Alabama → Florida · Interstate 65 / Interstate 20
On heavy-rain or dense-fog days the Birmingham, Alabama, to Jacksonville, Florida, leg routinely demands well more than the 8h 42m estimated: Interstate 65 / Interstate 20 carries known hydroplaning hot spots and reduced-visibility corridors that justify dropping to 35 mph through a few short stretches. The outbound run covers 683 km (424 miles) over varied topography between Birmingham (the largest city in Alabama and former steel-industry capital of the Deep South) and Jacksonville (the largest US city by area in the contiguous states and a major Atlantic naval port), demanding sharper attention on mountain descents and shoulder-less curves. Before pulling out, check brake-pad wear, tire tread depth, and washer-fluid level in the reservoir. Fuel spend holds near $57.13 for the 62.1 liters (16.4 gallons) consumed. Even in adverse conditions, the flat tariff of $0.43/km guarantees the standard outbound payout of $293.69 — log any incidental costs (extra toll, mandatory meal, emergency lodging) in a separate field on the Clara receipt.