8 Best Car Shipping Companies in Alabama (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: We picked Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Alabama for its strong balance of price, service quality, and customer reviews. Our team gave them 4.7 out of 5 stars. Cost depends mainly on distance and transport type, but you'll pay between $645 and $1,367 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, though no Alabama shippers offer that guarantee. 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
Our team has spent more than 400 hours assessing 612 car shipping providers nationwide, including 3 in Alabama. We verify every detail so the information we share stays reliable and unbiased, giving you 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:
Average cost of transporting a car out of AL
Shipping a car out of Alabama runs between $645 and $1,367. 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): $530 - $841
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $849 - $1,189
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,171 - $1,283
For example:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama to Texas | $883 | $1,390 |
| Alabama to Georgia | $522 | $684 |
| Alabama to Michigan | $948 | $1,397 |
| Alabama to Ohio | $842 | $1,239 |
| Alabama to Florida | $783 | $1,071 |
| Arizona to Alabama | $1,329 | $1,918 |
| California to Alabama | $1,581 | $2,271 |
| Illinois to Alabama | $853 | $1,251 |
| North Carolina to Alabama | $784 | $1,107 |
| New York to Alabama | $903 | $1,445 |
What affects car shipping costs from Alabama
- Your move distance: Shipping within Alabama or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
- Location: Shipping from a rural part of Alabama often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Huntsville or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
- Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Alabama cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 66% of Alabama shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Shipping options in the Heart of Dixie: 100% of Alabama auto transporters offer open transport, and 66% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Alabama's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
- Gas prices: Fuel costs in Alabama factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.65 per gallon right now.
- Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
- Discounts: In Alabama, 3 companies offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Alabama car 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 $645 - $1,367, 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. This is 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 range of services, pricing accuracy, and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
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.
Do Alabama car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or other specialty vehicles?
Yes, plenty of Alabama shippers handle specialty vehicles. 66% ship motorcycles. 33% ship RVs. 33% ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when requesting quotes.
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.
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.
3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL, 35203
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL, 35242
1101 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL, 35203