Alabama to North Carolina Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 585 miles from Alabama to North Carolina ranges from $662 to $1,002. Expect the trip to take around one–six days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Carolina to Alabama 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 Alabama to North Carolina car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Alabama to North Carolina:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Alabama
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Alabama ready to move your vehicle to North Carolina:
- US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
US AutoLogistics
3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
usal.com
3.52 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 357779
Global Auto Transportation
1101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
globalautotransportation.com/birmingham-auto-transport
3.5 / 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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Vehicle Transport Services
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US
vehicletransportservices.co/birmingham-alabama-companies
3.5 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2249744
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Alabama to North Carolina
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Alabama to North Carolina, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 585 miles to your car on the trip from Alabama to North Carolina. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Alabama to North Carolina for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Alabama to North Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Alabama and North Carolina. The average travel distance is about 585 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to six days.
Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to North Carolina
| From Alabama to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL to Charlotte, NC | $584 – $792 | 412 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Raleigh, NC | $682 – $963 | 581 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Greensboro, NC | $654 – $899 | 507 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Durham, NC | $639 – $962 | 559 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Winston-Salem, NC | $595 – $834 | 481 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to North Carolina
| From Alabama to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL to Charlotte, NC | $584 – $760 | 407 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Raleigh, NC | $645 – $934 | 566 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Greensboro, NC | $601 – $851 | 492 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Durham, NC | $628 – $859 | 544 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Winston-Salem, NC | $632 – $851 | 479 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to North Carolina
| From Alabama to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL to Charlotte, NC | $594 – $735 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Raleigh, NC | $645 – $897 | 552 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Greensboro, NC | $657 – $842 | 478 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Durham, NC | $635 – $877 | 529 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Winston-Salem, NC | $645 – $826 | 465 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to North Carolina
| From Alabama to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL to Charlotte, NC | $659 – $944 | 572 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mobile, AL to Raleigh, NC | $727 – $1,055 | 732 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mobile, AL to Greensboro, NC | $703 – $1,011 | 659 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mobile, AL to Durham, NC | $748 – $1,078 | 710 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mobile, AL to Winston-Salem, NC | $719 – $1,058 | 645 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tuscaloosa, AL to North Carolina
| From Alabama to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Charlotte, NC | $595 – $848 | 448 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Raleigh, NC | $691 – $981 | 607 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Greensboro, NC | $628 – $913 | 534 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Durham, NC | $669 – $1,002 | 585 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Winston-Salem, NC | $622 – $873 | 520 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Alabama to North Carolina
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Alabama to North Carolina, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $828–$1,253.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Alabama to North Carolina
If you’re shipping a car from the Heart of Dixie to the Tar Heel State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Alabama to North Carolina.
- Distance and route: The trip from Alabama to North Carolina covers roughly 585 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Alabama in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Alabama and North Carolina and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Alabama to North Carolina takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
North Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in North Carolina, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
- Vehicle inspection: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
- Driver’s license: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Alabama
More than 5.1 million people call Alabama home. Nicknamed the Heart of Dixie. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to Alabama.
Transporting your vehicle to North Carolina
About 10.8 million people are living in the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Alabama and delivery in North Carolina?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Alabama and when dropping it off in North Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Alabama to North Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Alabama to North Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Carolina, which you should verify before loading your car in Alabama.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
How long does it take to ship a car from Alabama to North Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Alabama to North Carolina is about 585 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Alabama to North Carolina.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
If I have a driver’s license in Alabama, will I need one in North Carolina?
New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Alabama, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Carolina after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Alabama to North Carolina after purchasing it.
If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Alabama and North Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to North Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to North Carolina is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Alabama to North Carolina?
Shipping a car from Alabama to North Carolina costs $662 to $1,002.
