Distance & lane
A trip across the country from Birmingham needs more road time and carrier capacity than a regional run to Dallas, so lane distance and demand can change your quote.
Birmingham, AL Car Shipping 2026 Costs & Routes
Typical cost to ship a car from Birmingham$725–$1,200
Shipping to Birmingham: $700–$1,200
At a glance
- Popular laneA Birmingham–Dallas move has a typical quote of $675–$750 and 0–3 days on the road; 19 shipments are on record.
- Inbound originsCalifornia is the leading source for cars arriving in Birmingham, with 110 shipments on record; Florida and Texas are also common origins.
- Vehicle choiceOpen transport for an SUV or crossover typically costs $50 more than for a sedan; enclosed transport adds protection from weather and road exposure.
- Alabama registrationNew residents with valid out-of-state registration have 30 days after entering Alabama to register the car. [ALDOR]
Prices by vehicle
What it costs to ship your vehicle from Birmingham
The table shows how vehicle size and transport type can affect your quote. SUVs and pickups tend to cost more on open transport than sedans, while enclosed shipping adds protection for vehicles you want shielded from road exposure.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / coupe | $925 | $1,275 |
| SUV / crossover | $975 | $1,625 |
| Pickup truck | $1,050 | Quote on request |
| Van / minivan | $900 | Quote on request |
Median customer quote on record for running vehicles leaving Birmingham, across all routes. Your route and dates set the final price.
Popular routes
Top destinations from Birmingham
| Destination | Typical range | Quote · transit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles, CA38 shipments on record | $1,025–$1,2253–7 days transit | |
| 2 | Seattle, WA30 shipments on record | $1,250–$1,5253–7 days transit | |
| 3 | Phoenix, AZ23 shipments on record | $975–$1,0502–6 days transit | |
| 4 | Dallas, TX19 shipments on record | $675–$7500–3 days transit | |
| 5 | San Diego, CA18 shipments on record | $1,075–$1,2503–7 days transit | |
| 6 | Denver, CO17 shipments on record | $1,025–$1,2001–5 days transit | |
| 7 | New York, NY17 shipments on record | $725–$9251–4 days transit | |
| 8 | Washington, DC16 shipments on record | $750–$8500–3 days transit | |
| 9 | Portland, OR15 shipments on record | $1,275–$1,6503–7 days transit | |
| 10 | Houston, TX14 shipments on record | $700–$8500–3 days transit | |
$500$750$1,000$1,250$1,500$1,750 |
Transit is SAKAEM's standard estimate by distance, counted from pickup.
Where Birmingham cars come from
Among cars arriving in Birmingham on record, California is the leading origin, with Florida and Texas also prominent. Since these trips start on different routes and distances, pickup timing depends on the car’s origin and carrier availability.
- California110
- Florida49
- Texas40
- Arizona28
- Washington23
- North Carolina21
Shipments delivered to Birmingham on record, by origin state.
Reviews
What customers say about shipping with SAKAEM
★★★★★
Driver was very knowledgeable of areas he went for pickups and dropoffs, also very helpful.
★★★★★
Good shipping company! Car arrived beautifully and on time. There was an up charge of $150 because of something about the height of the car, but it was still a way better quote than I got from other companies! All around good service and quick pickup and transport!
★★★★★
Excellent customer service! Communication during the process was on going & courteous! Highly recommend them!
Cost factors
What moves the price of a Birmingham shipment
Season
Alabama’s Gulf Coast near Mobile faces hurricane season from June 1 to November 30, and that can delay shipments serving the area in late summer and early fall.
Vehicle size
Larger SUVs and pickups take more trailer space than sedans, which helps explain why their quotes can be higher on open carriers.
Pickup access
Tight streets or gated addresses in Five Points South and Highland Park may not fit a car hauler; limited access can mean arranging another safe meeting spot.
Open vs enclosed
Open transport costs less in general, while enclosed trailers add protection from weather and road debris. The right choice depends on how much exposure you will accept for your vehicle.
Save money
5 ways to pay less (and wait less)
Share exact address details
For pickups in Woodlawn or Crestwood North, share the full address and any gate or access instructions before you book.
Choose a truck-friendly meeting spot
If your Five Points South street is tight, agree on a nearby open meeting spot where the carrier can safely load your car.
Keep your schedule flexible
If you can, offer a flexible pickup window so dispatch has more options for matching your car with a carrier moving through Birmingham.
Make the condition check easier
Photograph the car’s existing marks and remove loose belongings before pickup so you can review its condition clearly at handoff.
Get a quote for in-state moves
In-state Alabama moves are rare among Birmingham departures: 14 of 667 shipments are on record. Request a direct quote for Tuscaloosa or Montgomery rather than assuming a short route will be easy to book.
Getting your car ready? See our vehicle shipping tips.
Moving to Birmingham
Your Alabama car checklist
Moving to Birmingham? Use this checklist to prepare for Alabama registration, inspection, insurance, and vehicle requirements after delivery.
Register an out-of-state car
With valid out-of-state registration, register the car within 30 days of its entry into Alabama; missing the deadline brings a $15 penalty plus interest. [ALDOR]
Apply for an Alabama title
Apply through your county license plate office, get Alabama liability insurance, and bring the car for a physical VIN check against your paperwork. [ALDOR]
Meet liability insurance minimums
Alabama’s minimum is 25/50/25 liability coverage: $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for all injuries in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. [ALDOI]
No emissions test required
Alabama has no emissions testing, and you do not need an emissions test to register a vehicle. [ALDOR]
Check window tint
Cars and wagons need 32% light through side and back windows (3% tolerance); windshield tint is limited to its top 6 inches. SUVs, vans, and trucks need 32% front-side light; factory-dark rear glass is allowed with mirrors on both sides. [ALEA]
Know the toll system
The Montgomery Expressway, Tuscaloosa Bypass, and Emerald Mountain Expressway use the Alabama Freedom Pass; out-of-state transponders such as E-ZPass are not part of that system. [Alabama Freedom Pass]
- County
- Jefferson County, Alabama
- Main roads
- I-20, I-22, I-59, I-65
- Neighborhoods
- Crestwood North, East Lake, Ensley, Five Points South
- Nearby cities
- Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Auburn
Birmingham at a glance
Service area
Pickup and delivery in and around Birmingham
SAKAEM arranges pickup and delivery across Crestwood North, East Lake, Ensley, Five Points South, Highland Park, and Woodlawn, with access planned around I-20, I-22, I-59, I-65, I-459, and US-11. We also serve Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, and Auburn, with meeting points chosen for safe truck access.
Birmingham ZIP codes
- 35201
- 35202
- 35203
- 35204
- 35205
- 35206
- 35207
- 35208
- 35209
- 35210
- 35211
- 35212
- 35213
- 35214
- 35215
- 35216
Nearby city guides
How it works
Shipping your car in four steps
Share your route
Tell us your Birmingham pickup and delivery addresses, vehicle type, and whether it runs so we can prepare a quote.
Choose your transport
Select open or enclosed transport, review the quote, and confirm pickup and delivery details before booking.
Prepare for pickup
Make sure the carrier can reach the pickup location, and photograph the vehicle’s condition before handoff.
Review delivery
At delivery, inspect the vehicle and compare its condition with the pickup record before completing the handoff.
New to auto transport? Here's how to ship a car, step by step.
FAQ
Birmingham car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Birmingham?
With open transport for a running vehicle, the middle half of customer quotes on record for cars leaving Birmingham is $725–$1,200; for cars coming to Birmingham, it is $700–$1,200. These are typical quote ranges, not a price for every vehicle: your route, vehicle size, season, pickup access, and transport type affect the final cost. Request pricing for your exact addresses.
How long does car shipping to or from Birmingham take?
Transit starts after pickup, and these estimates are not guarantees. A Birmingham-to-Dallas trip is typically 0–3 days on the road; Birmingham-to-Los Angeles and Birmingham-to-Seattle are each 3–7 days. Your total wait also includes the time needed to arrange pickup.
Is my car insured during transport?
All carriers SAKAEM arranges are FMCSA-licensed and insured, with at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Ask what the carrier’s coverage applies to and note the car’s condition on the pickup report so you have a clear record.
Can I pack personal items in the car?
SAKAEM allows up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or below the window line. Keep everything within that space and remove valuables or loose belongings before handoff. Personal items should not block the driver’s view or interfere with the vehicle inspection.
Can you ship a car that does not run?
Yes. SAKAEM can ship a non-running vehicle if it rolls, brakes, and steers, and you provide a key. Tell us about its condition before booking so the carrier can plan the pickup and quote it correctly. If it cannot roll, brake, or steer, ask about options before setting a pickup.
How do I pay for car shipping?
You can pay by card, or pay the carrier by cash or certified check. Zelle and Venmo are accepted too. Confirm the agreed method and recipient before pickup so you know who to pay and when; payment options can differ by shipment.
Do I need to be present when the car is picked up?
Yes. A designated adult must be present at pickup and delivery to inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading. If you cannot attend, arrange for a trusted adult to handle both handoffs and document the vehicle’s condition with the carrier.
Have another question? Browse the full car shipping FAQ.
Get a Birmingham car shipping quote
Share your route, vehicle, and preferred pickup window to see options for your Birmingham move.
Sources: SAKAEM shipment records on file (October 2026); US Census Bureau (county); [ALDOI], [ALDOR], [ALEA], [Alabama Freedom Pass], official state sources, verified 2026-10-01.
Industry Resources: FMCSA Carrier Lookup · U.S. Department of Transportation · SAKAEM Logistics on BBB · NHTSA