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 like E-ZPass or similar devices, as these can be damaged during transport. Next, take out any fragile items, personal belongings, and removable accessories from both the interior and exterior of your car.

Since Alabama experiences hot summers, check your tire pressure and coolant levels before shipping. Heat can affect both, and a carrier needs your vehicle in good working condition. If your car has been sitting in coastal areas near the Gulf, rinse off any salt residue from the undercarriage and exterior—salt air can cause corrosion during transit.

Make sure you have a working key available to give to your carrier. They'll need it to move your vehicle on and off the transport truck. If your car has a custom alarm system or sensitive security features, let your carrier know in advance.

Finally, take photos of your vehicle's condition before pickup. This protects you and gives you documentation if any questions come up after delivery. For more details about the full shipping process, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it through Sakaem Logistics. Every carrier we work with is required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we assign a carrier to your shipment, we verify that their insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport in Alabama.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We've been in the car shipping business since 2017, and we take insurance verification seriously to give you peace of mind.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and carrier availability. However, Alabama's unique seasonal patterns mean timing matters even more in certain months.

Peak Seasons in Alabama: If you're shipping during summer months (June through August), book even earlier—three to four weeks ahead. Alabama's heat can affect carrier schedules, and summer is peak moving season nationwide. College move-in season (August) and move-out season (May) also see higher demand, especially near the University of Alabama and Auburn University.

Winter Considerations: While Alabama rarely gets heavy snow, occasional ice storms in December through February can delay pickups. If you're shipping during winter, allow extra buffer time—aim for three weeks rather than two.

Hurricane Season: From June through November, Gulf Coast carriers may experience delays or route changes due to hurricane activity. If you're shipping to or from coastal Alabama, schedule earlier during these months to account for potential weather-related disruptions.

The Bottom Line: Two weeks is our minimum recommendation, but three weeks gives you more flexibility and better rates. The sooner you post your shipment, the better chance carriers have to bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction, which saves you money. Don't wait until the last minute—it limits your options and typically costs more.

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 Transport is the most common and affordable option for shipping cars in Alabama. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer with other cars, exposed to the elements and road conditions. It's a reliable choice for standard vehicles and everyday cars.

Enclosed Transport keeps your car in a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and debris. This option costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but it's ideal if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or one with a custom paint job.

How to Choose: Pick open transport for most vehicles and budget-conscious shipping. Choose enclosed transport if your car needs extra protection or has significant value. Both options get your vehicle to Alabama safely, and the choice depends on your vehicle's needs and your budget.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Alabama. This means we'll pick up your vehicle from your preferred location and deliver it directly to your destination address.

When you book with us, let us know where you'd like your car picked up and dropped off. Our carriers will work to make that happen. If there are any access issues—like narrow driveways or unsafe pickup points—the carrier will contact you to arrange an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot.

Since 2012, we've been committed to giving people real value in car shipping and breaking the grip that a few large brokers had on this industry. Our highly rated reviews show we deliver on that promise, whether you're shipping across Alabama or across the country.

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!