Cost to ship a car from Raleigh to Birmingham
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 553 miles from Raleigh to Birmingham ranges from $676 to $969. 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 Raleigh car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Raleigh to Birmingham car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Raleigh to Birmingham, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Raleigh to Birmingham, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Raleigh, 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 Raleigh. 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 City of Oaks to the B'ham — approximately 553 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 Raleigh and Birmingham can impact car shipping prices.
The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
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 Raleigh 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 553-mile distance between Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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.
Raleigh to Birmingham car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Raleigh 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 Raleigh and Birmingham vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Raleigh: Raleigh's website doesn't specifically say that you need a parking permit but they do have rules on loading zones. Be sure to check directly with the City of Raleigh to ensure that you have what you need for your move. It's also a good idea to check directly with any neighborhood, HOA, or building regulations that may affect your move.
- 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
- Raleigh: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Raleigh: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
- 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
- Raleigh: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
- 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 Raleigh to Birmingham?
The cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh to Birmingham will range from $676 to $969.
How long will it take to ship my car from Raleigh to Birmingham?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 553 miles from Raleigh to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Raleigh to Birmingham?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Raleigh to Birmingham. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
