($841) Cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City, UT to Albuquerque, NM
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 598 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, will run you about $841 to $1,163. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Albuquerque to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Albuquerque car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque:
- 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 Salt Lake City
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Salt Lake City, UT:
- Redman Van & Storage: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Freight Tec Management Group: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport Group LLC: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 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 UT to NM
If you’re planning a move from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque, 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 Salt Lake City to Albuquerque, 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
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 598-mile drive from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Utah to New Mexico. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Salt Lake City. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Albuquerque.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Albuquerque, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Salt Lake City to Albuquerque car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque, 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 Albuquerque, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Salt Lake City 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 Albuquerque 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 598 miles from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque will cost more than a shorter move within Utah.
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
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Salt Lake City and Albuquerque can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
June, September and May are the most pleasant months in Salt Lake City, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Albuquerque's climate is usually sunny and dry. Winter typically consists of cool days and cold nights, except following passage of the strongest cold fronts and arctic airmasses when daytime temperatures remain colder than average; overnight temperatures tend to fall below freezing between about 10 pm and 8 am in the city.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 598-mile distance between Salt Lake City and Albuquerque and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque is one to six days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Salt Lake City and Albuquerque vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Salt Lake City: Certain areas within the city, like hospitals, universities, etc. attract non-residents to seek parking in/near residential areas. This can sometimes place undue hardship on area residents and property owners by contributing to excess noise, air pollution, litter, traffic hazards, congestion and severe shortage of available on-street parking spaces. By preventing all day, (non-resident) vehicle parking in a qualifying area, it can address these problems. Make sure to secure a parking permit if needed in the area where you will move. You can apply online at Citizen Portal (Register for an account and Login before it will give you the option to apply.), or mail your application and supporting documentation to Transportation Division, 349 South 200 East, Ste. 150, SLC UT 84111. If you have any questions, please call our office at 801-535-6630 or e-mail stacey.luna@slcgov.com.
- Albuquerque: For Renter/Tenant the following is required: Valid and current Government issued ID Card or Student ID Card Current Motor Vehicle Registration for all vehicles requiring a permit. If not the vehicle owner, please provide a hand written letter from the vehicle owner that is signed along with a copy of the owner's ID. Valid Lease or notarized letter from property owner verifying a tenant agreement Proof of residency - a current Utility Bill in your name - example: Cable, Cell phone, Electric, Gas, Internet, or a Paycheck Stub. Government correspondence or a Bank statement is also acceptable
Car insurance requirements
- Salt Lake City: In Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.
- Albuquerque: Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
Vehicle inspections
- Salt Lake City: Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.
- Albuquerque: Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
Driver’s license
- Salt Lake City: In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full license.
- Albuquerque: To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque?
The cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City, UT to Albuquerque, NM 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 Salt Lake City to Albuquerque will range from $841 to $1,163.
How long will it take to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 598 miles from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque. 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 Salt Lake City to Albuquerque?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque 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 598-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.
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