Alabama Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Alabama is straightforward. Start by removing any toll transponders, such as those used on Alabama's toll roads. Remove all fragile items, personal belongings, and loose accessories from inside and outside your vehicle—these can shift during transport and get damaged.

Make sure you have a key available to give to the carrier. This is essential so they can move your vehicle if needed during loading and unloading.

Since Alabama experiences hot summers, check your tire pressure and coolant levels before shipping. High heat can affect both, and you want your vehicle in good condition when it arrives. If your car has any exterior accessories like roof racks, bike racks, or spoilers that could be damaged in transit, consider removing them.

Clean your vehicle inside and out so the carrier can document its condition accurately. Take photos of your car before pickup—this protects you and creates a clear record of any pre-existing damage.

Finally, make sure your battery has enough charge and your fuel tank is no more than a quarter full. This keeps your vehicle safe and ready for transport.

For more details, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide on preparing your car for shipping.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it through Sakaem Logistics. All carriers in our network are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. This means your car is protected during transport.

Before we assign a carrier to your shipment, we verify that their insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport. This extra step ensures you have real protection from the moment your vehicle is picked up until it reaches its destination in Alabama.

We've been helping people ship their cars since 2012, and we take insurance seriously because we know how important your vehicle is to you. Our carriers are held to these standards across every shipment, so you can ship with confidence.

We recommend scheduling your car pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for Alabama shipments. This gives carriers time to bundle your vehicle with others heading in the same direction, which helps keep costs down.

Alabama-specific timing considerations:

Summer heat (June-September): Alabama's hot, humid summers can affect carrier schedules. Carriers sometimes adjust routes to avoid peak heat hours, so booking early gives you better availability. Plan ahead if you're shipping during summer months.

Hurricane season (June-November): Since Alabama borders the Gulf Coast, hurricane season can cause delays and route changes. If you're shipping during this period, book earlier—ideally three to four weeks out—so carriers can adjust schedules before storms impact the roads.

Holiday periods (November-December): Thanksgiving and Christmas create heavy traffic throughout Alabama and on major interstates. Book at least three weeks ahead if you're shipping during these months.

College move periods: Alabama has major universities like University of Alabama and Auburn University. August and May see increased shipping demand as students move. If your shipment aligns with these periods, schedule earlier to secure a carrier.

Military PCS moves: Fort Rucker and Maxwell Air Force Base drive relocations, especially in summer. Plan ahead during typical PCS season (May-August).

Winter weather: While Alabama rarely gets heavy snow, occasional ice storms can cause brief delays. Winter bookings (December-February) don't require as much lead time as northern states, but two weeks is still smart.

The bottom line: Book as soon as you know your shipping date. Two weeks is our minimum, but three weeks gives you the best options and pricing, especially during peak seasons.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: What's the Difference?

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport uses an open trailer that exposes your vehicle to weather and road debris. It's the most affordable option and works well for most everyday cars. Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from rain, dirt, and debris during transit.

When to choose open transport: If you're shipping a standard sedan, truck, or SUV in good condition, open transport is a practical choice. You save money without sacrificing safety—your vehicle still arrives in the same condition it left.

When to choose enclosed transport: Choose this option if you're shipping a classic car, luxury vehicle, custom paint job, or any car you want extra protection for. The added cost is worth the peace of mind for high-value vehicles.

The cost difference: Enclosed transport typically costs 50% to 100% more than open transport, depending on distance and vehicle size. The price difference reflects the extra equipment and limited trailer space.

At Sakaem Logistics, we've been helping people get real value from their shipping decisions since 2012. We'll help you pick the right option for your vehicle and budget—no pressure, no upsell.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Alabama. When you book with us, we'll ask for your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations whenever possible.

We're transparent about the process: sometimes, due to road conditions, driveway access, or safety concerns, the carrier may need to deliver to a nearby alternative location like a gas station or parking lot. If this happens, we'll work with you beforehand to find a solution that works.

Since 2012, we've been committed to breaking the monopoly of large brokers and helping people get real value when shipping their cars. Our highly rated reviews show we deliver on that promise—we handle your vehicle with care and communicate clearly every step of the way.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!