Alabama to Pennsylvania Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 988 miles from Alabama to Pennsylvania usually costs between $802 and $1,334. Transit time is about two–seven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Alabama to Pennsylvania:
- 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 Alabama
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Alabama that can transport your vehicle to Pennsylvania:
- 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
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 Pennsylvania
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Alabama to Pennsylvania, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 988 extra miles on your car to travel from Alabama to Pennsylvania. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Alabama to Pennsylvania. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Alabama to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. The average travel distance is about 988 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Pennsylvania
| From Alabama to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL to Philadelphia, PA | $797 – $1,266 | 836 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Pittsburgh, PA | $737 – $1,092 | 669 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Erie, PA | $786 – $1,129 | 726 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Allentown, PA | $863 – $1,291 | 829 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Reading, PA | $792 – $1,260 | 811 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Pennsylvania
| From Alabama to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL to Philadelphia, PA | $863 – $1,223 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Pittsburgh, PA | $797 – $1,266 | 839 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Erie, PA | $845 – $1,261 | 895 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Allentown, PA | $846 – $1,337 | 959 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Reading, PA | $871 – $1,313 | 941 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Pennsylvania
| From Alabama to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA | $787 – $1,311 | 881 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Pittsburgh, PA | $835 – $1,185 | 750 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Erie, PA | $849 – $1,260 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Allentown, PA | $809 – $1,233 | 874 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Reading, PA | $793 – $1,221 | 856 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Pennsylvania
| From Alabama to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL to Philadelphia, PA | $914 – $1,474 | 1,104 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Pittsburgh, PA | $790 – $1,278 | 1,005 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Erie, PA | $840 – $1,251 | 1,062 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Allentown, PA | $888 – $1,347 | 1,126 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Reading, PA | $896 – $1,474 | 1,108 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tuscaloosa, AL to Pennsylvania
| From Alabama to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Philadelphia, PA | $855 – $1,261 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Pittsburgh, PA | $784 – $1,272 | 806 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Erie, PA | $850 – $1,295 | 863 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Allentown, PA | $863 – $1,325 | 932 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Reading, PA | $838 – $1,287 | 914 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Alabama to Pennsylvania
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Alabama to Pennsylvania usually runs between $1,003 and $1,668.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Alabama to Pennsylvania
Transporting your vehicle from the Heart of Dixie to the Keystone State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed 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 Pennsylvania.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Alabama to Pennsylvania involves roughly 988 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Alabama around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Alabama to Pennsylvania, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–seven days, but expedited options cost more.
Pennsylvania vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Pennsylvania, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Driver’s license: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- Additional taxes: New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
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 Pennsylvania
About 13.0 million people are living in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Alabama and delivery in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Alabama to Pennsylvania?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Alabama to Pennsylvania, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Pennsylvania, 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.
When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
How long does it take to ship a car from Alabama to Pennsylvania?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Alabama to Pennsylvania is about 988 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Alabama to Pennsylvania.
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.
If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
If I have a driver’s license in Alabama, will I need one in Pennsylvania?
When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
If I bought a car in Alabama, will I be required to pay sales tax in Pennsylvania after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Alabama to Pennsylvania after purchasing it.
New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Alabama and Pennsylvania to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Pennsylvania?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Shipping a car from Alabama to Pennsylvania costs $802 to $1,334.
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