Alabama to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,308 miles from Alabama to South Dakota falls between $1,079 and $1,474. Delivery typically takes three–eight days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota 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 South Dakota car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Alabama to South Dakota:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Alabama
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Alabama that can relocate your vehicle to South Dakota:
- 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 South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Alabama to South Dakota, 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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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,308 extra miles on your car to travel from Alabama to South Dakota. 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 South Dakota. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Alabama to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Alabama and South Dakota. Average distances are close to 1,308 miles, with delivery usually taking three–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to South Dakota
| From Alabama to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL to Sioux Falls, SD | $799 – $1,383 | 1,027 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Rapid City, SD | $1,038 – $1,567 | 1,369 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Aberdeen, SD | $929 – $1,541 | 1,225 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Brookings, SD | $807 – $1,370 | 1,079 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Watertown, SD | $905 – $1,375 | 1,126 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to South Dakota
| From Alabama to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL to Sioux Falls, SD | $879 – $1,390 | 1,144 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Rapid City, SD | $1,073 – $1,581 | 1,488 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Aberdeen, SD | $1,058 – $1,629 | 1,344 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Brookings, SD | $923 – $1,333 | 1,198 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Watertown, SD | $920 – $1,556 | 1,244 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to South Dakota
| From Alabama to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL to Sioux Falls, SD | $799 – $1,357 | 1,056 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Rapid City, SD | $1,038 – $1,474 | 1,399 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Aberdeen, SD | $939 – $1,556 | 1,255 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Brookings, SD | $888 – $1,333 | 1,109 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Watertown, SD | $914 – $1,375 | 1,156 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to South Dakota
| From Alabama to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL to Sioux Falls, SD | $929 – $1,437 | 1,200 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Rapid City, SD | $1,129 – $1,712 | 1,543 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Mobile, AL to Aberdeen, SD | $1,040 – $1,678 | 1,400 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Brookings, SD | $1,016 – $1,482 | 1,253 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Watertown, SD | $1,027 – $1,474 | 1,300 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tuscaloosa, AL to South Dakota
| From Alabama to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Sioux Falls, SD | $864 – $1,251 | 1,049 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Rapid City, SD | $1,058 – $1,490 | 1,392 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Aberdeen, SD | $978 – $1,437 | 1,249 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Brookings, SD | $923 – $1,460 | 1,102 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Watertown, SD | $861 – $1,460 | 1,149 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Alabama to South Dakota
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Alabama to South Dakota, the price usually falls between $1,349 and $1,843.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Alabama to South Dakota
When transporting your vehicle from the Heart of Dixie to the Mount Rushmore State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to South Dakota.
- Distance and route: The journey from Alabama to South Dakota spans about 1,308 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Alabama in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Alabama to South Dakota, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–eight days, while expedited service costs more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to South Dakota means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
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 South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Alabama and delivery in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Alabama to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Alabama to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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.
In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from Alabama to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Alabama to South Dakota is about 1,308 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Alabama to South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in Alabama, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Alabama, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Alabama to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Alabama and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Shipping a car from Alabama to South Dakota costs $1,079 to $1,474.
