Cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Lafayette

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 454 miles from Birmingham to Lafayette ranges from $656 to $865. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lafayette, LA in 1–4 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 Lafayette to Birmingham car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Birmingham to Lafayette car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Birmingham to Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, 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 Lafayette 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 Hub City — approximately 454 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 Lafayette can impact car shipping prices.

Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.

It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.

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 Lafayette 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 454-mile distance between Birmingham and Lafayette 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 Lafayette typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Birmingham to Lafayette car shipping companies

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

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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 Birmingham and Lafayette 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.
  • Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.

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.
  • Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.

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.
  • Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.

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.
  • Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Lafayette?

The cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Lafayette, LA 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 Lafayette will range from $656 to $865.

How long will it take to ship my car from Birmingham to Lafayette?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 454 miles from Birmingham to Lafayette. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Birmingham to Lafayette?

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

Helpful Birmingham resources