North Carolina to Iowa Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,063 miles from North Carolina to Iowa ranges from $960 to $1,631 and takes 2–8 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to North Carolina car shipping guide.
North Carolina to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in North Carolina and Iowa. The average travel distance is about 1,063 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 2 to 8 days.
Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Des Moines, IA | 1,059 miles | $1,039–$1,584 | 2–8 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | 971 miles | $1,027–$1,623 | 2–7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Davenport, IA | 891 miles | $946–$1,500 | 2–7 days |
| Durham, NC to Norwalk, IA | 1,071 miles | $1,000–$1,663 | 2–8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Boone, IA | 1,085 miles | $950–$1,504 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Des Moines, IA | 1,102 miles | $1,067–$1,721 | 2–8 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | 1,011 miles | $1,029–$1,600 | 2–8 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Davenport, IA | 931 miles | $1,038–$1,485 | 2–7 days |
| Durham, NC to Norwalk, IA | 1,110 miles | $1,110–$1,704 | 2–8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Boone, IA | 1,125 miles | $1,024–$1,620 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Greensboro, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Des Moines, IA | 1,023 miles | $940–$1,584 | 2–8 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | 936 miles | $978–$1,485 | 2–7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Davenport, IA | 856 miles | $993–$1,423 | 2–7 days |
| Durham, NC to Norwalk, IA | 1,037 miles | $1,000–$1,647 | 2–8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Boone, IA | 1,050 miles | $1,039–$1,647 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Durham, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Des Moines, IA | 1,075 miles | $980–$1,615 | 2–8 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | 989 miles | $954–$1,589 | 2–7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Davenport, IA | 909 miles | $998–$1,456 | 2–7 days |
| Durham, NC to Norwalk, IA | 1,088 miles | $980–$1,647 | 2–8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Boone, IA | 1,102 miles | $1,078–$1,620 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Des Moines, IA | 999 miles | $984–$1,557 | 2–7 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | 912 miles | $1,038–$1,456 | 2–7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Davenport, IA | 832 miles | $958–$1,508 | 2–7 days |
| Durham, NC to Norwalk, IA | 1,011 miles | $990–$1,536 | 2–8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Boone, IA | 1,025 miles | $1,019–$1,647 | 2–8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina to Iowa
Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from North Carolina to Iowa you should expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,039.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from North Carolina to Iowa
When transporting your vehicle from the Tar Heel State to the Hawkeye State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The journey from North Carolina to Iowa spans approximately 1,063 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of North Carolina, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between North Carolina and Iowa and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from North Carolina to Iowa should take between 2 and 8 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best North Carolina to Iowa car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from North Carolina to Iowa:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from North Carolina to Iowa
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,063 miles on your car going from North Carolina to Iowa. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from North Carolina to Iowa for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from North Carolina to Iowa?
- Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from North Carolina
Over 39 million people call North Carolina home. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State, North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 22 million people are living in the Hawkeye State of Iowa. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in North Carolina and when dropping off my car in Iowa?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in North Carolina and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Carolina to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Carolina to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in North Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Carolina to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Carolina to Iowa is about 1063 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take 2-8 days to travel from North Carolina to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in North Carolina, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in North Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from North Carolina to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both North Carolina and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
