Cost to ship a car from Montgomery to Los Angeles

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,083 miles from Montgomery to Los Angeles ranges from $1,317 to $2,120. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Los Angeles, CA in 4–12 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 Los Angeles to Montgomery car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Montgomery to Los Angeles car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Montgomery to Los Angeles, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Montgomery to Los Angeles, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Montgomery, 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 Los Angeles, 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 Montgomery. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Los Angeles will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Cradle of the Confederacy to the City of Angels — approximately 2,083 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 Montgomery and Los Angeles can impact car shipping prices.

Montgomery ith short, mild winters, warm springs and autumns, and long, hot, humid summers. Severe storms also bring a risk of tornadoes.

The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Montgomery to Los Angeles 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 2,083-mile distance between Montgomery and Los Angeles 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 Montgomery to Los Angeles typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Montgomery to Los Angeles car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Montgomery to Los Angeles:

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Montgomery and Los Angeles vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Montgomery: 40Ft Moving Truck, One Day. City Cost $60 Please note this permit is only available in metered areas and we will need the meter numbers to get the permit.
  • Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.

Car insurance requirements

  • Montgomery: 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.
  • Los Angeles: 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

  • Montgomery: 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.
  • Los Angeles: 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

  • Montgomery: 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.
  • Los Angeles: 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 Montgomery to Los Angeles?

The cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, 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 Montgomery to Los Angeles will range from $1,317 to $2,120.

How long will it take to ship my car from Montgomery to Los Angeles?

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,083 miles from Montgomery to Los Angeles. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Montgomery to Los Angeles?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Montgomery to Los Angeles. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Montgomery resources