($951) Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 813 miles from Birmingham, Alabama, to Madison, Wisconsin, will run you about $951 to $1,329. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison 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 Madison car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Birmingham to Madison:
- 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 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
- 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
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
Auto Driveaway
3485 N Desert Dr # 2110, Atlanta, GA 30344 US
autodriveaway.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers reported significant dissatisfaction with the condition and handling of their vehicles during transport, citing issues with cleanliness and unintended damage, while noting the importance of communication regarding route and timing.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Cheap Auto Trans
4555 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 US
cheapautotrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers highlight excellent service and communication from specific agents like Anna Smith, Lisa Webb, and Wayne Martin, noting timely deliveries, transparency in pricing, and professionalism. However, several reviews report issues such as bait-and-switch tactics, frequent price increases, loss of deposits, and unresponsive customer service, creating a stark contrast in experiences with this auto transport company.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3648529
Alternative Business Names
- cheapautotrans Inc
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.
Car shipping alternatives from AL to WI
When you’re moving from Birmingham to Madison, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Birmingham to Madison, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 813-mile trip from Birmingham to Madison 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
Having a driver transport your car from Alabama to Wisconsin 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 Madison. 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 Madison. 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 Madison car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Birmingham to Madison can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Birmingham to Madison, 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 Madison, visit our 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 Madison will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 813 miles from Birmingham to Madison will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Alabama.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Birmingham and Madison can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Birmingham to Madison during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 813-mile distance between Birmingham and Madison and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
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 Madison usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Birmingham and Madison 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.
- Madison: The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
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.
- Madison: Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
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.
- Madison: Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
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.
- Madison: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Madison?
The cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI 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 Madison will range from $951 to $1,329.
How long will it take to ship my car from Birmingham to Madison?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 813 miles from Birmingham to Madison. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Birmingham to Madison?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Birmingham to Madison. 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 Madison?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Birmingham to Madison 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 813-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.
