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Route guide · CA → AL
Car shipping from California to Alabama
Car transport from California to Alabama runs 2,130 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Los Angeles to Huntsville costs about $1,200–$1,700 on an open carrier and $1,775–$2,550 in an enclosed trailer, with 5–8 days in transit. It ranks #168 among the 250 busiest car-shipping lanes, based on Census moving data.
- Open carrier, sedan
- $1,450
- Road miles
- 2,130
- Days in transit
- 5–8
- People moving a year
- 6.0K
- Companies at both ends
- 102
City to city
Cost to ship a car from California to Alabama, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose and Huntsville, Mobile, Birmingham and Montgomery — 2,010 to 2,480 road miles apart.
| From | Huntsville | Mobile | Birmingham | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,200–$1,7002,130 mi · 5–8 days | $1,175–$1,7002,100 mi · 5–8 days | $1,200–$1,7002,130 mi · 5–8 days | $1,200–$1,7252,190 mi · 5–8 days |
| San Francisco | $1,275–$1,8252,390 mi · 5–9 days | $1,275–$1,8252,410 mi · 5–9 days | $1,275–$1,8252,410 mi · 5–9 days | $1,300–$1,8502,480 mi · 5–9 days |
| San Diego | $1,175–$1,6752,060 mi · 5–8 days | $1,150–$1,6502,010 mi · 5–8 days | $1,175–$1,6752,060 mi · 5–8 days | $1,175–$1,7002,110 mi · 5–8 days |
| San Jose | $1,250–$1,7752,310 mi · 5–8 days | $1,250–$1,8002,330 mi · 5–9 days | $1,250–$1,8002,330 mi · 5–9 days | $1,275–$1,8252,400 mi · 5–9 days |
Estimate, not a quote
A pickup or delivery far from these metros usually adds $75–$150. Quotes move with fuel prices and truck space, so treat these as a yardstick. Price your own addresses →
By vehicle
Price by vehicle type
Los Angeles to Huntsville, 2,130 miles. Bigger and heavier vehicles take more room and weight on the trailer, so they cost more.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan or small car | $1,200–$1,700 | $1,775–$2,550 |
| Midsize SUV or crossover | $1,325–$1,900 | $2,000–$2,875 |
| Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition) | $1,500–$2,125 | $2,225–$3,200 |
| Pickup truck | $1,550–$2,225 | $2,325–$3,325 |
| Motorcycle | $725–$1,025 | $1,075–$1,525 |
By month
Best time to ship
Prices on this lane peak in June–August (the summer moving peak), running about 8% above the quietest months. The cheapest time to ship from California to Alabama is January–May and September–November.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cheapest: about $1,450 Peak: about $1,575
About this route
Why so many cars go from California to Alabama
About 6,033 people moved from California to Alabama in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (4,921 in 2023, 7,145 in 2024). That is 0.9% of everyone who left California for another state.
Traffic is lopsided: only about 1,782 people a year go the other way, Alabama to California. Trucks heading into Alabama fill up quickly, so pickups are usually fast — but carriers have less reason to discount in peak months.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,450, shipping from California to Alabama costs more than sending a car to Illinois ($1,425) and Wisconsin ($1,425) but less than to Kentucky ($1,475) and Georgia ($1,500). That works out to about 68¢ a mile — long hauls cost less per mile because loading and paperwork are spread over more distance.
Distance and transit time
At roughly 2,130 road miles, Los Angeles to Huntsville is a cross-country haul. Federal hours-of-service rules cap truck drivers at 11 hours behind the wheel a day, so plan on 5–8 days in transit once the car is loaded. The car heads east and crosses 2 time zones — from Pacific to Central time — so confirm whether the delivery window you are given is in local time.
On the road
- Trucks usually take the southern route across the desert Southwest, which stays open all winter — one reason this lane runs on schedule year-round.
Companies
Car transport companies from California to Alabama
Companies headquartered at either end of the route usually run this lane often. Filter by services, company type and safety record — every listing is matched to its FMCSA record.
- Pickup end California 88 companies · 67 carriers · 24 brokers · 1,921 trucks · 12 yrs avg.
- Delivery end Alabama 14 companies · 14 carriers · 0 brokers · 33 trucks · 11 yrs avg.
Each move is unique, factoring in variables like size, distance, and more. Moreover, each auto transport company or moving firm has its distinct pricing and…
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Auto Express Inc. started in Long Island, NY—a market most drivers avoided. We fearlessly traversed the entire country, accustomed to every challenge we faced…
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in North Hollywood, California, BAH Logistics LLC is a federally licensed auto transport broker. We connect customers with a…
In 2004, Direct Express Auto Transport changed the vehicle logistics industry forever. Before we launched, getting a car shipping quote meant hours of phone…
San Jose auto transport broker operating as CarHauler247, with instant online quotes and booking.
LISCA Auto Transport is your trusted nationwide shipping solution. We specialize in transporting cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and RVs safely and…
We are a family owned and operated business. Our goal is to get your vehicle to its destination safely and on time. With our several years of pertinence we…
Relocate with ease! Moveauto transports vehicles across North America for individuals, families, and businesses. With 30 years of experience, you can trust us…
At Nationwide United Auto Transport our goal is simple, provide fast, safe and reliable vehicle transport.
Revoway was founded for one reason: to revolutionize the industry and address existing gaps. Committed to constant growth, we have developed outstanding and…
At Send It Car Shippers, we offer a diverse range of auto transport services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our comprehensive vehicle…
Shelby Auto Transport – the difference. In an industry as expansive as auto transport, a company’s reputation isn’t just built on efficiency but on a deeper…
Tempus Logix has a vast network of mandatory insured and bonded carriers with whom we continually work.
Cross-border car shipping between the USA and Canada with customs handling, in business since 1985.
H&
Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Inc
FMCSA verifiedLarge Los Alamitos, CA auto carrier with 30+ years of experience, moving new and remarketed vehicles coast to coast.
DA
Deluxe Auto Carriers
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California car carrier in the Proficient Auto Logistics group, moving finished vehicles to dealerships.
DA
DBN Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedWoman-owned Anaheim car carrier established in 2012, with soft-tie trailers and camera/GPS on every truck.
QC
Quality Car Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned Murrieta, CA car carrier serving dealers, rental companies, auctions and OEMs across the lower 48.
AL
Auto Line Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedGardena, CA car carrier moving thousands of finished vehicles a year across the U.S. and Canada since 2013.
IL
Intercity Lines, Inc
FMCSA verifiedAP
A Plus Auto Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedLicensed and bonded auto carrier from the Phoenix and Palm Desert area shipping cars and trucks nationwide.
AS
All Star Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedChino, California auto carrier moving vehicles in California and Texas since 2005.
CA
CA Auto Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California motor carrier shipping vehicles on its own trucks, coast to coast and within California.
GK
Golden Key Express
FMCSA verifiedLS
Lucky Star Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned San Jose car carrier offering open, door-to-door auto transport nationwide since 2012.
AC
ABC Car Shipping
FMCSA verifiedAt ABC Car Shipping, our objective is to make safe vehicle shipments across the U.S. affordable to everyone, regardless of their location or shipping distances
AW
All Wheelz Transport, INC.
FMCSA verifiedAA
American Auto Line
FMCSA verifiedCalifornia auto transport broker with 15+ years of experience, pairing customers with vetted carriers.
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Related routes
Nearby alternatives
Moving close to Alabama but not into it — or coming from somewhere near California? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
From California to states near Alabama
To Alabama from states near California
FAQ
California to Alabama car shipping: questions
Numbers on this page come from our price model, Census moving data and Alabama's DMV.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Alabama?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $1,200–$1,700 from Los Angeles to Huntsville (2,130 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $1,150–$1,850. An SUV costs about $1,325–$1,900, a pickup $1,550–$2,225, and an enclosed trailer $1,775–$2,550 for a sedan.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Alabama?
Transit is usually 5–8 days after pickup for the 2,130-mile trip from Los Angeles to Huntsville. Getting the car picked up takes another 1–5 days on a standard booking; expedited pickup within 1–2 days costs about 30% more.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car from California to Alabama?
January–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in June–August, up to about 8% more. Whatever the month, a flexible pickup date booked 2–3 weeks out gets the best price.
How soon do I have to register my car in Alabama after moving?
Alabama requires new residents to register within 30 days of becoming a resident. The 30 days run from the date the car enters Alabama; penalties start on day 31.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from California to Alabama?
Driving 2,130 miles takes about 5 days: roughly $270 in gas and 4 nights of hotels and meals (about $560). Shipping a sedan costs about $1,200–$1,700. Add wear on the car and 5 days off work, and the two come out close.
Which car shipping companies go from California to Alabama?
Our directory lists 88 companies based in California and 14 based in Alabama, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 190 that ship nationwide.