Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati to Birmingham

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 464 miles from Cincinnati to Birmingham ranges from $650 to $848. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham to Cincinnati car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Cincinnati to Birmingham car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Cincinnati to Birmingham, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati. 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 Blue Chip City to the B'ham — approximately 464 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 Cincinnati and Birmingham can impact car shipping prices.

Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer 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 Cincinnati 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 464-mile distance between Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to Birmingham 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.

Cincinnati to Birmingham car shipping companies

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

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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 Cincinnati and Birmingham vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Cincinnati: Generally speaking, you'll only need to apply for a parking permit if you need to occupy a space with a "No parking" sign. Otherwise, you should check for any rules in your new building or HOA.
  • 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

  • Cincinnati: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
  • 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

  • Cincinnati: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
  • 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

  • Cincinnati: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
  • 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 Cincinnati to Birmingham?

The cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati to Birmingham will range from $650 to $848.

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

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 464 miles from Cincinnati to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Cincinnati resources