North Carolina to Alabama Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 584 miles from North Carolina to Alabama ranges from $667 to $923. Expect the trip to take around one–six days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Alabama to North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in North Carolina that can transport your vehicle to Alabama:
- 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 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 North Carolina to Alabama
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from North Carolina 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.
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 584 miles on your car to travel between North Carolina and Alabama. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from North Carolina 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
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
North Carolina to Alabama auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in North Carolina and Alabama. The typical distance is about 584 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and six days.
Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Alabama
| From North Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Huntsville, AL | $554 – $774 | 412 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Montgomery, AL | $577 – $798 | 406 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Birmingham, AL | $564 – $734 | 391 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Mobile, AL | $691 – $932 | 573 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $617 – $854 | 448 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Alabama
| From North Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC to Huntsville, AL | $647 – $913 | 581 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Montgomery, AL | $644 – $895 | 567 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Birmingham, AL | $691 – $932 | 553 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Mobile, AL | $756 – $1,064 | 734 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $675 – $998 | 608 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Greensboro, NC to Alabama
| From North Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro, NC to Huntsville, AL | $587 – $892 | 495 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Montgomery, AL | $600 – $849 | 492 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Birmingham, AL | $606 – $892 | 478 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Mobile, AL | $731 – $999 | 659 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $633 – $920 | 533 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Durham, NC to Alabama
| From North Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC to Huntsville, AL | $644 – $923 | 557 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Montgomery, AL | $672 – $849 | 544 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Birmingham, AL | $633 – $875 | 530 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Mobile, AL | $776 – $1,022 | 711 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $688 – $923 | 585 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to Alabama
| From North Carolina to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC to Huntsville, AL | $583 – $791 | 467 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Montgomery, AL | $637 – $824 | 478 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Birmingham, AL | $637 – $799 | 465 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Mobile, AL | $675 – $1,025 | 645 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Tuscaloosa, AL | $646 – $888 | 520 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Alabama usually runs between $834 and $1,154.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Carolina to Alabama
When moving your vehicle from the Tar Heel State to the Heart of Dixie, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from North Carolina to Alabama.
- Distance and route: The journey from North Carolina to Alabama spans about 584 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of North Carolina more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between North Carolina and Alabama.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–six 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.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from North Carolina
More than 10.8 million people call North Carolina home. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina and when dropping it off in Alabama.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Carolina to Alabama?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state 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.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Carolina to Alabama?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Carolina to Alabama is about 584 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from North Carolina to Alabama.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina and Alabama to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Alabama?
The cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Alabama?
Shipping a car from North Carolina to Alabama costs $667 to $923.
1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US
4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US
3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US