($430) Cost to ship a car from Columbus, GA to Huntsville, AL
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $430 to $617 to ship your car 270 miles from Columbus, Georgia, to Huntsville, Alabama. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Huntsville to Columbus 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
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The best Columbus to Huntsville car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Columbus to Huntsville:
- 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 Columbus
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Columbus, GA:
- Bennett Secured Transport Llc: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Exclusive Auto Shipping: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Bennett Motor Express Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Cheap Auto Trans: 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 GA to AL
If you’re relocating from Columbus to Huntsville, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Columbus to Huntsville, 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 plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 270-mile trip from Columbus to Huntsville 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 Georgia to Alabama. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Columbus. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Huntsville.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Huntsville, 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 Columbus to Huntsville car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Columbus to Huntsville, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Columbus to Huntsville, 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 Huntsville, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Columbus. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Huntsville will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 270 miles from Columbus to Huntsville will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Georgia.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Columbus and Huntsville can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Columbus to Huntsville during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 270-mile drive between Columbus and Huntsville, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Columbus to Huntsville is one to four days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Columbus and Huntsville vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Columbus: There is some free street parking in Columbus. Some street cost between $1-$2 an hour.
- Huntsville: $0.50 per hour All parking meters are enforced Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meters are not enforced on City of Huntsville’s recognized holidays.
Car insurance requirements
- Columbus: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.
- Huntsville: 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
- Columbus: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.
- Huntsville: 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
- Columbus: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.
- Huntsville: 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 Columbus to Huntsville?
The cost to ship a car from Columbus, GA to Huntsville, 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 Columbus to Huntsville will range from $430 to $617.
How long will it take to ship my car from Columbus to Huntsville?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 270 miles from Columbus to Huntsville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Columbus to Huntsville?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Columbus to Huntsville. 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 Columbus to Huntsville?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Columbus to Huntsville 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 270-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.
1001 Industrial Pkwy, Mcdonough, GA 30253 US
1001 Industrial Pkwy, Mcdonough, GA 30253 US
4555 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 US