Minnesota to Alabama Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,326 miles from Minnesota to Alabama usually costs between $991 and $1,541. Transit time is about three–eight days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Alabama to Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Alabama car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Minnesota to Alabama:
- 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
- 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 Minnesota
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Minnesota who can get your vehicle to Alabama:
- Auto Driveaway: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Express Auto Transport Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Minnesota to Alabama
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Minnesota for a move to Alabama, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,326 miles to your car on the trip from Minnesota to Alabama. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Minnesota to Alabama for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Minnesota to Alabama auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Minnesota and Alabama. The trip typically spans 1,326 miles and takes about three–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN to Alabama
| From Minnesota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN to Huntsville, AL | $789 – $1,299 | 997 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Montgomery, AL | $839 – $1,367 | 1,161 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Birmingham, AL | $810 – $1,219 | 1,072 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Mobile, AL | $830 – $1,380 | 1,188 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Tuscaloosa, AL | $770 – $1,245 | 1,038 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to Alabama
| From Minnesota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN to Huntsville, AL | $757 – $1,325 | 987 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Montgomery, AL | $839 – $1,421 | 1,152 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Birmingham, AL | $778 – $1,245 | 1,063 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Mobile, AL | $847 – $1,340 | 1,156 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Tuscaloosa, AL | $770 – $1,232 | 1,007 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rochester, MN to Alabama
| From Minnesota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN to Huntsville, AL | $780 – $1,225 | 871 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rochester, MN to Montgomery, AL | $810 – $1,283 | 1,036 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rochester, MN to Birmingham, AL | $816 – $1,266 | 947 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rochester, MN to Mobile, AL | $762 – $1,207 | 1,079 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rochester, MN to Tuscaloosa, AL | $776 – $1,303 | 928 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bloomington, MN to Alabama
| From Minnesota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, MN to Huntsville, AL | $762 – $1,219 | 1,002 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Montgomery, AL | $899 – $1,394 | 1,167 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Birmingham, AL | $786 – $1,283 | 1,077 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Mobile, AL | $908 – $1,367 | 1,178 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Tuscaloosa, AL | $762 – $1,321 | 1,027 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Duluth, MN to Alabama
| From Minnesota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN to Huntsville, AL | $762 – $1,245 | 1,057 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Duluth, MN to Montgomery, AL | $962 – $1,472 | 1,221 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Duluth, MN to Birmingham, AL | $882 – $1,340 | 1,133 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Duluth, MN to Mobile, AL | $941 – $1,496 | 1,323 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Duluth, MN to Tuscaloosa, AL | $839 – $1,367 | 1,188 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Minnesota to Alabama
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Minnesota to Alabama usually runs between $1,239 and $1,926.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Minnesota to Alabama
If you’re shipping a car from the North Star State to the Heart of Dixie, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Alabama.
- Distance and route: The route from Minnesota to Alabama is about 1,326 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Minnesota, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Minnesota and Alabama and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Minnesota to Alabama takes three–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
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 Minnesota
More than 5.7 million people call Minnesota home. Nicknamed the North Star State. Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota and when dropping it off in Alabama.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Minnesota to Alabama?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
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 Minnesota to Alabama?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Minnesota to Alabama is about 1,326 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Minnesota to Alabama.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota and Alabama to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Minnesota to Alabama?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Alabama?
Shipping a car from Minnesota to Alabama costs $991 to $1,541.
4570 West 77th Street, Suite 215, Edina, MN 55435 US
80 S 8th St Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55402 US
3169 Dodd Rd, St Paul, MN 55121 US
22015 Canton Ct, Farmington, MN 55024 US
1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 US