Michigan to Alabama Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 932 miles from Michigan to Alabama typically falls between $797 and $1,235. The process usually takes two–seven days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Alabama to Michigan 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 Michigan to Alabama car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Michigan to Alabama:
- 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 Michigan
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Michigan that can transport your vehicle to Alabama:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-michigan/detroit
3.8 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- 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
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 681284
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
jackcooper.com
3.72 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
greatlakeslogistics.net
3.64 / 5.0
Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2951078
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 Michigan to Alabama
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Michigan 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.
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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 932 extra miles on your car to travel from Michigan to Alabama. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Michigan to Alabama. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Michigan to Alabama auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Michigan and Alabama. Average distances are close to 932 miles, with delivery usually taking two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Alabama
| From Michigan to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Huntsville, AL | $709 – $1,023 | 648 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL | $841 – $1,175 | 815 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Detroit, MI to Birmingham, AL | $778 – $1,209 | 725 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Mobile, AL | $785 – $1,334 | 982 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Detroit, MI to Tuscaloosa, AL | $818 – $1,241 | 780 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Alabama
| From Michigan to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Huntsville, AL | $767 – $1,038 | 659 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Montgomery, AL | $825 – $1,224 | 823 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Birmingham, AL | $754 – $1,106 | 735 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Mobile, AL | $794 – $1,295 | 990 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Tuscaloosa, AL | $770 – $1,157 | 790 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Alabama
| From Michigan to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Huntsville, AL | $722 – $1,113 | 666 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Montgomery, AL | $814 – $1,229 | 831 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warren, MI to Birmingham, AL | $810 – $1,175 | 742 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Mobile, AL | $802 – $1,348 | 998 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warren, MI to Tuscaloosa, AL | $794 – $1,145 | 797 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Alabama
| From Michigan to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Huntsville, AL | $783 – $1,113 | 670 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Montgomery, AL | $789 – $1,205 | 834 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Birmingham, AL | $818 – $1,129 | 746 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Mobile, AL | $848 – $1,343 | 1,001 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Tuscaloosa, AL | $792 – $1,248 | 801 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Alabama
| From Michigan to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Huntsville, AL | $753 – $1,076 | 636 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Montgomery, AL | $825 – $1,224 | 800 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL | $752 – $1,084 | 711 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Mobile, AL | $846 – $1,272 | 966 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Tuscaloosa, AL | $827 – $1,161 | 766 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan 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 Michigan to Alabama, expect costs to range from $996 to $1,544.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Alabama
When arranging car transport from the Wolverine State to the Heart of Dixie, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Alabama.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Michigan to Alabama involves roughly 932 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Michigan more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Michigan and Alabama.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
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.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Michigan
More than 10.0 million people call Michigan home. Nicknamed the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
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 Michigan 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 Michigan and when dropping it off in Alabama.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Alabama?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan 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 Michigan.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an 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 Michigan to Alabama?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Alabama is about 932 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Michigan to Alabama.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
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 Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan 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 Michigan and Alabama to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Alabama?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan 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 Michigan to Alabama?
Shipping a car from Michigan to Alabama costs $797 to $1,235.
