Pallet Shipping Cost from Dothan, Alabama to Los Angeles, California

The cost to ship a car from Alabama to California on a long-distance route usually lands between $1,318 and $1,972. Your total depends on distance, time of year, and transport options. See our full pricing breakdown. To get the best price, try to book in advance and compare multiple quotes.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances (under 500 miles), but for long cross-country moves (over 1,000 miles), shipping can become comparable or even cheaper when factoring in your time, food, lodging, and significant vehicle wear-and-tear, making driving less cost-effective despite lower upfront gas costs. The decision balances direct fuel savings against the hidden costs and time commitment of a long drive, with shipping offering convenience and preserving your car's mileage and condition.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is usually open transport, where it's hauled on a multi-car trailer, and by choosing terminal-to-terminal service (dropping off/picking up at transport hubs) over door-to-door, along with booking in advance and being flexible with dates. For maximum savings, you can also consider driving it yourself if feasible, or hiring someone to drive it for you, though these have trade-offs.