($1,211) Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Albuquerque, NM
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,251 miles from Birmingham, Alabama, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, ranges from $1,211 to $1,871. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Birmingham to Albuquerque:
- 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
- Cheap Auto Trans: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- TNAC Logistics, Inc.: 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 NM
Getting your car from Birmingham to Albuquerque can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Birmingham to Albuquerque, 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 plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,251-mile trip from Birmingham to Albuquerque could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Alabama to New Mexico. 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 Albuquerque.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Albuquerque, 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 Albuquerque car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Birmingham to Albuquerque, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Birmingham to Albuquerque, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Albuquerque, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
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 Albuquerque 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 1,251 miles from Birmingham to Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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.
Albuquerque's climate is usually sunny and dry. Winter typically consists of cool days and cold nights, except following passage of the strongest cold fronts and arctic airmasses when daytime temperatures remain colder than average; overnight temperatures tend to fall below freezing between about 10 pm and 8 am in the city.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Birmingham to Albuquerque in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,251-mile trip from Birmingham to Albuquerque, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Birmingham to Albuquerque is three to eight days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Birmingham and Albuquerque 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.
- Albuquerque: For Renter/Tenant the following is required: Valid and current Government issued ID Card or Student ID Card Current Motor Vehicle Registration for all vehicles requiring a permit. If not the vehicle owner, please provide a hand written letter from the vehicle owner that is signed along with a copy of the owner's ID. Valid Lease or notarized letter from property owner verifying a tenant agreement Proof of residency - a current Utility Bill in your name - example: Cable, Cell phone, Electric, Gas, Internet, or a Paycheck Stub. Government correspondence or a Bank statement is also acceptable
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.
- Albuquerque: Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
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.
- Albuquerque: Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
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.
- Albuquerque: To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Albuquerque?
The cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Albuquerque, NM 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 Albuquerque will range from $1,211 to $1,871.
How long will it take to ship my car from Birmingham to Albuquerque?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,251 miles from Birmingham to Albuquerque. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Birmingham to Albuquerque?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Birmingham to Albuquerque. 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 Albuquerque?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Birmingham to Albuquerque 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 1,251-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
4555 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 US
417 Hj Young Rd, Woodbury, TN 37190 US
1101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US