Cost to ship a car from Madison to Birmingham
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 812 miles from Madison to Birmingham ranges from $914 to $1,384. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Birmingham, AL in 2–7 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 Madison car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Madison to Birmingham car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Madison to Birmingham, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Madison to Birmingham, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Madison, 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 Madison. 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 Mad City to the B'ham — approximately 812 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 Madison and Birmingham can impact car shipping prices.
August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.
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 Madison 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 812-mile distance between Madison 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 Madison to Birmingham typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Madison to Birmingham car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Madison to Birmingham:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Madison and Birmingham vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Madison: The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
- 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
- Madison: Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
- 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
- Madison: Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
- 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
- Madison: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
- 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 Madison to Birmingham?
The cost to ship a car from Madison, WI 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 Madison to Birmingham will range from $914 to $1,384.
How long will it take to ship my car from Madison to Birmingham?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 812 miles from Madison to Birmingham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Madison to Birmingham?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Madison to Birmingham. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
