Cost to ship a car from San Diego to Mobile
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,937 miles from San Diego to Mobile ranges from $1,259 to $1,892. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Mobile, AL in 3–11 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 Mobile to San Diego car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting San Diego to Mobile car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from San Diego to Mobile, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from San Diego to Mobile, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving San Diego, 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 Mobile, 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 San Diego. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Mobile will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the America's Finest City to the Port City — approximately 1,937 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 San Diego and Mobile can impact car shipping prices.
San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from San Diego to Mobile 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 1,937-mile distance between San Diego and Mobile 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 San Diego to Mobile typically takes between 3 and 11 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
San Diego to Mobile car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Diego to Mobile:
- 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 San Diego and Mobile vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
- Mobile: Make sure to check with the City of Mobile for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to the city.
Car insurance requirements
- San Diego: 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.
- Mobile: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- San Diego: 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.
- Mobile: 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.
Driver’s license
- San Diego: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Mobile: 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Mobile?
The cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Mobile, AL 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 San Diego to Mobile will range from $1,259 to $1,892.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Diego to Mobile?
It will take approximately 3–11 days to ship your car the 1,937 miles from San Diego to Mobile. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Diego to Mobile?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Diego to Mobile. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
