Portland, ME → Charleston, SC · Long-distance move
About 1,079 road miles heading southwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $4,750–$7,060, delivery in 3–7 days, 113 carriers on the Portland side and 180 in Charleston.
Charleston sits about 1,079 miles southwest of Portland, which makes this an interstate relocation from Maine to South Carolina that most movers classify as a long-distance move.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $4,750 to $7,060 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 3 to 7 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 19 h 18 min.
On the Portland side there are 113 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (63 of them authorized for interstate work), and 180 around Charleston (89 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Charleston.
Portland has a population of about 69,000 and Charleston about 159,423. Portland is considerably denser (3,176 people per square mile versus 1,309), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,900 | $2,320 | $2,820 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,850 | $3,470 | $4,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $4,750 | $5,790 | $7,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $7,590 | $9,260 | $11,300 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $10,440 | $12,730 | $15,540 |
$1,560–$2,200
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,980–$2,920
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$4,750–$7,060
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Portland, ME → Charleston, SC. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Earle W Noyes & Son
Legal name: Tmt Portland LLC
Legal name: Ats Intermodal LLC
Legal name: Aba Moving & Storage INC
Legal name: Premier Logistics LLC
Legal name: Go Smooth Move LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,900 to $2,820 for a studio, $2,850 to $4,240 for a one-bedroom, $4,750 to $7,060 for a two-bedroom, $7,590 to $11,300 for a three-bedroom and $10,440 to $15,540 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 1,079 road miles (915 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 19 h 18 min.
Expect a delivery window of 3 to 7 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Maine into South Carolina makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $1,560 to $2,200 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,980 to $2,920. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Portland–Charleston corridor.