South Dakota to Alabama Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,299 miles from South Dakota to Alabama ranges from $876 to $1,369. Expect the trip to take around three–eight 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Alabama car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from South Dakota 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 South Dakota
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in South Dakota that can transport your vehicle to Alabama:
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US
stopwatchusa.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2965797
Yada Enterprises Inc
611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US
yadaenterprises.net
3.5 / 5.0
Yada Enterprises has received significant feedback regarding their vehicle transport services, highlighting both commendable customer interactions and notable issues with vehicle damage. While many customers appreciated the respectful conduct of drivers and timely delivery, there were serious concerns about vehicle mishandling and lack of accountability for damages during transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1255110
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 South Dakota to Alabama
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from South Dakota to Alabama, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,299 miles to your vehicle on the route from South Dakota to Alabama. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from South Dakota 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.
South Dakota to Alabama auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in South Dakota and Alabama. The average journey covers about 1,299 miles and takes roughly three to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Alabama
| From South Dakota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Huntsville, AL | $792 – $1,267 | 1,031 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Montgomery, AL | $811 – $1,270 | 1,137 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Birmingham, AL | $800 – $1,267 | 1,048 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Mobile, AL | $837 – $1,283 | 1,193 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Tuscaloosa, AL | $808 – $1,242 | 1,042 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Alabama
| From South Dakota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Huntsville, AL | $978 – $1,478 | 1,373 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Montgomery, AL | $1,011 – $1,521 | 1,479 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Birmingham, AL | $959 – $1,552 | 1,391 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Mobile, AL | $1,076 – $1,537 | 1,548 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Tuscaloosa, AL | $1,018 – $1,493 | 1,384 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Alabama
| From South Dakota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Huntsville, AL | $968 – $1,355 | 1,230 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Montgomery, AL | $998 – $1,552 | 1,337 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Birmingham, AL | $959 – $1,369 | 1,248 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Mobile, AL | $1,018 – $1,507 | 1,392 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Tuscaloosa, AL | $940 – $1,341 | 1,241 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Alabama
| From South Dakota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Huntsville, AL | $823 – $1,292 | 1,084 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Montgomery, AL | $862 – $1,283 | 1,190 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Birmingham, AL | $862 – $1,350 | 1,101 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Mobile, AL | $950 – $1,397 | 1,246 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Tuscaloosa, AL | $784 – $1,229 | 1,095 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Alabama
| From South Dakota to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Huntsville, AL | $896 – $1,270 | 1,130 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Montgomery, AL | $904 – $1,369 | 1,237 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Birmingham, AL | $862 – $1,404 | 1,148 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Mobile, AL | $950 – $1,383 | 1,292 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Tuscaloosa, AL | $862 – $1,297 | 1,141 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Alabama usually runs between $1,095 and $1,711.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Alabama
When arranging car transport from the Mount Rushmore State to the Heart of Dixie, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- 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 South Dakota to Alabama.
- Distance and route: The route from South Dakota to Alabama is about 1,299 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of South Dakota in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between South Dakota and Alabama and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from South Dakota to Alabama takes three–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Alabama vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Alabama, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- 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 South Dakota
More than 919,318 people call South Dakota home. Nicknamed the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and when dropping it off in Alabama.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Alabama?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
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 South Dakota to Alabama?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Alabama is about 1,299 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from South Dakota to Alabama.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and Alabama to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Alabama?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Alabama?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Alabama costs $876 to $1,369.
