($721) Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Winston-Salem, NC
Quick answer: Shipping a car 465 miles from Birmingham, Alabama, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, typically costs between $721 and $949. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Winston-Salem to Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Winston-Salem car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Birmingham to Winston-Salem:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers 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 NC
If you’re relocating from Birmingham to Winston-Salem, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Birmingham to Winston-Salem, 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
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 465-mile drive from Birmingham to Winston-Salem 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
Having a driver transport your car from Alabama to North Carolina is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Birmingham to Winston-Salem. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Winston-Salem. 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 Birmingham to Winston-Salem car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Birmingham to Winston-Salem can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Birmingham to Winston-Salem, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Birmingham tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Winston-Salem, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Birmingham 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 Winston-Salem will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 465 miles from Birmingham to Winston-Salem will cost more than a shorter move within Alabama.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Birmingham and Winston-Salem can impact car shipping prices.
Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
Climate in Winston-Salem is unlikely to affect your move but a freezing day in the winter could affect the conditions of the roads.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Birmingham to Winston-Salem during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 465-mile drive between Birmingham and Winston-Salem, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Birmingham to Winston-Salem usually takes one–four days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Birmingham and Winston-Salem 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.
- Winston-Salem: Although Winston-Salem doesn't require parking permits for your move, you may still get in touch with the city to ensure that you won't encounter any issues in the particular area of your new home. You should also check with building, HOA, or neighborhood codes that will ensure a smooth 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.
- Winston-Salem: 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 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.
- Winston-Salem: 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
- 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.
- Winston-Salem: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Winston-Salem?
The cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Winston-Salem, NC 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 Winston-Salem will range from $721 to $949.
How long will it take to ship my car from Birmingham to Winston-Salem?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 465 miles from Birmingham to Winston-Salem. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Birmingham to Winston-Salem?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Birmingham to Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Birmingham to Winston-Salem 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 465-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