Cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Oakland
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,315 miles from Birmingham to Oakland ranges from $1,398 to $2,054. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Oakland, CA in 5–13 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Birmingham car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Birmingham to Oakland car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Birmingham to Oakland, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Birmingham to Oakland, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Birmingham, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Oakland, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Birmingham. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Oakland will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the B'ham to the Town — approximately 2,315 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.
Time of the year
The season and weather in both Birmingham and Oakland can impact car shipping prices.
Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Birmingham to Oakland during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,315-mile distance between Birmingham and Oakland and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Birmingham to Oakland typically takes between 5 and 13 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Birmingham to Oakland car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Birmingham to Oakland:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing Birmingham and Oakland vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Oakland: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
Vehicle inspections
- 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.
- Oakland: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Oakland?
The cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Oakland, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Birmingham to Oakland will range from $1,398 to $2,054.
How long will it take to ship my car from Birmingham to Oakland?
It will take approximately 5–13 days to ship your car the 2,315 miles from Birmingham to Oakland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Birmingham to Oakland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Birmingham to Oakland. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
