($679) Cost to ship a car from St. Louis, MO to Montgomery, AL
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 588 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Montgomery, Alabama, ranges from $679 to $1,039. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montgomery to St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Montgomery car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from St. Louis to Montgomery:
- 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 St. Louis
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving St. Louis, MO:
- Jmn Logistics Llc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Saint Louis Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 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 MO to AL
If you’re planning a move from St. Louis to Montgomery, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from St. Louis to Montgomery, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 588 miles from St. Louis to Montgomery might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Missouri to Alabama, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from St. Louis to Montgomery safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Montgomery. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting St. Louis to Montgomery car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from St. Louis to Montgomery, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from St. Louis to Montgomery, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Montgomery, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from St. Louis is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Montgomery will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 588 miles from St. Louis to Montgomery will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Missouri.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in St. Louis and Montgomery play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.
Montgomery ith short, mild winters, warm springs and autumns, and long, hot, humid summers. Severe storms also bring a risk of tornadoes.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from St. Louis to Montgomery in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 588-mile distance between St. Louis and Montgomery and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
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 St. Louis to Montgomery usually takes one–six days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing St. Louis and Montgomery vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- St. Louis: Blocking Right of Way Permits are required for any activity that will block any portion of the public right of way (streets and sidewalks) such as dumpster placement, moving truck, block parties, construction related street closures. These may go from $20-$35
- Montgomery: 40Ft Moving Truck, One Day. City Cost $60 Please note this permit is only available in metered areas and we will need the meter numbers to get the permit.
Car insurance requirements
- St. Louis: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
- Montgomery: 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
- St. Louis: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
- Montgomery: 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
- St. Louis: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
- Montgomery: 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 St. Louis to Montgomery?
The cost to ship a car from St. Louis, MO to Montgomery, 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 St. Louis to Montgomery will range from $679 to $1,039.
How long will it take to ship my car from St. Louis to Montgomery?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 588 miles from St. Louis to Montgomery. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Louis to Montgomery?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Louis to Montgomery. 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 St. Louis to Montgomery?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from St. Louis to Montgomery 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 588-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.
2050 Creve Coeur Mill Road N., Maryland Heights, MO 63043 US
655 Parr Rd, Wentzville, MO 63385 US
4745 Earth City Expy, Bridgeton, MO 63044 US
5908 Telegraph Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129 US
1750 S Brentwood Blvd #304, Brentwood, MO 63144 US