($1,266) Cost to ship a car from Lancaster, CA to Birmingham, AL

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,011 miles from Lancaster, California, to Birmingham, Alabama, generally falls between $1,266 and $2,166. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham to Lancaster car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Lancaster to Birmingham car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Lancaster to Birmingham:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Lancaster

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Lancaster, CA:

  1. Jp Logistics & Motorsports: 3.94 out of 5 stars
  2. King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  3. A-Z Affordable Transport: 3.64 out of 5 stars

Jp Logistics & Motorsports

11582 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352 US

starstarstarstarstar3.94 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise JP Logistics for their excellent communication and reliable service. While there are no significant complaints, some note that pricing is slightly higher, which is justified by the quality of service received.

Get a Quote (818) 381-8313

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • JP Logistics

King Of The Road Transport Inc

7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 955-0644

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • Student
  • Teacher

Additional Information

A-Z Affordable Transport

4000 Goodwin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 262-0008

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • A A A A A Affordable Transport
  • AZ Affordable Transport

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 CA to AL

If you’re planning a move from Lancaster to Birmingham, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from Lancaster to Birmingham, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.

Drive your car

There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,011-mile journey from Lancaster to Birmingham could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.

Use a driving service

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from California to Alabama is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Lancaster to Birmingham. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Birmingham—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Lancaster to Birmingham car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Lancaster to Birmingham, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

There are a few ways to ship your car from Lancaster to Birmingham, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.

Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Birmingham, our comparison guide can help.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Lancaster 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 Birmingham will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 2,011 miles from Lancaster to Birmingham is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within California.

Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Lancaster and Birmingham often affect the cost of auto transport.

If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.

Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Lancaster to Birmingham in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,011 miles between Lancaster and Birmingham, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Lancaster to Birmingham typically takes between four and twelve days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Lancaster and Birmingham vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Lancaster: Check with the City of Lancaster for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lancaster.
  • 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.

Car insurance requirements

  • Lancaster: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
  • 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Lancaster: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
  • 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.

Driver’s license

  • Lancaster: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Lancaster to Birmingham?

The cost to ship a car from Lancaster, CA to Birmingham, AL 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 Lancaster to Birmingham will range from $1,266 to $2,166.

How long will it take to ship my car from Lancaster to Birmingham?

It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,011 miles from Lancaster to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lancaster to Birmingham?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lancaster to Birmingham. 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 Lancaster to Birmingham?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lancaster to Birmingham 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 2,011-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.

Helpful Lancaster resources