Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids to Birmingham
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 736 miles from Grand Rapids to Birmingham ranges from $818 to $1,117. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Birmingham, AL in 1–6 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 Birmingham to Grand Rapids car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Grand Rapids to Birmingham car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Grand Rapids to Birmingham, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Grand Rapids to Birmingham, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Grand Rapids, 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 Birmingham, 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 Grand Rapids. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Birmingham will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the GR to the B'ham — approximately 736 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 Grand Rapids and Birmingham can impact car shipping prices.
August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Grand Rapids to Birmingham 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 736-mile distance between Grand Rapids and Birmingham 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 Grand Rapids to Birmingham typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Grand Rapids to Birmingham car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Grand Rapids to Birmingham:
- 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 Grand Rapids and Birmingham vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Grand Rapids: The City requires that you apply for a Temporary Occupancy Permit. With this permit you will gain permission to temporarily close the needed area of the right-of-way. Be sure to clarify any questions with the City Government by contacting them ahead of time at 311 or 616-456-3000 or [email protected].
- 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.
Car insurance requirements
- Grand Rapids: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
- 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Grand Rapids: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- 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.
Driver’s license
- Grand Rapids: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
- 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids to Birmingham?
The cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Birmingham, 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 Grand Rapids to Birmingham will range from $818 to $1,117.
How long will it take to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Birmingham?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 736 miles from Grand Rapids to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Birmingham?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Grand Rapids to Birmingham. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
