Birmingham, AL Car Shipping
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Birmingham, AL Car Shipping
Need reliable car shipping in Birmingham, AL? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re moving across state lines or buying a vehicle online, finding trustworthy auto transport doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide covers everything Birmingham residents need to know—from pricing and timelines to expert tips that’ll save you money. Let’s make your car shipping experience smooth and hassle-free.
Popular Routes from Birmingham, AL
Key Takeaways From This Article
Birmingham, AL Auto Transport
Shipping a car from Birmingham, AL typically costs $700-$1,675 and takes 2-6 days, with pricing based on distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
Our Birmingham and Alabama Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings from 8,000+ reviews, and a BBB A+ rating, ensuring no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
Factors that Impact Cost
Your route matters most—Birmingham’s location along I-20, I-59, and I-65 means lower costs to major cities, while remote destinations away from highways increase prices.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Birmingham pickup 1-2 weeks in advance for the best rates and carrier availability, though expedited service is available with 24-48 hours notice.
How Car Shipping Works
Alabama requires new residents to register vehicles and obtain a driver’s license within 30 days, with no emissions testing required for most vehicles.
State Insights
Save money by shipping during off-peak months (January-February), offering flexible pickup dates, choosing open trailers for standard vehicles, and meeting carriers at easily accessible locations near major highways.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 8,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Birmingham, AL
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Birmingham
to Los Angeles
|
2,036 mi
|
$1150–1325
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Seattle
|
2,530 mi
|
$1400–1675
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Phoenix
|
1,667 mi
|
$1100–1175
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Dallas
|
638 mi
|
$750–850
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Houston
|
666 mi
|
$775–900
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to New York City
|
963 mi
|
$825–1050
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to San Francisco
|
2,334 mi
|
$1125–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Washington
|
742 mi
|
$800–900
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Miami
|
810 mi
|
$700–800
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to San Diego
|
1,995 mi
|
$1125–1400
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Portland
|
2,492 mi
|
$1325–1825
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Denver
|
1,337 mi
|
$1100–1425
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Las Vegas
|
1,824 mi
|
$1125–1425
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Salt Lake City
|
1,768 mi
|
$1050–1275
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Birmingham
to Riverside
|
2,002 mi
|
$1050–1275
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 852 actual shipments involving Birmingham, here’s how pricing varies by vehicle size and trailer type.
By Vehicle Type
By Trailer Type
Note: Updated 2026 pricing. Prices shown are averages based on actual Sherpa shipments over the last 12 months. Your quote may vary based on specific pickup/delivery locations, vehicle condition, current market demand, and time of year. Get an instant quote for accurate pricing.
Factors that Affect Birmingham, AL Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping cost. The further your car travels, the more you’ll pay. Shipping from Birmingham to a nearby state like Georgia will cost less than shipping cross-country to California or Washington.
Route
Your route matters just as much as distance. Birmingham sits along major interstates like I-20, I-59, and I-65, which makes it well-connected to major cities nationwide. Routes that follow these highways cost less because carriers run them frequently. Remote or rural destinations away from major highways will increase your price.
Season
Timing affects your cost significantly. Summer months (May through September) see higher demand as families relocate and students move for college. Winter months, especially January and February, typically offer lower rates. If your schedule allows flexibility, shipping during off-peak times can save you money.
Vehicle Type
What you’re shipping matters. Standard sedans are the cheapest to transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more because they’re heavier (increasing fuel costs), harder to load and unload, and take up more space on the trailer. Some carriers can’t even accommodate oversized vehicles.
Traffic Patterns
Heavy travel periods drive up costs. The week before Thanksgiving, Christmas holidays, and major holiday weekends see congested roads and limited carrier availability. Plan around these peak times when possible. Shipping during normal weeks helps you avoid delays and higher prices.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability fluctuates throughout the year. During peak season, you might wait two to three weeks for a carrier. During slower months, carriers become available within days. Birmingham’s location along major routes generally means better availability than more remote areas.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two trailer options. Open trailers are the standard choice and cost less. Your car is exposed to weather but remains perfectly safe—most vehicles ship this way. Enclosed trailers protect luxury, classic, or exotic cars from the elements but cost 40-60% more. For most standard vehicles, open transport works great.
Population Density
Birmingham’s metro area offers accessible pickup and delivery locations. Urban areas with tight streets, limited parking, or heavy traffic can increase costs. Large car carriers need space to maneuver. If you’re shipping to or from a dense downtown area, consider meeting your carrier in a suburb with easier access. This simple step can reduce your cost.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Save money by shipping during the off-season when demand is lower. Avoid peak periods like snowbird season, typically November through March. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant cost savings on your Birmingham auto transport.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery dates to reduce your shipping costs. Offering a five-day window instead of exact dates gives carriers more scheduling options. This flexibility often translates to lower rates and helps you find available transport faster in Birmingham.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near major highways in Birmingham for better rates. Easy highway access attracts more carriers and increases competition. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting your carrier in a nearby city with major highway connections to save money.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. They safely transport standard cars while keeping your budget in check. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-end vehicles that need extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Birmingham, AL Work?
Car shipping from Birmingham, AL is a straightforward process designed to transport your vehicle safely across an average distance of 1,425 miles. When you book auto transport services, a carrier will pick up your car directly from your location in Birmingham and deliver it to your destination. The typical timeline for car shipping is 2-6 days, depending on the distance and route. Prices generally range from $700-$1675 based on factors like vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand.
To ship a car from Birmingham, AL, start by requesting a quote and booking your transport. Next, prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition with photos. The carrier will then load your car onto an open or enclosed trailer. Birmingham’s central location along major highways makes auto transport efficient, with easy access to I-20 and I-65. During transit, your vehicle is fully insured. Upon delivery, inspect your car and sign the bill of lading. Whether you’re moving, buying a car online, or relocating for work, auto transport from Birmingham offers a reliable solution that saves you time and miles on your vehicle.
Birmingham, AL Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Birmingham, AL, understanding Alabama’s vehicle regulations helps ensure a smooth transition. New residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency and obtain an Alabama driver’s license within the same timeframe [ALDOR]. The registration process requires proof of ownership, a passed vehicle inspection, and liability insurance meeting state minimums of 25/50/25 coverage [ALDOR].
Alabama does not require emissions testing for most vehicles, making auto transport and registration simpler than many states [ALDOR]. However, the state enforces specific window tinting laws: front side windows must allow more than 32% light transmission, while rear windows have no restrictions [ALDOR]. Vehicle frame height modifications are regulated, with bumper height limits of 22 inches for passenger vehicles [ALDOR].
Birmingham experiences mild winters, so winter tires are rarely necessary for your shipped vehicle. However, summer heat and humidity can be intense, making regular air conditioning maintenance important. When using car shipping services to Birmingham, AL, verify your auto transport carrier provides adequate insurance coverage. Alabama follows a tort-based insurance system, meaning at-fault drivers are responsible for accident damages [ALDOI]. Consider comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle during transport and after arrival in Birmingham.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Birmingham, Alabama that we Serve
Downtown Birmingham: 35203, 35204, 35205, 35206, 35207, 35208, 35209, 35210, 35211, 35212, 35213, 35214, 35215, 35216, 35217, 35218, 35219, 35220, 35221, 35222, 35223, 35224, 35226, 35228, 35229, 35233, 35234, 35235, 35236, 35237, 35238, 35242, 35243, 35244, 35249, 35253, 35254, 35255, 35259, 35260, 35261, 35263, 35266, 35270, 35277, 35278, 35279, 35280, 35281, 35282, 35283, 35285, 35287, 35288, 35290, 35291, 35292, 35293, 35294, 35295, 35296, 35297, 35298 Mountain Brook: 35213, 35223, 35243 Homewood: 35209, 35226, 35229 Vestavia Hills: 35216, 35226, 35242, 35243 Hoover: 35226, 35244, 35243 Irondale: 35210, 35217 Bessemer: 35020, 35021, 35022, 35023 Trussville: 35173, 35235 Gardendale: 35071 Fultondale: 35068
We serves the entire Birmingham region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham is home to several universities, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Samford University, and Birmingham-Southern College. If you’re using car shipping services to transport your vehicle to campus, understanding parking is essential. UAB requires all students to register vehicles and purchase parking permits through their transportation services [UAB Parking Services]. Most freshmen at Samford can bring cars, but permits are mandatory and assigned by residential area [Samford University]. Birmingham-Southern also requires registration and decal purchase [Birmingham-Southern College]. Many student apartments include parking, but on-campus housing varies—check with your specific dorm. Most universities allow winter break storage if you maintain an active permit. Birmingham’s mild winters rarely require snow tires, but verify your insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to Alabama before shipping a car [Alabama DMV]. Planning your auto transport early ensures your vehicle arrives before classes start.
Birmingham, AL Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Birmingham, AL is simple. Follow these key steps:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos before shipping.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and fragile items. These aren’t covered by carrier insurance and can shift during transit.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has adequate fuel (about 1/4 tank), the battery is charged, and there are no leaks.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off custom antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and other exterior add-ons that could be damaged.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.
Provide a key: Make sure you have a working key available for the carrier.
For complete preparation guidelines, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. These simple steps help ensure a smooth pickup and delivery experience.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Birmingham, AL. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your Birmingham shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection and peace of mind.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery. If you have questions about insurance coverage for your specific shipment, our team is happy to provide additional details.
We recommend scheduling your pickup from Birmingham, AL at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the best rates and availability. However, booking earlier gives you more options.
Here’s why advance booking helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes more efficiently and often offer lower rates
- More carrier options: Popular routes from Birmingham fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more control over your pickup window
Need faster service? We also offer expedited shipping with as little as 24-48 hours notice, though this typically costs more.
Best practice: Book as soon as you know your moving dates. This ensures the smoothest experience and the most competitive pricing for your Birmingham car shipment.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open auto transport uses open-air trailers that carry multiple vehicles at once. Your car is exposed to weather and road elements during transit. This is the most common and affordable option, used for about 90% of vehicle shipments.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle in a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and debris. This premium service costs 40-60% more than open transport.
Choose open transport if: You’re shipping a standard daily-driver vehicle and want the best value. It’s safe, reliable, and works great for most cars.
Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or have custom paint work. The extra protection is worth it for high-value vehicles.
Both options are fully insured during transport. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Birmingham, AL and throughout the country. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or another address you choose, and deliver it directly to your destination.
When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come to you—no need to drive to a terminal or drop-off location.
What if the truck can’t access my street?
Large car carriers may have trouble navigating narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or tight residential areas in some Birmingham neighborhoods. If your location isn’t accessible, don’t worry. Our driver will contact you to arrange a nearby meeting spot, such as a shopping center parking lot, gas station, or main road. This is common and easy to coordinate.
Door-to-door service offers maximum convenience while keeping your vehicle safe throughout the shipping process.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!