Shipping Cost from Chicago, Illinois to Birmingham

It's usually cheaper to drive for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, shipping can become competitive or even cheaper when you factor in the "hidden" costs of driving (gas, hotels, food, wear-and-tear) versus the upfront shipping fee, especially if you're moving with others or have an unreliable car.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is usually open transport on a multi-car carrier, exposing your vehicle to the elements but costing significantly less than enclosed shipping. To save more, choose terminal-to-terminal service, be flexible with dates, book in advance, and compare quotes from multiple carriers like Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, or Ship a Car Direct.

Generally, shipping a car by train is cheaper than by truck, especially for long distances (over 500 miles) and major routes, due to rail's higher capacity and lower cost-per-mile, but trucks offer door-to-door convenience and faster transit, while trains have limited routes and require station drop-off/pickup. For specific, popular corridors like the Amtrak Auto Train, it's very affordable and offers enclosed transport, but truck transport provides more flexibility for varied locations.