($837) Cost to ship a car from Laredo, TX to Birmingham, AL
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $837 to $1,271 to ship your car 980 miles from Laredo, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham to Laredo 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 Laredo to Birmingham car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Laredo to Birmingham:
- 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 Laredo
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Laredo, TX:
- San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers Sn Antn: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- National Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 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 TX to AL
Getting your car from Laredo to Birmingham can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Laredo 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
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 980-mile trip from Laredo to Birmingham 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
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Texas to Alabama is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Laredo to Birmingham. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Birmingham, 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 Laredo to Birmingham car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Laredo to Birmingham, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Laredo to Birmingham, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Birmingham, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Laredo. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Birmingham will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 980 miles from Laredo to Birmingham will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Texas.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Laredo and Birmingham play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
In Laredo, your move is unlikely to be affected by the climate. Temperatures are almost never below freezing and precipitation is mild when compared to other parts of Texas.
Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Laredo to Birmingham in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 980-mile drive between Laredo and Birmingham, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Laredo to Birmingham is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Laredo and Birmingham vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Laredo: Laredo and Webb County don't have any laws or rules posted on their websites about parking or moving related permits you need to get before your move. It's still a good idea to contact them and to check if your new home has any neighborhood or HOA rules that you need to abide by.
- 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
- Laredo: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- 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
- Laredo: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- 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
- Laredo: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 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 Laredo to Birmingham?
The cost to ship a car from Laredo, TX 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 Laredo to Birmingham will range from $837 to $1,271.
How long will it take to ship my car from Laredo to Birmingham?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 980 miles from Laredo to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Laredo to Birmingham?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Laredo 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 Laredo to Birmingham?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Laredo 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 980-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.
5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US
1100 Nw Loop 410 # 700, Castle Hills, TX 78213 US
8610 N New Braunfels Ave Suite S-607, San Antonio, TX 78217 US
11906 Hayter Rd, Laredo, TX 78045 US
302 Crossroads Loop, Laredo, TX 78045 US