Best Car Shipping Companies in Iowa (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Sherpa Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Iowa, giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars. While there are several factors that will impact cost, the average range is between $726 to $1,347 to ship your car out of Iowa.
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Key takeaways
- 78.2% of auto transport companies in Iowa provide open transport, which is not only the most popular way to ship a car but also the most budget-friendly.
- Guaranteed delivery slots are rare—only 24% of Iowa car shippers offer this service. If you’re on a tight schedule, check out Sherpa Auto Transport for reliable guaranteed delivery.
Our track record
Best car shipping companies in Iowa
We’ve logged over 400 hours researching the ins and outs of vehicle shipping—including gathering real pricing quotes—so you can count on our recommendations for the most reliable car shipping companies. Our data stays fresh and unbiased, so you always get the latest info.
If you’re looking to ship a car from Des Moines or anywhere else in Iowa, check out our top car shipping picks below:
Sherpa Auto Transport
sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Nexus Auto Transport
nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Montway Auto Transport
montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Navi Auto Transport
naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Bennett Motor Express
Bennett Motor Express (DOT: 92693) specializes in various car shipping services, including interstate transport, international shipping, and expedited delivery. They also handle motorcycle, trailer, RV, and heavy equipment shipping, ensuring flexibility for different types of vehicle transport needs. They boast a strong Google rating of 4.6 but have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
Although Bennett Motor Express provides comprehensive shipment tracking and detailed inspection reports, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a downside for some customers. Additionally, they do not cater to the transport of inoperable cars or offer enclosed transport options, which could be a consideration for those with specific shipping requirements.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Detailed Inspection Reports
A A All States Auto Transport
A A All States Auto Transport (DOT: 2230973) is a car shipping company that offers a range of specialized services including classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, electric vehicle shipping, and both open and enclosed transport options. They are fully insured and do not require a deposit, which can be advantageous for customers looking for a hassle-free experience.
However, one downside is that they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or shipment tracking, which may be a concern for some clients. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google but boasts an impressive BBB rating of A+.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Aaall States Transport
Aaall States Transport (DOT: 2230973) is a car shipping company that offers a range of specialized transport services, including enclosed transport for high-end vehicles, classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and trailer shipping. Despite these strengths, the company does not provide transport for cars that don’t run, which may be a downside for some customers.
Aaall States Transport is fully insured, does not require a deposit, and accepts credit card payments. However, they do not offer storage solutions or international shipping. The company boasts a BBB rating of A+, although they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Nimble Inc
Nimble Inc (DOT: 2245757) is an active car shipping company that offers various specialized transport services, including classic car shipping, heavy equipment shipping, and electric vehicle shipping. With fully insured service, customers can feel secure that their vehicles are protected during transit.
However, the company does not provide services for inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some customers. The business is yet to establish its ratings on Yelp and BBB, but it has a modest Google rating of 2.0, indicating room for improvement in customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Rush Transport Service
Rush Transport Service (DOT: 3555031) is a car shipping company known for its commitment to quality service. Despite not offering a damage-free guarantee or shipping for inoperable cars, they ensure efficient interstate transport and are capable of managing multiple car shipments simultaneously.
Although they don’t provide certain specialized services such as classic car shipping or motorcycle transportation, Rush Transport Service has received excellent feedback, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating on both Yelp and Google. However, the company has yet to establish a rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
Local car shippers in Iowa cities
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
Average cost of transporting a car out of IA
The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in Iowa is about $1,062 but the exact amount you pay could be more or less, depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
For example:
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $380 to $878
- Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $607 to $959
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $759 to $1,319
Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Hawkeye State:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa to Michigan | $885 | $1,152 |
| Iowa to California | $1,631 | $2,188 |
| Iowa to North Carolina | $990 | $1,679 |
| Iowa to Arizona | $1,285 | $1,960 |
| Iowa to Illinois | $566 | $765 |
| New York to Iowa | $1,050 | $1,663 |
| Ohio to Iowa | $879 | $1,198 |
| Texas to Iowa | $967 | $1,516 |
| Georgia to Iowa | $950 | $1,663 |
| Florida to Iowa | $1,235 | $1,809 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Iowa:
- Your move distance: Distance is key. Shipping your car within Iowa or to neighboring states is generally more affordable than longer treks across the country.
- Location: Whether you’re shipping from bustling Des Moines to a quieter Iowa town or out of state, location impacts cost. Urban areas might offer competitive rates, while remote Iowa locales could add to the bill.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle matter. Compact cars are usually cheaper to ship, but if you’re transporting a classic car from the heart of Iowa, prepare for a higher quote due to the extra care required.
- Shipping options in the Hawkeye State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is more budget-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for Iowa’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Gas prices: Fluctuating fuel costs can affect your overall cost. Iowa’s current gas prices might sway your shipping costs, especially for longer distances.
- Delivery time frame: You’ll ultimately pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Discounts: Some Iowa auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Iowa car shipping routes.
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