Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL
Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL is a 689-mile southbound haul that runs through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. Allow 1–2 days after pickup, in line with roughly 14 hours of highway time. This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. In Alabama, I-65 and I-20/I-59 carry most freight, with Birmingham as the main junction. In Tennessee, I-40, I-65, I-24 and I-75 meet around Nashville and Knoxville. Illinois: I-80, I-90, I-94 and I-55 all pass through the Chicago area. Nashville (TN) sit close to the corridor, which is why trucks often add or drop vehicles there. Toll roads in Illinois and Indiana are built into carrier pricing.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Chicago. Drivers often use the O'Hare International Airport area as a staging reference. The nation's busiest rail and trucking crossroads, with I-55, I-90 and I-94 feeding most long hauls. Chicago is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through.
Delivery in Birmingham. The main approaches to Birmingham are I-20, I-59 and I-65. Birmingham sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability. Drivers often use the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport area as a staging reference.
Timing and Seasonality
Snow in the northern tier of states can push dates back from December to February; spring and fall run smoothest. Hurricane season (June to November) can pause or reroute trucks along the coast. Start getting quotes roughly two weeks ahead for a move of 689 miles. Across Illinois expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake; across Alabama, humid summers and Gulf storm risk near the coast.
What Chicago to Birmingham Costs
Current estimates put open transport for a standard sedan at $515–$760, which is about $0.93 per mile over 689 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($745–$1,100), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $575–$850. Delivery to Montgomery, 100 miles from Birmingham, would be $470–$670. For scale, Atlanta, GA to Baltimore, MD is a similar 687-mile move at $515–$755.
| Trailer | Vehicle | Estimated Cost | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $515–$760 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $575–$850 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Open | Minivan | $575–$850 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $745–$1,100 | High-value or low cars |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Be flexible on the date. A three-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading south.
- Have a storm plan. For coastal legs from June to November, agree on a backup date up front.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.