8 Best Car Shipping Companies in Alabama (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: We picked Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Alabama after weighing price, services, and customer reviews. They scored 4.7 out of 5 stars from our team. Several factors affect pricing, but on average, you can expect to pay between $622 and $1,323 to ship your car from Alabama.
Alabama Car Shipping Facts
- 100% of Alabama auto shipping companies rely on open transport — the most widely used and cost-efficient option.
- Meanwhile, 66% of car transporters in Alabama provide enclosed shipping for extra security.
- Nationwide, only 28% of carriers guarantee delivery dates. For dependable scheduling, consider Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Alabama
With over 400 hours invested in gathering and assessing details on 613 car shipping providers nationwide — including 3 in Alabama — our team ensures the information we share is reliable and unbiased. The result is clear guidance on the best car shipping companies in your area.
Planning to ship your car from Huntsville or anywhere else in Alabama? Check out our top choices for reliable auto shippers below:
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 is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- 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
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 top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
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
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
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
- 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
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
US AutoLogistics
3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL, 35203
http://www.usal.com
US AutoLogistics (DOT: 357779) is an active car shipping company known for its Google rating of 4.7. While the business does not have established ratings on Yelp or the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it offers fully insured, interstate car transport services with options for open transport to accommodate a variety of customer needs.
A particular downside for some customers may be the lack of inoperable car transport services, which restricts support for vehicles that don't run. Additionally, US AutoLogistics does not provide certain special transport services like boat, RV, or motorcycle shipping, but their commitment to security is evident with the requirement of full insurance for all shipments.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Global Auto Transportation
1101 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL, 35203
http://www.globalautotransportation.com
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) provides a variety of services, including boat, classic car, and motorcycle shipping, as well as interstate transport with expedited delivery options. They ensure secure transport with full insurance coverage and offer both open and enclosed transport services to accommodate different vehicle needs.
Unfortunately, the company does not offer transport services for inoperable cars, which may be a drawback for some customers. Global Auto Transportation currently boasts a Google rating of 3.8 but has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, which could be essential for potential customer reviews.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Vehicle Transport Services
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL, 35242
https://vehicletransportservices.co
Vehicle Transport Services (DOT: 2249744) offers a variety of shipping solutions including international and interstate transport, ensuring that they meet the needs of both local and long-distance moves. The company is fully insured and provides options like enclosed transport, motorcycle shipping, and expedited delivery services. However, they do not guarantee damage-free shipping or offer inoperable car transport, which may be a consideration for some customers.
While the company does provide terminal-to-terminal delivery services and accepts payment by credit card, they are yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, carrying only a Google rating of 3.7.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Average cost of transporting a car out of AL
Shipping a car out of Alabama typically runs between $622 and $1,323. But keep in mind, prices can vary depending on how far you're going and which transport method you use.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $515 and $804
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $853 and $1,075
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,175 and $1,279
For example:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama to Georgia | $528 | $712 |
| Alabama to Illinois | $993 | $1,427 |
| Alabama to Michigan | $1,048 | $1,594 |
| Alabama to Texas | $1,048 | $1,493 |
| Alabama to New York | $980 | $1,647 |
| North Carolina to Alabama | $842 | $1,249 |
| Florida to Alabama | $840 | $1,196 |
| California to Alabama | $1,633 | $2,464 |
| Ohio to Alabama | $942 | $1,358 |
| Arizona to Alabama | $1,413 | $2,039 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Alabama:
- Distance matters: Shipping a car locally in Alabama or to a nearby state is usually easier on your wallet than a cross-country haul.
- Where are you shipping from and to? Rates can change depending on your starting point and destination. Moves from busy hubs like Huntsville may come with better prices, while heading to or from more remote parts of Alabama can bump up the cost.
- Type of vehicle: Shipping a smaller car is generally cheaper, but if you're moving a classic or luxury vehicle from Alabama, expect a higher price because of extra handling and protection.
- Shipping options in the Heart of Dixie: From budget-friendly open transport to fully enclosed trailers, you've got choices. Open carriers save money, but enclosed options are great for keeping your ride safe from Alabama's unpredictable weather, though they cost a bit more.
- Gas prices: Fluctuating fuel costs can affect your overall cost. Alabama's current gas prices might sway your shipping costs, especially for longer distances.
- How fast you need it: Rush jobs and guaranteed delivery dates generally come with a higher price tag.
- Deals and discounts: Plenty of Alabama auto shippers offer savings for students, military, and multi-car moves. Check out our comprehensive guide on car shipping discounts to make the most of possible deals.
Want a precise quote? Try our car shipping calculator. For more info, explore the most common Alabama shipping routes.
How to ship a car from Alabama
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Alabama.
- Estimate your shipping cost — Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Alabama typically costs $622–$1,323, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- Choose open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris — especially relevant given Alabama's weather patterns.
- Verify MC/DOT licensing — Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes — Compare at least three of the 3 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Alabama. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
- Book an off-peak ship date — Book early and avoid peak summer windows when you can. In Alabama, in-state car shipping usually takes 1–3 days, while longer interstate routes often require 7–14 days.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Alabama?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Alabama, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Alabama?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Alabama will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn't always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in Alabama, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Alabama?
When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
Do Alabama car shippers offer discounts?
In Alabama, no companies offer discounts for police and law enforcement. No companies provide deals for military members. No auto transport companies provide student savings. No car shipping companies offer rebates for AAA membership.
Does Alabama require a vehicle inspection?
In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
Does weather in Alabama impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Alabama. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to Alabama.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Alabama?
Shipping a car across Alabama involves delivery times that vary based on the distance and route. For local, in-state shipments, the delivery window is usually between one to three days. However, for cross-country travels, the shipment could take about seven to 14 days to complete.
Factors like traffic, weather conditions in Alabama, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular needs.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in Alabama?
Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
