Cost to ship a car from Norfolk to Birmingham

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 713 miles from Norfolk to Birmingham ranges from $877 to $1,303. 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 Norfolk car shipping guide.

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We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Norfolk to Birmingham car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Norfolk to Birmingham, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Norfolk, 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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk to the B'ham — approximately 713 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 Norfolk and Birmingham can impact car shipping prices.

If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January 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 Norfolk 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 713-mile distance between Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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.

Norfolk to Birmingham car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Norfolk and Birmingham vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Norfolk: Norfolk City has a parking regulation. Make sure to get a Residential Parking Permit (RPP) that are available to residents and commercial businesses located within the zoned residential districts of Norfolk. Visit their website to know more: https://www.norfolk.gov/4435/Purchase-Residential-Districts-Parking-P
  • 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

  • Norfolk: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
  • 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

  • Norfolk: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
  • 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

  • Norfolk: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
  • 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 Norfolk to Birmingham?

The cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA 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 Norfolk to Birmingham will range from $877 to $1,303.

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

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 713 miles from Norfolk to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Norfolk resources