($959) Cost to ship a car from Albany, NY to Birmingham, AL

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,085 miles from Albany, New York, to Birmingham, Alabama, generally falls between $959 and $1,519. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham to Albany car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Albany to Birmingham car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Albany to Birmingham:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Albany

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Albany, NY:

  1. Fox Auto Transport: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Roadrunner Auto: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  3. New York City Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  4. Quickship LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Loyal Transportation Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Fox Auto Transport

150 Pleasant St Suite 209, Easthampton, MA 01027 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0

Fox Auto Transport is praised for its excellent customer service, efficient transportation, and reliable communication throughout the process. Many customers have specifically highlighted Patrick and Paul for their professionalism and attention to detail. However, some users reported fluctuating prices and occasional scheduling issues, leading to frustration for a few customers.

Get a Quote (617) 933-8912

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

Roadrunner Auto

15 Grumman Rd W # 1500, Bethpage, NY 11714 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0

Road Runner Auto Transport provides a range of experiences from dependable service to significant communication failures. Customers praised the transparent pricing, exceptional drivers, and consistent communication. However, some expressed frustration over unreturned calls and logistical challenges, leading to last-minute cancellations and inconvenience.

Get a Quote (888) 777-2123

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior

Additional Information

New York City Auto Shipping Group

44 Wall St F12, New York, NY 10005 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised the excellent customer service, timely communication, and stress-free delivery experiences provided by the company. However, a few mentioned some initial delays during the setup process.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Quickship LLC

299 Wahconah St, Pittsfield, MA 01201 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Quickship LLC has received a mix of extremely positive feedback praising its excellent customer service, quick responses, and reliable delivery times. Many customers highlighted specific employees like Neil Collins and Victor Miller for their professional assistance throughout the shipping process. However, numerous negative reviews described significant issues, including bait-and-switch pricing tactics, poor communication, and unrefunded deposits. Many customers reported being overcharged after the initial quote and experiencing delays or complete failure to pick up their vehicles. These major complaints overshadow the few positive experiences with this company.

Get a Quote (888) 361-5514

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Loyal Transportation Inc

1764 State Route 52, Walden, NY 12586 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (845) 926-1746

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

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 NY to AL

If you’re planning a move from Albany to Birmingham, 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

When relocating from Albany to Birmingham, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 1,085 miles from Albany to Birmingham can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.

Use a driving service

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from New York to Alabama. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Albany. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Birmingham.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Birmingham—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Albany to Birmingham car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Albany to Birmingham, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Albany to Birmingham, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Albany 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 Birmingham? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Albany 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 Birmingham will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.

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 1,085 miles from Albany to Birmingham will cost more than a shorter move within New York.

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

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Albany and Birmingham can impact car shipping prices.

August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.

Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.

During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Albany to Birmingham during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,085-mile trip from Albany to Birmingham, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Albany to Birmingham takes two to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.

Comparing Albany and Birmingham vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.
  • 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

  • Albany: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
  • 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

  • Albany: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
  • 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

  • Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to 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 Albany to Birmingham?

The cost to ship a car from Albany, NY 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 Albany to Birmingham will range from $959 to $1,519.

How long will it take to ship my car from Albany to Birmingham?

It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,085 miles from Albany to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Albany to Birmingham?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Albany 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 Albany to Birmingham?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Albany 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 1,085-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.

Helpful Albany resources