($853) Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Birmingham, AL
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 729 miles from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, ranges from $853 to $1,355. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach to Birmingham car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Virginia Beach 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
- 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 Virginia Beach
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Virginia Beach, VA:
- Safemile Auto Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Richmond Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping Norfolk: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Virginia Beach Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Safemile Auto Transport
500 E Main St 16th floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 US
safemileautotransport.com
3.66 / 5.0
Customers frequently commend Safemile for their excellent communication, professional service, and timely deliveries. However, some express initial anxiety about trust in the shipping process before experiencing the service firsthand.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3813643
Richmond Auto Shipping Group
1518 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-virginia/richmond
3.62 / 5.0
Auto Shipping Group receives praise for its excellent communication, punctual delivery, and strong customer service. Customers appreciated the timely pickup and careful handling of their vehicles, with specific commendations for staff members like Jason and Ali. However, there were few instances of confusion initially concerning the moving process, which was clarified through good support.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Speedy Car Shipping Norfolk
2607 Wyoming Ave, Norfolk, VA 23513 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-norfolk-va
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2297446
Virginia Beach Auto Transport
3269 Dam Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 US
virginiabeachautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers praised the punctuality and honesty of the drivers, while expressing significant concerns about service reliability and accusations of fraudulent practices.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Deposit Required
Xpress Auto Transport
4519 Bainbridge Blvd #340, Chesapeake, VA 23320 US
xpressautoship.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- 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
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
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 VA to AL
If you’re planning a move from Virginia Beach 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
On moves from Virginia Beach to Birmingham, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 729-mile drive from Virginia Beach to Birmingham 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
Having a driver transport your car from Virginia to Alabama is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Virginia Beach to Birmingham. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
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 Virginia Beach to Birmingham car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Virginia Beach to Birmingham, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Virginia Beach to Birmingham, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Virginia Beach 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 Birmingham, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Virginia Beach. 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 729 miles from Virginia Beach to Birmingham will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Virginia.
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
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Virginia Beach and Birmingham can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Virginia Beach has winters that are cool with light snowfall. Summers are hot and humid. The wettest season is summer, specifically July to early September, with August being the single wettest month.
Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Virginia Beach to Birmingham during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 729-mile trip from Virginia Beach 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
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Virginia Beach to Birmingham is one to six days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Virginia Beach and Birmingham vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Virginia Beach: All permits can be purchased online via our Registration Portal. Every car must have a permit or decal registered to it to park in the Residential Parking Permit Zone after 8PM at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
- 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
- Virginia Beach: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- 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
- Virginia Beach: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- 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
- Virginia Beach: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- 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 Virginia Beach to Birmingham?
The cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach to Birmingham will range from $853 to $1,355.
How long will it take to ship my car from Virginia Beach to Birmingham?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 729 miles from Virginia Beach to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Virginia Beach to Birmingham?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach to Birmingham?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Virginia Beach 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 729-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.
