($406) Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Atlanta, GA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 146 miles from Birmingham, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia, generally falls between $406 and $556. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Atlanta to Birmingham car shipping guide.
The best Birmingham to Atlanta car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Birmingham to Atlanta:
- 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 Birmingham
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Birmingham, AL:
- US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Cheap Auto Trans: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 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 GA
When you’re moving from Birmingham to Atlanta, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Birmingham to Atlanta, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 146 miles from Birmingham to Atlanta might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Alabama to Georgia, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Birmingham to Atlanta safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Atlanta, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Birmingham to Atlanta car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Birmingham to Atlanta, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Birmingham to Atlanta, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Atlanta, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Birmingham. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Atlanta will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 146 miles from Birmingham to Atlanta will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Alabama.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Birmingham and Atlanta play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Birmingham to Atlanta in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 146-mile drive between Birmingham and Atlanta, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Birmingham to Atlanta takes between one and four days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Birmingham and Atlanta vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Birmingham: Current parking rates, which range from $1 an hour (for 2-hour or less meters) to $0.50 an hour (for 10-hour meters), will not change as part of ordinance modification.
- Atlanta: Although you don't need a specific permit for your move in Atlanta, you may need to apply for a parking permit if you'll need to occupy public space for your move day.
Car insurance requirements
- Birmingham: 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.
- Atlanta: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.
Vehicle inspections
- Birmingham: 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.
- Atlanta: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.
Driver’s license
- Birmingham: 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.
- Atlanta: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Atlanta?
The cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Atlanta, GA 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 Birmingham to Atlanta will range from $406 to $556.
How long will it take to ship my car from Birmingham to Atlanta?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 146 miles from Birmingham to Atlanta. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Birmingham to Atlanta?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Birmingham to Atlanta. 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 Birmingham to Atlanta?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Birmingham to Atlanta 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 146-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.
3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
3485 N Desert Dr # 2110, Atlanta, GA 30344 US
4555 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 US
1101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US