Best Car Shipping Companies in Rapid City, SD (2025 Guide)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick for car shipping in Rapid City, thanks to its great service, fair pricing, and satisfied customers. Depending on factors like how far you're shipping and the type of carrier you choose, the typical cost from Rapid City ranges from $858 - $1,234.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV

The Best Car Shipping Companies in Rapid City

Companies with a national footprint typically deliver more flexible services, faster scheduling, and lower costs. Here's our roundup of the most trusted names in car shipping for Rapid City.

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

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5.0

After 18 years in business and over one million 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.

Get A Quote (224) 206-5633

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, military, USAA, and AARP members
  • Ships classic cars and motorcycles

Cons

  • Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week

Services Offered

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

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

Other Auto Transport Options in Rapid City

While these Rapid City auto transport companies meet our standards, they may not provide the same breadth of services or availability as the top choices featured earlier.

Auto Transport by Stopwatch

3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD, 57702
3.78 / 5.0

Auto Transport by Stopwatch (DOT: 2965797) is an active car shipping company that offers a variety of transport services, including the transport of classic cars, electric vehicles, and inoperable cars. They also provide options for both open and enclosed transport. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google but holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

While they offer these notable services, potential customers should be aware that Auto Transport by Stopwatch does not provide a damage-free guarantee, nor do they offer international shipping or storage solutions, which might be a consideration for some customers. They do, however, ensure some flexibility in payment options as they accept payments by credit card but not by cryptocurrency or money order.

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

Secured Transport International, LLC.

109 E 17th St, Cheyenne, WY, 82001
3.72 / 5.0

Secured Transport International, LLC. (DOT: 1684832) is a car shipping company offering comprehensive transportation solutions for classic cars and inoperable vehicles. Their services include both open and enclosed transport, ensuring clients have various options for the protection of their vehicles during transit. However, they do not provide a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers.

While they excel with detailed inspection reports and shipment tracking, Secured Transport International, LLC. has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. They hold a BBB rating of A+, indicating a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. As they do not offer international shipping or accept cryptocurrency, some clients may find their payment and service options limited. Nonetheless, their lack of a required deposit can be seen as a convenience for potential clients.

Get a Quote (888) 502-4285

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Open Transport
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Classic Car Shipping
  • Detailed Inspection Reports

Yada Enterprises Inc

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

Yada Enterprises Inc (DOT: 1255110) is a car shipping company with a modest presence in the industry, evidenced by its Yelp rating of 2.6 and Google rating of 3.1. While they do not have a formal rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company remains active and offers a range of services to meet specific customer needs.

Yada Enterprises Inc specializes in transporting classic and electric vehicles and provides both open and enclosed transport options. Despite being fully insured, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may concern some customers seeking maximum protection for their vehicles.

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

O T Logistics

1712 Pioneer Ave Suite 1928, Cheyenne, WY, 82001
3.64 / 5.0

O T Logistics (DOT: 2231482) specializes in a range of car shipping services, including classic car shipping, open and enclosed transport, as well as trailer shipping. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, which may be a consideration for potential customers seeking reviews and feedback.

While they offer detailed inspection reports and shipment tracking, ensuring transparency and visibility during the shipping process, they do not provide services for cars that don't run, which might be a challenge for some clients with such needs. Additionally, O T Logistics requires a deposit and does not accept cryptocurrency or offer significant discounts such as those for military personnel or seniors.

Get a Quote (831) 233-3379

Services Offered

  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Open Transport
  • Deposit Required
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Interstate
  • Classic Car Shipping
  • Detailed Inspection Reports

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV

Rapid City Car Shipping Costs

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 New York 1360 1768
From South Dakota to Michigan 1046 1360
From South Dakota to Texas 1041 1353
From South Dakota to Georgia 1330 1729
From South Dakota to Illinois 909 1182
From Arizona to South Dakota 1239 1611
From California to South Dakota 1429 1858
From Ohio to South Dakota 1067 1387
From Florida to South Dakota 1550 2015
From North Carolina to South Dakota 1387 1803

Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of shipping a car from Rapid City, including distance, vehicle specifications, transport type, seasonality, and additional services.

Before you decide, it's a good idea to get multiple quotes from car shipping companies in Rapid City to compare your options.

Distance and Location

Shipping costs from Rapid City are heavily influenced by travel distance and the ease of access at both the pickup and delivery points. Remote destinations may result in additional charges.

Vehicle Type and Condition

If your vehicle is large or can't be driven, expect to pay more for transport from Rapid City — size and condition both affect the price.

Transport Type

If you're transporting a car from Rapid City, South Dakota, you'll usually choose between open transport and enclosed transport — the two primary shipping methods available.

  • Open transport is the most common method of shipping your car out of Rapid City. In this case, your vehicle is loaded onto a multi-car carrier along with other cars. This method is typically less expensive because costs are shared among multiple Rapid City customers, and it's efficient for the transporter as well. However, the cars are exposed to South Dakota's outdoor elements, such as weather conditions and potential road debris.
  • Enclosed transport offers added protection by placing your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from South Dakota's weather, road debris, and unwanted attention. Your car stays protected from the moment it leaves Rapid City until it arrives. This method is ideal for luxury, vintage, or collectible vehicles. Due to the limited capacity and extra care involved, enclosed shipping usually comes at a higher price.

Seasonality

Weather and seasonal changes in Rapid City, South Dakota, can affect car shipping costs due to potential weather-related delays or road conditions like snow in winter, which may increase transportation challenges and costs. Additionally, demand for car shipping may fluctuate with seasonal moves, impacting prices.

Additional Services

Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping usually increase the cost of shipping a car from Rapid City. Convenience and faster delivery mean higher prices compared to standard options.

How We Chose the Best Rapid City Auto Transport Companies

Our evaluation of the best car shipping providers in Rapid City is based on a comprehensive review of five essential criteria: licensing, customer feedback, service offerings, pricing, and digital reputation.

  • Licensing ensures full compliance with regulatory standards across Rapid City, South Dakota, and federal jurisdictions, instilling trust and accountability.
  • Customer satisfaction is gauged through aggregated reviews and ratings from those who have used these services in Rapid City.
  • A wide service range — including open and enclosed transport options — supports diverse shipping requirements, from standard autos to specialized vehicles.
  • Pricing is reviewed for competitiveness, clarity, and alignment with market expectations in Rapid City.
  • A strong online reputation, as reflected on trusted platforms like BBB and social media, signals credibility and a history of quality service.

FAQs About Rapid City Car Shipping

How long does it take to ship a car from Rapid City?

Time frames vary widely depending on how far your car is going and the shipping method used. Within South Dakota, delivery might take a day, but nationwide transport can stretch to two weeks.

What's the average cost to ship a car from Rapid City?

Costs depend on the transport type, vehicle size, and distance away from Rapid City. Expect variations, and it's best to get quotes from multiple companies for accurate pricing.

Do Rapid City auto transport companies insure my car during transport?

Yes, most reliable companies include insurance during transport, but coverage terms differ. Always check with your carrier for exact details before shipping from Rapid City.

Can I ship a non-operational vehicle from Rapid City?

Yes, many companies in Rapid City do ship non-running vehicles — just keep in mind it usually costs more because of the special equipment required.

Which car shipping companies are the best for cross-country transport out of Rapid City?

If you're shipping your car from Rapid City and to a state other than South Dakota, we recommend using SGT Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, Montway, Sherpa Auto Transport, or AmeriFrieght.

How do I prepare my car for shipping out of Rapid City?

Getting ready to ship from Rapid City? Empty your car, keep the fuel tank at 1/4 full, and snap a few photos to record its condition.

Mike Marshall
With over seven years at FreightWaves, a leading supply chain media and news organization, Mike has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s reach by launching its dedicated affiliate website. His work has helped shape FreightWaves’ position as a go-to resource for logistics, freight, and supply chain professionals. Before joining FreightWaves, Mike built a strong foundation in the financial media sector. There, he developed and implemented affiliate strategies tailored for brokerages and trading platforms, driving growth and revenue through innovative marketing partnerships. Mike’s unique blend of experience across media, finance, and affiliate marketing enables him to provide sharp insights into market trends, performance strategies, and the evolving landscape of digital media partnerships. His writing is trusted by industry professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.