($1,406) Cost to ship a car from Portland, OR to Mobile, AL

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,638 miles from Portland, Oregon, to Mobile, Alabama, generally falls between $1,406 and $2,333. 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 Mobile to Portland car shipping guide.

The best Portland to Mobile car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Portland to Mobile:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full Nexus Auto Transport review
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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 Sherpa Auto Transport review
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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 SGT Auto Transport review
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full Ship A Car Direct review

Top local car shippers in Portland

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

  1. Diesel Auto Express: 3.88 out of 5 stars
  2. Auto Shipping Group Inc: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Camas Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. Young'S Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Diesel Auto Express

12711 NE 95th St STE B, Vancouver, WA 98682 US

starstarstarstarstar3.88 / 5.0

Diesel Auto Express receives generally positive feedback for their punctuality, professionalism, and effective communication throughout the car shipping process. Many customers praise the drivers for their courteous behavior and attentiveness to detail, often noting that their vehicles arrived undamaged and ahead of schedule. However, some negative reviews highlight issues with responsiveness, hidden charges, and damage claims, suggesting customers experienced significant communication problems and delays. Despite some adverse experiences, numerous customers recommend their services for reliable vehicle transport.

Get a Quote (360) 539-8600

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Diesel Truck Shop
  • DTS
  • Diesel Auto Express LLC

Auto Shipping Group Inc

700 Ne 4th Ave # 205, Camas, WA 98607 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card

Camas Auto Shipping Group

700 NE 4th Ave #203, Camas, WA 98607 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Customers have praised Arnold Hight and the Auto Shipping Group for their helpfulness, professionalism, and smooth shipping process. However, there have been concerns about communication issues and price discrepancies that some clients encountered during their experience.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Young'S Transport

PO BOX 4144, Wilsonville, OR 97070 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Young's Transport is recognized for their fast and reliable service, excellent communication, and professionalism. However, a significant concern was raised regarding driver safety, with one customer experiencing a near-miss incident due to a careless pedestrian.

Get a Quote (503) 855-4356

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Discounts

  • Military

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 OR to AL

If you’re planning a move from Portland to Mobile, 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’re moving from Portland to Mobile, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,638 miles from Portland to Mobile 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

You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Oregon 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 Portland to Mobile safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Mobile, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.

Factors affecting Portland to Mobile car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Portland to Mobile, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

If you’re moving a car from Portland to Mobile, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.

Open carriers from Portland tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Mobile, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

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

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 2,638 miles from Portland to Mobile is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Oregon.

Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Portland and Mobile can impact car shipping prices.

Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy days,

October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.

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

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,638-mile drive between Portland and Mobile, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

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

Comparing Portland and Mobile vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Portland: The Temporary Street Use Permitting team at the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) can help you reserve on-street parking for residential or commercial moves, loading and unloading, construction, tree trimming, and other uses. $28 per 20-foot parking space up to 7 consecutive days. Allows for reservation of up to 100 feet of parking.
  • Mobile: Make sure to check with the City of Mobile for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to the city.

Car insurance requirements

  • Portland: Meeting legal obligations in Oregon, you must carry car insurance featuring a minimum 25/50/20 liability coverage, $15,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
  • Mobile: 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

  • Portland: When moving to Oregon, all vehicles must pass an emissions test and safety inspection before they can be registered with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Emissions testing is required for vehicles that are less than 25 years old and are located in certain areas of the state, Safety inspections are required for all vehicles. Out of state inspection may be accepted by ODOT, but you should check with them directly.
  • Mobile: 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

  • Portland: To transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Oregon, you need to visit a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. You will need your current out-of-state license, proof of identity and residency, and payment for the license fee. You may also need to pass a vision test and a knowledge or driving test.
  • Mobile: 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 Portland to Mobile?

The cost to ship a car from Portland, OR to Mobile, 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 Portland to Mobile will range from $1,406 to $2,333.

How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to Mobile?

It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,638 miles from Portland to Mobile. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to Mobile?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Portland to Mobile. 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 Portland to Mobile?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Portland to Mobile 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 2,638-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 Portland resources