-running, or needs special care (like a classic car) you’ll likely pay more. That’s because extra gear and handling are often needed.
  • Transport type: Open car shipping is less expensive and uses an open trailer, so your car is exposed to South Dakota's weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping costs around 30% more and keeps your car in a covered trailer, offering better protection for luxury or classic cars. Due to the cost savings, roughly 90% of people opt for open transport.
  • Seasonality: South Dakota's weather varies, causing potential delays and higher costs for car shipping. Winter conditions increase costs due to snow and ice, challenging transport logistics.
  • Additional services Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping usually increase the cost of shipping a car out of South Dakota. These services provide greater convenience and speed, which typically means higher fees compared to standard shipping methods.

Each of these factors plays a significant role in the final cost of shipping your vehicle out of South Dakota. To get the best price, we recommend using the form below to get car shipping quotes from multiple South Dakota auto transport companies to compare their services and understand their payment options, ensuring they align with your specific needs and budget constraints.

What To Know Before You Book

To ensure your experience is a relatively seamless one, there are some key things you should understand about car shipping companies in South Dakota:

  • Final costs may be higher than your initial quote. Some car shipping companies guarantee their rates, so your quoted price stays the same on delivery day. However, not all companies offer this. Unforeseen events or sudden route changes can affect the final cost.
  • Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide an option for guaranteed delivery, doing their best to meet the specified date. Without paying for this, the delivery time is an estimate, not a certainty. It's crucial to realize that factors like bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays that are beyond the shipper's control, even with "guaranteed" deliveries.
  • It's important to review insurance coverage. Make sure you know what a car shipping company's insurance covers and what it doesn't, in case your car gets damaged during transport. Compare this to your current auto insurance policy, as it might also cover your car while it's being shipped.
  • Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Be sure to read your bill of lading when it’s handed to you for signing at delivery. It might seem like a basic receipt, but it’s a key document. It outlines the services you received and confirms your car arrived in its original condition. Before signing, check that everything you paid for is listed and any damage to your vehicle is noted. If not, you'll have no basis for a claim later on.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

How We Chose the Best South Dakota Auto Transport Companies

We evaluate car shipping companies in South Dakota using a thorough process that considers five essential criteria: licensing, customer satisfaction, service breadth, competitive pricing, and digital reputation.

  • Licensing compliance at the state (South Dakota) and federal level ensures companies operate legally and ethically.
  • Customer satisfaction is evaluated via aggregated feedback, offering insight into service consistency and dependability.
  • Diverse service offerings allow customers to match transport methods with specific vehicle types or conditions.
  • We review pricing structures to ensure they are fair, transparent, and appropriate for South Dakota-based transport needs.
  • An established online presence and positive reputation across trusted review sites reflect a business’s accountability and customer care standards.

Car Shipping Company Reviews

Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:

FAQ

How can I tell if a car shipping company in South Dakota is legit?

The safest way to confirm a company's legitimacy is to look up their USDOT or MC number in the FMCSA SAFER database. It shows licensing status, insurance, and complaint history so you know exactly who you’re dealing with.

Can I track a car shipment in South Dakota?

Many carriers offer GPS tracking or regular text updates. Even if live tracking isn’t available, most companies provide status updates at pickup, mid-route, and before delivery.

What should I expect on pickup day in South Dakota?

The driver will inspect your vehicle, note any existing marks, complete a bill of lading, and load the car. Clear access helps—tight streets may require meeting the truck in a nearby open area.

Is there a cheaper time of year to ship a car in South Dakota?

Summer and fall are busy seasons, which pushes prices up. Winter and early spring often bring more availability and better rates.

Does auto transport include insurance in South Dakota?

All licensed carriers must provide liability and cargo coverage. The limits vary, so always ask for a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before booking.

Do car shippers in South Dakota allow personal items inside your vehicle?

Currently, there are no car shippers in South Dakota that allow personal items to be shipped inside your vehicle.

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.