Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,121 miles from Idaho to Alabama typically falls between $1,581 and $2,247. The process usually takes four–twelve days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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 Idaho to Alabama 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 Idaho to Alabama:
Auto Shipping Group is generally regarded for their exceptional customer service and communication, though some customers experienced issues with reliability and communication regarding delivery schedules. Overall, most reviews highlight satisfaction with the process, despite some negative experiences with follow-up interactions and delays in service.
Customers consistently praised the thorough assistance of the Logistics Coordinator and the professionalism and honesty of the drivers. However, experiences were marred by unexpected fees and unprofessional handling of customer inquiries, particularly regarding vehicle conditions and charges.
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 Idaho to Alabama
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Idaho to Alabama, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,121 miles on your car going from Idaho to Alabama. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Idaho to Alabama, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Idaho to Alabama auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Idaho and Alabama. The average travel distance is about 2,121 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from four to twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Idaho Falls, ID to Alabama
From Idaho to Alabama
Cost
Distance
Estimated transit time
Idaho Falls, ID to Huntsville, AL
$1,374 – $2,252
1,818 miles
3 – 11 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Montgomery, AL
$1,468 – $2,273
1,926 miles
3 – 11 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Birmingham, AL
$1,461 – $2,102
1,836 miles
3 – 11 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Mobile, AL
$1,512 – $2,162
1,990 miles
3 – 11 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Tuscaloosa, AL
$1,447 – $2,209
1,829 miles
3 – 11 days
Cost to ship a car from Caldwell, ID to Alabama
From Idaho to Alabama
Cost
Distance
Estimated transit time
Caldwell, ID to Huntsville, AL
$1,430 – $2,211
2,064 miles
4 – 12 days
Caldwell, ID to Montgomery, AL
$1,581 – $2,247
2,170 miles
4 – 12 days
Caldwell, ID to Birmingham, AL
$1,519 – $2,328
2,081 miles
4 – 12 days
Caldwell, ID to Mobile, AL
$1,455 – $2,372
2,236 miles
4 – 12 days
Caldwell, ID to Tuscaloosa, AL
$1,445 – $2,304
2,075 miles
4 – 12 days
Shipping an SUV or truck from Idaho to Alabama
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Idaho to Alabama, expect costs to range from $1,976 to $2,809.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Idaho to Alabama
When moving your vehicle from the Gem State to the Heart of Dixie, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
Type of transport:
Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type:
The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Alabama.
Distance and route:
The journey from Idaho to Alabama spans approximately 2,121 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
Time of the year:Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Idaho around these times usually come with higher costs.
Fuel prices:
Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Idaho and Alabama.
Delivery expectations:
Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes four–twelve days, while expedited service costs more.
Alabama vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Alabama 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:
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 inspection: 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: 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.
Additional taxes: In Alabama, a 2% state sales tax is levied on the purchase of vehicles, including off-road motorcycles and ATVs. With the addition of city and county vehicle sales taxes, the total sales tax owed will amount to between 3.375% and 4% of the vehicle's cost.
More than 2.0 million people call Idaho home.
Nicknamed the Gem State.
The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.
Transporting your vehicle to Alabama
About 5.1 million people are living in 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Idaho and delivery in Alabama?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in
Idaho and when dropping it off in Alabama.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Idaho to Alabama?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Idaho to Alabama, you aren't required to have typical car insurance.
Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Alabama,
which you should verify before loading your car in Idaho.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements.
Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Idaho to Alabama?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day.
The trip from Idaho to Alabama is about 2,121 miles,
and that’s as fast as about 5 days.
However, most car transport companies will take
four to twelve days
to travel from Idaho to Alabama.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
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 I have a driver’s license in Idaho, will I need one in Alabama?
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.
If I bought a car in Idaho, will I be required to pay sales tax in Alabama after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications
if you’re having a car shipped from Idaho to Alabama after purchasing it.
In Alabama, a 2% state sales tax is levied on the purchase of vehicles, including off-road motorcycles and ATVs. With the addition of city and county vehicle sales taxes, the total sales tax owed will amount to between 3.375% and 4% of the vehicle's cost.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Idaho and Alabama to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Idaho to Alabama?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Idaho to Alabama 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 Idaho to Alabama?
Shipping a car from Idaho to Alabama costs $1,581 to $2,247.