($1,357) Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Bakersfield, CA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,357 to $1,976 to ship your car 2,021 miles from Huntsville, Alabama, to Bakersfield, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use 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
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 cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Huntsville
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Huntsville, AL:
- 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
- Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Car shipping alternatives from AL to CA
If you’re planning a move from Huntsville to Bakersfield, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Huntsville to Bakersfield, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,021 miles from Huntsville to Bakersfield can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
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
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Bakersfield. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Huntsville to Bakersfield car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Huntsville to Bakersfield, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Huntsville to Bakersfield, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Huntsville are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Bakersfield? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Huntsville has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Bakersfield will cost more than moving a smaller car.
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
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Huntsville and Bakersfield often affect the cost of auto transport.
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.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Huntsville to Bakersfield in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,021-mile distance between Huntsville and Bakersfield and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Huntsville to Bakersfield takes four to twelve days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added 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 $1,357 to $1,976.
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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