($648) Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Lexington, KY
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 492 miles from Montgomery, Alabama, to Lexington, Kentucky, generally falls between $648 and $881. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lexington to Montgomery 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 Montgomery to Lexington car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Montgomery to Lexington:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: 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 Montgomery
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Montgomery, AL:
- SAKAEM Logistics LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Iff Inc: 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 KY
When you’re moving from Montgomery to Lexington, 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
On moves from Montgomery to Lexington, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 492-mile drive from Montgomery to Lexington into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Alabama to Kentucky. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Montgomery. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Lexington.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Lexington, 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 Montgomery to Lexington car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Montgomery to Lexington, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Montgomery to Lexington, 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 Lexington, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Montgomery depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Lexington will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 492 miles from Montgomery to Lexington is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Alabama.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Montgomery and Lexington can impact car shipping prices.
Montgomery ith short, mild winters, warm springs and autumns, and long, hot, humid summers. Severe storms also bring a risk of tornadoes.
Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Montgomery to Lexington during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 492-mile distance between Montgomery and Lexington 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 Montgomery to Lexington takes one to four days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Montgomery and Lexington vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Montgomery: 40Ft Moving Truck, One Day. City Cost $60 Please note this permit is only available in metered areas and we will need the meter numbers to get the permit.
- Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Car insurance requirements
- Montgomery: 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.
- Lexington: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
Vehicle inspections
- Montgomery: 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.
- Lexington: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
Driver’s license
- Montgomery: 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.
- Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Montgomery to Lexington?
The cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Lexington, KY 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 Montgomery to Lexington will range from $648 to $881.
How long will it take to ship my car from Montgomery to Lexington?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 492 miles from Montgomery to Lexington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Montgomery to Lexington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Montgomery to Lexington. 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 Montgomery to Lexington?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Montgomery to Lexington 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 492-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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