($792) Cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN to Birmingham, AL
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $792 to $1,242 to ship your car 1,072 miles from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Birmingham, 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 Birmingham to Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Birmingham car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Minneapolis to Birmingham:
- 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 Minneapolis
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Minneapolis, MN:
- 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.
Car shipping alternatives from MN to AL
If you’re relocating from Minneapolis to Birmingham, 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
On moves from Minneapolis to Birmingham, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,072-mile journey from Minneapolis 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
Having a driver transport your car from Minnesota to Alabama is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Minneapolis to Birmingham. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Birmingham is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Minneapolis to Birmingham car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Minneapolis to Birmingham, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Minneapolis 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
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Minneapolis has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Birmingham will cost more than moving a smaller 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 1,072 miles from Minneapolis to Birmingham is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Minnesota.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Minneapolis and Birmingham play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Minneapolis has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Minneapolis experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Minneapolis to Birmingham in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,072-mile journey from Minneapolis to Birmingham makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Minneapolis to Birmingham usually takes two–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Minneapolis and Birmingham vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Minneapolis: In Minneapolis, moving trucks may require a parking permit if parked on the street and obstruct traffic or parking spaces for an extended period. You can apply for temporary "No Parking" signs to reserve a space for your moving truck, but this must be done at least 7 business days in advance. Additionally, if you need to park in metered spaces, you can request to have the meters hooded at a rate of $25 per meter per day. Specific requirements and applications can be handled through the Minneapolis Public Works department.
- 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
- Minneapolis: 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.
- 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
- Minneapolis: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
- 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
- Minneapolis: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
- 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 Minneapolis to Birmingham?
The cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis to Birmingham will range from $792 to $1,242.
How long will it take to ship my car from Minneapolis to Birmingham?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,072 miles from Minneapolis to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Minneapolis to Birmingham?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Birmingham?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Minneapolis 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 1,072-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.
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