($989) Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 715 miles from Birmingham, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, generally falls between $989 and $1,399. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor to Birmingham car shipping guide.

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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 Birmingham to Ann Arbor car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Birmingham to Ann Arbor:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Birmingham

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Birmingham, AL:

  1. US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  2. Cheap Auto Trans: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. TNAC Logistics, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars

US AutoLogistics

3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35203 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 235-7002

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping

Additional Information

Cheap Auto Trans

4555 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers highlight excellent service and communication from specific agents like Anna Smith, Lisa Webb, and Wayne Martin, noting timely deliveries, transparency in pricing, and professionalism. However, several reviews report issues such as bait-and-switch tactics, frequent price increases, loss of deposits, and unresponsive customer service, creating a stark contrast in experiences with this auto transport company.

Get a Quote (770) 881-7185

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • cheapautotrans Inc

TNAC Logistics, Inc.

417 Hj Young Rd, Woodbury, TN 37190 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise TNAC Logistics for their excellent customer service, timely deliveries, and overall professionalism. The staff, particularly Melissa, is noted for their assistance and effective communication, making the shipping experience seamless. However, there are no negative aspects reported in these reviews.

Get a Quote (615) 560-1122

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Global Auto Transportation

1101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

The company generally provides responsive service with competitive pricing and timely vehicle deliveries, though some customers experienced issues with customer service and communication during the process.

Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Vehicle Transport Services

2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Vehicle Transport Services Birmingham has garnered positive feedback for their excellent shipping service and overall customer satisfaction. However, there are notable concerns about their customer support being unhelpful and lacking adequate time to address customer inquiries regarding future shipments.

Get a Quote (205) 623-3232

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

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 MI

Relocating from Birmingham to Ann Arbor means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Birmingham to Ann Arbor, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 715 miles from Birmingham to Ann Arbor 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 Michigan. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Birmingham. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Ann Arbor.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Birmingham to Ann Arbor, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

There are a few ways to ship your car from Birmingham to Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor, our comparison guide can help.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Birmingham will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Ann Arbor 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 715 miles from Birmingham to Ann Arbor 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

The time of year and weather conditions in Birmingham and Ann Arbor 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.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Birmingham to Ann Arbor in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 715 miles between Birmingham and Ann Arbor, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Birmingham to Ann Arbor is one to six days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing Birmingham and Ann Arbor 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.
  • Ann Arbor: The Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program allows vehicles owned by residents to park in a RPP neighborhood for the posted time limit without being ticketed. If your neighborhood is participating in a RPP Program, you will need to acquire and display a RPP decal for every vehicle that will park on neighborhood streets during the specified enforcement period. Check with the City of Ann Arbor for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Ann Arbor.

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.
  • Ann Arbor: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.

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.
  • Ann Arbor: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

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.
  • Ann Arbor: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Ann Arbor?

The cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Ann Arbor, MI 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 Ann Arbor will range from $989 to $1,399.

How long will it take to ship my car from Birmingham to Ann Arbor?

It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 715 miles from Birmingham to Ann Arbor. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Birmingham to Ann Arbor?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Birmingham to Ann Arbor. 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 Ann Arbor?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Birmingham to Ann Arbor 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 715-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.

Helpful Birmingham resources