($1,245) Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Bakersfield, CA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,021 miles from Huntsville, Alabama, to Bakersfield, California, typically costs between $1,245 and $2,084. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Huntsville car shipping guide.
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
The best Huntsville to Bakersfield car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Huntsville to Bakersfield:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Huntsville
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Huntsville, AL:
- SAKAEM Logistics LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- SEC Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- TNAC Logistics, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from AL to CA
Getting your car from Huntsville to Bakersfield can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Huntsville to Bakersfield, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,021-mile journey from Huntsville to Bakersfield could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Alabama to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Huntsville. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Bakersfield.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Bakersfield is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Huntsville to Bakersfield car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Huntsville to Bakersfield, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Huntsville to Bakersfield, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Bakersfield, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Huntsville. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Bakersfield will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,021 miles from Huntsville to Bakersfield will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Alabama.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Huntsville and Bakersfield.
Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Huntsville to Bakersfield during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,021-mile trip from Huntsville to Bakersfield, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Huntsville to Bakersfield typically takes between four and twelve days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Huntsville and Bakersfield vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Huntsville: $0.50 per hour All parking meters are enforced Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meters are not enforced on City of Huntsville’s recognized holidays.
- Bakersfield: First two hours - no charge $1 per each additional hour $10 maximum daily fee On-street parking spaces are available throughout downtown Bakersfield on a first-come, first-served basis. Most spaces have posted time limits which are monitored and enforced by the Bakersfield Police Department. There is no fee for on-street public parking.
Car insurance requirements
- Huntsville: 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.
- Bakersfield: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
Vehicle inspections
- Huntsville: 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.
- Bakersfield: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Driver’s license
- Huntsville: 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.
- Bakersfield: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Huntsville to Bakersfield?
The cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Bakersfield, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Huntsville to Bakersfield will range from $1,245 to $2,084.
How long will it take to ship my car from Huntsville to Bakersfield?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,021 miles from Huntsville to Bakersfield. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Huntsville to Bakersfield?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Huntsville to Bakersfield. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Huntsville to Bakersfield?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Huntsville to Bakersfield than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 2,021-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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