We dug deep into the data and found that Nexus Auto Transport stands out as the top car shipping choice in South Dakota, scoring an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars for pricing, service options, and overall experience. If you're looking to ship your car from South Dakota, you can typically expect to pay between $772 - $1,264, though prices may vary depending on your specific needs. Plus, this company is known for its reliable communication and hassle-free process, making it an easy choice for our best movers list.
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The Best Car Shipping Companies in South Dakota
National car shipping companies usually offer the best mix of pricing, services, and availability. Here's our breakdown of the top-rated options in South Dakota.
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
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.
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
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
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.
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
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
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.
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
http://sgtautotransport.com
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.
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
Local Auto Transport Options in South Dakota
We've done the homework on these South Dakota-based transport companies — just note they may not offer the same level of coverage or flexibility as our top recommendations above.
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
Auto Transport by Stopwatch (DOT: 2965797) offers a range of services for those looking to transport their vehicles, including inoperable car transport, classic car shipping, and electric vehicle shipping. However, they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or terminal-to-terminal delivery, which may be a drawback for some potential customers.
Despite offering a comprehensive suite of car shipping services, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. On a positive note, they hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), emphasizing their commitment to maintaining high standards.
Customers can also benefit from enclosed transport options to ensure their vehicles are safely shipped. However, it's important to note that the company does not offer any specific discounts for seniors, teachers, students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Yada Enterprises Inc
Yada Enterprises Inc (DOT: 1255110) offers a variety of car shipping services tailored to meet different customer needs, including classic car shipping, open transport, and enclosed transport options. Although they are fully insured and handle interstate and electric vehicle shipping, they currently do not provide services for cars that don't run, which could be a downside for some customers. The company has received mixed reviews, with a Yelp rating of 2.6 and a Google rating of 3.1, while it has yet to be rated by the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
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Find the Best Car Shipping Option for You
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 Illinois | 1212 | 1576 |
| From South Dakota to Michigan | 1345 | 1749 |
| From South Dakota to New York | 1724 | 2241 |
| From South Dakota to Georgia | 1687 | 2193 |
| From South Dakota to Arizona | 1526 | 1984 |
| From Ohio to South Dakota | 1352 | 1758 |
| From North Carolina to South Dakota | 1743 | 2266 |
| From California to South Dakota | 1864 | 2423 |
| From Florida to South Dakota | 1942 | 2525 |
| From Texas to South Dakota | 1333 | 1733 |
Popular Moving Routes from South Dakota
- South Dakota to Alabama
- South Dakota to Arizona
- South Dakota to Arkansas
- South Dakota to California
- South Dakota to Colorado
- South Dakota to Connecticut
- South Dakota to Delaware
- South Dakota to Florida
- South Dakota to Georgia
- South Dakota to Idaho
- South Dakota to Illinois
- South Dakota to Indiana
- South Dakota to Iowa
- South Dakota to Kansas
- South Dakota to Kentucky
- South Dakota to Louisiana
- South Dakota to Maine
- South Dakota to Maryland
- South Dakota to Massachusetts
- South Dakota to Michigan
- South Dakota to Minnesota
- South Dakota to Mississippi
- South Dakota to Missouri
- South Dakota to Montana
- South Dakota to Nebraska
- South Dakota to Nevada
- South Dakota to New Hampshire
- South Dakota to New Jersey
- South Dakota to New Mexico
- South Dakota to New York
- South Dakota to North Carolina
- South Dakota to North Dakota
- South Dakota to Ohio
- South Dakota to Oklahoma
- South Dakota to Oregon
- South Dakota to Pennsylvania
- South Dakota to Rhode Island
- South Dakota to South Carolina
- South Dakota to Tennessee
- South Dakota to Texas
- South Dakota to Utah
- South Dakota to Vermont
- South Dakota to Virginia
- South Dakota to Washington
- South Dakota to West Virginia
- South Dakota to Wisconsin
- South Dakota to Wyoming
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are the factors that have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of South Dakota:
- Distance and Location: Shipping a car out of South Dakota costs more with greater distance of the destination. Shipping costs also rise if the location is remote or less accessible.
- Vehicle Type and Condition: Larger vehicles or those requiring special handling, such as classic cars, may cost more to ship out of South Dakota. Additionally, non-operational vehicles might increase the price due to the extra equipment needed for loading and unloading.
- Transport Type: Open car shipping is more affordable and uses an open trailer, which exposes your car to South Dakota's weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping is about 30% more expensive but keeps your car inside a covered trailer, offering better protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Due to the cost savings, about 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: South Dakota's extreme, unpredictable weather likely increases car shipping costs due to safety challenges and seasonal demand fluctuations. Winter conditions necessitate additional precautions, adding to the expense.
- Additional Services Extra services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping make shipping a car out of South Dakota more expensive. These premium options provide more convenience and faster delivery times but increase overall costs.
Every factor above can impact the cost of shipping your car from South Dakota. For the best deal, use the form below to request car shipping quotes from several South Dakota transport providers and compare prices, services, and payment plans that fit your budget.
How To Cut Car Shipping Costs
Transporting a vehicle over long distances or state lines often comes with a higher price tag. If you're shipping from South Dakota, consider these cost-saving tips:
- Shop around. Don't settle for the first car shipping company you find. Many companies offer instant online estimates, making it simple to get quotes from several places. Compare both the prices and services to get a fair comparison. A lower price might mean fewer services included.
- Ask about discounts. Car shipping companies often offer discounts for military members, students, senior citizens, and new or returning customers. When choosing a car shipper, look for deals or promotions to help lower your costs.
- Check for hidden fees. Car shipping companies may not tell you about extra charges until after you accept their quote. It's crucial to ask about any potential costs ahead of time. Common fees include gas, tolls, and terminal handling. Before signing, find out all the charges and get them in writing to avoid surprises on your final bill.
- Book in advance. Booking car shipping last minute will cost you more, especially if you need it fast. Once you pick a company, book early to save money.
- Ship during the off season. Shipping your car costs more in spring and early summer due to higher demand and fewer available slots. The same applies to major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. For the best prices and more scheduling choices, try to ship your car during less busy times.
- Opt for open transport. Choosing open shipping instead of enclosed shipping can reduce your auto transport costs by up to 50%. While enclosed carriers offer more protection, they are also much more expensive. Open carriers might expose your vehicle to the elements and road hazards, but they are usually safe and certainly more affordable.
- Pick terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door service. Having someone pick up and deliver your car is convenient but usually costs more than terminal-to-terminal shipping. If you can drive to the terminals, this option will save you money.
What You Need To Know Before Booking
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 shippers provide fixed rates, so your quote stays the same on delivery day. However, this isn't true for all companies. Unforeseen events or last-minute route changes can affect your final bill.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide a guaranteed delivery option and will strive to meet the promised date. Without this option, the company's delivery timeline is an estimate, not a certainty. It's crucial to know that factors like bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays, even with guaranteed deliveries, and are beyond the shipper's control.
- It's important to review insurance coverage. You need to know what a car shipping company's insurance covers and what it doesn't in case your car gets damaged during transit. Compare this information with your current auto insurance policy, which might already cover your car while it's being transported.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Make sure to carefully review your bill of lading when you receive it and before you sign it at delivery. It may look like a simple receipt, but it is crucial. This document details the services provided and confirms that your car arrived in the same condition it left. Don't just sign without checking; ensure all services are listed and any vehicle damage is recorded. If not, you won't have proof to support a claim later.
How We Chose the Best South Dakota Auto Transport Companies
Our selection of the top car shipping providers in South Dakota is based on an in-depth evaluation of five core metrics: regulatory compliance, client satisfaction, service coverage, cost, and digital credibility.
- Licensing means the company follows both South Dakota and federal rules — so you can ship with confidence.
- We look at real customer reviews to see which companies consistently deliver great service.
- From everyday sedans to rare classics, the best companies offer a range of shipping solutions.
- Fair pricing matters — especially when you’re dealing with the unique challenges of shipping a vehicle through South Dakota.
- Strong ratings on platforms like BBB and positive chatter online signal a company that treats customers right.
Local Car Shippers In South Dakota
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
- Amerifreight Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship A Car Direct Review
FAQs About South Dakota Car Shipping
Should I drive my car or use a South Dakota car shipping company?
Shipping your car is a practical alternative to driving long distances in South Dakota. It helps you avoid the state's vast road network and changing weather. Plus, it saves you time and effort, which is important given South Dakota's varied auto market.
How can I ensure the best car shipping experience?
It's essential to do thorough research to avoid scams by choosing companies experienced with South Dakota's logistics. Also, check that insurance coverage meets local standards and follow vehicle preparation tips.
How do I choose the right car shipping method in South Dakota?
Think about your vehicle type, budget, and urgency. Enclosed shipping provides better protection against South Dakota's weather, but open shipping is cheaper.
What should I know about insurance coverage?
When hiring a South Dakota car shipping company, confirm they have insurance that covers damage or loss during transport. Ask about the amount of coverage and any exclusions. Ensure you understand their claims process in case of any issues.
How can I prepare my car for a cross-country shipment out of South Dakota?
To prepare your car for cross-country transport from South Dakota, start by giving it a thorough wash so it's clean. Take clear pictures of the car from all angles to document its current condition. Check that your insurance information is up-to-date and keep it handy. Schedule the transport with a registered and trustworthy moving company.
What are the signs of a reputable car shipping company in South Dakota?
Seek out positive reviews, valid licensing, and clear pricing. Choose a company experienced with South Dakota’s logistics and weather.
