Best Birmingham Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Birmingham, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Alabama car shipping page.
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Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in Birmingham
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Alabama, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Birmingham.
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Montway Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Amerifreight
- Sakaem Logistics Llc
- US AutoLogistics
- Global Auto Transportation
- Vehicle Transport Services
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Amerifreight
Amerifreight (DOT: 2238770) is a reputable car shipping business known for its extensive range of services and high customer satisfaction ratings. They excel in shipping vehicles like ATVs, electric vehicles, and even boats, offering both enclosed and open transport options to meet diverse needs. Customers will appreciate that Amerifreight provides damage-free guarantees, expedited delivery, and multi-car transport.
With Yelp and Google ratings of 3.3 and 4.7 respectively, and an impressive A+ rating from the BBB, Amerifreight has built a solid reputation. Moreover, they attract a variety of customers by offering special discounts for military personnel, seniors, and students.
However, it’s important to note that they do not provide storage solutions, which might be a downside for some customers looking for comprehensive service.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Sakaem Logistics Llc
Sakaem Logistics Llc (DOT: DOT# 2985098) is a versatile car shipping company offering a wide range of services, including transport for inoperable cars, electric vehicles, ATVs, and even heavy equipment like RVs and boats. Customers can choose between enclosed and open transport, and the company also provides expedited and guaranteed delivery options, ensuring peace of mind with their damage-free guarantee and full insurance coverage.
They have a notable Google rating of 4.8, indicating high customer satisfaction. However, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the BBB. They offer various discounts, such as military discounts, but they do not provide storage solutions, which may be a drawback for some customers.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
US AutoLogistics
US AutoLogistics (DOT: 357779) is a versatile car shipping company known for providing reliable interstate transport services. The company prides itself on being fully insured and offering the convenience of open transport options. Additionally, customers can pay by credit card, making transactions straightforward and hassle-free.
Even though they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp, US AutoLogistics boasts a strong reputation with a 4.7 Google rating and an A+ rating from the BBB. Unfortunately, they do not offer transport for cars that don’t run, which might be a downside for some customers.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Global Auto Transportation
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) offers a variety of specialized car shipping services. Customers can choose between enclosed and open transport, making it versatile depending on their needs, and the company also provides motorcycle and boat shipping services. Their services include expedited delivery and the convenience of shipment tracking, guaranteeing a secure and reliable shipping process. However, it is worth noting that they do not transport inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some customers.
Global Auto Transportation is fully insured and allows payments by credit card and cash, ensuring flexibility in payment options. Despite offering comprehensive services, the company currently has a Google rating of 3.8 and has yet to establish significant ratings on Yelp and the BBB. The company is active and committed to providing essential car shipping solutions without any hassle.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Vehicle Transport Services
Vehicle Transport Services (DOT: 2249744) offers a variety of car shipping options including enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and international shipping, making it an ideal choice for diverse vehicle transport needs. Google rates the company at 3.7, but they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
Customers can benefit from services such as expedited delivery, classic car shipping, and motorcycle shipping. They also provide the convenience of payment by credit card and do not require a deposit.
A potential downside is that the company does not offer services for inoperable cars, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Additionally, they do not provide ATV shipping, trailer shipping, or storage solutions.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average car shipping costs in Birmingham
The average cost to ship a car from Birmingham to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Birmingham, Alabama, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama to New York | $906 – $1,435 |
| Alabama to California | $1,325 – $2,169 |
| Alabama to Ohio | $821 – $1,219 |
| Alabama to Illinois | $840 – $1,158 |
| Alabama to North Carolina | $779 – $1,057 |
| Georgia to Alabama | $487 – $699 |
| Texas to Alabama | $878 – $1,249 |
| Florida to Alabama | $723 – $974 |
| Arizona to Alabama | $1,195 – $1,639 |
| Michigan to Alabama | $896 – $1,348 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Birmingham
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Birmingham or to another city in Alabama can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Birmingham to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Birmingham might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Birmingham: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Birmingham’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Birmingham’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Birmingham come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Hot summers, mild winters, and frequent rain in Birmingham may increase the cost of car shipping due to weather-related delays and the need for climate-related protective measures. Tornado activity adds to potential risk factors, further impacting costs.
Tips for choosing the right Birmingham, AL, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Birmingham, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Alabama.
- Review insurance and safety in Birmingham. Choose Birmingham companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews is critical in Birmingham, Alabama, because reviews reveal the reliability and quality of car shipping companies, helping you avoid potential issues and make informed decisions. Reviews also reflect customer experiences, providing insights into service consistency and satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in Birmingham ensures you find a reputable car shipping company by verifying credentials and customer reviews, avoiding potential scams. It helps assess service quality and cost transparency, ensuring a safe and reliable experience.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Birmingham, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Birmingham. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in Birmingham. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in Birmingham should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Birmingham that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in Birmingham who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Birmingham?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Birmingham, Alabama, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Birmingham, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Birmingham?
Interstates 20 and 65 are highly efficient for shipping a car out of Birmingham, Alabama. Interstate 20 connects to cities like Atlanta and Dallas. Interstate 65 runs north to south, connecting to Nashville and Mobile.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Birmingham car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Birmingham?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Birmingham. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Alabama, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Alabama regulations as an example. In Alabama, you need a safety inspection before selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection to register an out-of-state vehicle. The state does not require emissions inspections, but local cities and municipalities might have their own rules.
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.
More car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Alabama, these resources should help:
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