($569) Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Huntsville, AL
Quick answer: Shipping a car 412 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Huntsville, Alabama, typically costs between $569 and $861. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Huntsville to Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Huntsville car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Charlotte to Huntsville:
- 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 Charlotte
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Charlotte, NC:
- Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Andrew 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 NC to AL
When you’re moving from Charlotte to Huntsville, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Charlotte to Huntsville, 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
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 412-mile trip from Charlotte to Huntsville could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from North Carolina to Alabama. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Charlotte. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Huntsville.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Huntsville. 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 Charlotte to Huntsville car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Charlotte to Huntsville can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Charlotte to Huntsville, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Charlotte are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Huntsville? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Charlotte. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Huntsville will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 412 miles from Charlotte to Huntsville will cost more than a shorter move within North Carolina.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Charlotte and Huntsville play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.
Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Charlotte to Huntsville 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 412-mile journey from Charlotte to Huntsville makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Charlotte to Huntsville typically takes between one and four days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Charlotte and Huntsville vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Charlotte: Charlotte's Park It program manages on-street parking throughout Uptown, South End, Elizabeth, NoDa and Commonwealth Avenue in Plaza Midwood.
- Huntsville: $0.50 per hour All parking meters are enforced Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meters are not enforced on City of Huntsville’s recognized holidays.
Car insurance requirements
- Charlotte: 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.
- Huntsville: 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
- Charlotte: 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.
- Huntsville: 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
- Charlotte: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Huntsville: 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 Charlotte to Huntsville?
The cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Huntsville, 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 Charlotte to Huntsville will range from $569 to $861.
How long will it take to ship my car from Charlotte to Huntsville?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 412 miles from Charlotte to Huntsville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charlotte to Huntsville?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charlotte to Huntsville. 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 Charlotte to Huntsville?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Charlotte to Huntsville 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 412-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.
136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
3910 Conway Ave J, Charlotte, NC 28209 US
756 Tyvola Rd Suite 112, Charlotte, NC 28217 US