Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines, IA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: If you’re looking for an excellent car shipping company in Des Moines, IA, Sherpa Auto Transport stands out for its impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars rating, affordable rates, and lineup of services. While prices vary, you can usually expect to pay between $761 and $1,485 to ship your car from Des Moines.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Iowa car shipping guide.
Our track record
Top car shipping companies in Des Moines, IA
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Iowa, these are the best auto transport companies available in Des Moines:
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
Mr. Car Shipper
Mr. Car Shipper (DOT: 2310535) is a versatile car shipping company boasting an A+ rating from the BBB and a modest Yelp rating of 2.8. The company offers an array of services including damage-free guarantees, interstate transport, classic car shipping, enclosed transport, and detailed inspection reports.
Customers can also benefit from specialized shipments such as boat, motorcycle, trailer, and ATV shipping, with additional options for inoperable cars and expedited delivery. However, a notable downside is that Mr. Car Shipper does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which may be inconvenient for some customers.
While the company has yet to establish ratings on Google, their broad service offerings and solid BBB rating suggest reliability and customer satisfaction in the car shipping industry.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Auto Driveaway
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) offers a range of services designed to meet various car shipping needs. Customers can benefit from guaranteed delivery, damage-free guarantees, and fully insured shipments, ensuring a stress-free experience for those transporting vehicles, including electric cars and multi-car loads.
The company holds a respectable BBB rating of A+, though its Yelp and Google ratings are average at 2.0 and 3.0 respectively. Despite these ratings, the business remains active and committed to providing service excellence.
It is worth noting that Auto Driveaway does not offer shipping for classic cars or inoperable vehicles, which may be a downside for some customers looking for these specific services. Additionally, they do not provide expedited delivery or terminal-to-terminal delivery options, which might be a consideration for those needing faster or more flexible transport solutions.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Detailed Inspection Reports
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
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
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) is a car shipping company known for its reliability, boasting an impressive Google rating of 4.9. They offer interstate and motorcycle shipping services, catering to customers looking to transport various types of vehicles across state lines.
While the company is active and widely trusted, a notable downside for potential clients is that IMT Transport RGN Yard does not provide a damage-free guarantee or fully insured shipping. They also lack other key services such as enclosed transport and expedited delivery, which some customers might require.
The company has yet to establish ratings on platforms like Yelp or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Services Offered
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
Comparing Des Moines car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 0 local car shipping companies in Des Moines, 4 across Iowa, and 561+ nationwide to compare service availability and help you choose the best option for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Des Moines, across Iowa, and nationwide:
- Enclosed transport: 0 in Des Moines (0.0%), 2 in Iowa (33.33%), 526 nationwide (77.81%)
- Inoperable car transport: 0 in Des Moines (0.0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 255 nationwide (37.72%)
- Multi-car shipping: 1 in Des Moines (50.0%), 2 in Iowa (33.33%), 455 nationwide (67.31%)
- Real-time tracking: 0 in Des Moines (0.0%), 1 in Iowa (16.67%), 369 nationwide (54.59%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 0 in Des Moines (0.0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 189 nationwide (27.96%)
| Company | Enclosed transport | Inoperable car transport | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Car Shipper | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto Driveaway | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bennett Motor Express | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rush Transport Service | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| IMT Transport RGN Yard | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Average cost to ship a car out of Des Moines
With a population of 699,292 and the status of a major Iowa city, Des Moines sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Des Moines compared to smaller towns nearby.
Shipping a car out of Des Moines, Iowa usually ranges from $761 to $1,485. Your final price will depend on how far you’re going and current fuel costs.
Check out these estimated price ranges for moving a vehicle from Des Moines, Iowa to another state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iowa to Michigan | $903 – $1,249 |
| Iowa to Georgia | $1,020 – $1,631 |
| Iowa to New York | $1,010 – $1,567 |
| Iowa to North Carolina | $1,010 – $1,535 |
| Iowa to Illinois | $544 – $720 |
| Florida to Iowa | $1,285 – $1,978 |
| Ohio to Iowa | $905 – $1,210 |
| Arizona to Iowa | $1,297 – $1,828 |
| Texas to Iowa | $998 – $1,547 |
| California to Iowa | $1,538 – $2,211 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Des Moines
Car shipping from Des Moines depends on multiple factors like distance, demand, and seasonal shifts. Local conditions such as population size and cost of living can also play a role.
- Move distance: You’ll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Des Moines or within Iowa, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- Location type: It’s often pricier to transport a car out of busy downtown Des Moines compared to moves between quieter suburban neighborhoods.
- Vehicle make and condition: Smaller cars usually come with lower transport fees than big SUVs or trucks. Special vehicles like luxury and classic models from Des Moines may need custom carriers for safe loading, which raises the cost.
- Shipping options in Des Moines: Pick between standard open-air carriers, often the cheapest, or enclosed transport for added protection from weather and road debris.
- Fuel rates: Local fuel prices in Des Moines matter. Higher gas prices mean a higher bill for car shipping, especially over long distances.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Des Moines, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Weather and season: Severe weather and heavy snowfall in Des Moines can lead to delays and riskier driving conditions, often increasing car shipping prices due to higher demand and additional safety precautions.
Tips for choosing the right Des Moines car shipping company
- Get clear quotes: Get a detailed estimate from Des Moines providers. In Iowa, expect to pay about $1,100 on average.
- Review insurance options: Choose carriers that clearly explain their coverage and make it easy to file a claim. Some offer perks like a damage-free guarantee to ensure peace of mind.
- Read verified reviews: Customer stories from Des Moines give you a behind-the-scenes look at how companies actually perform.
- Vet the companies: Before booking, check the FMCSA company snapshot for USDOT numbers and compliance status.
- Know what you’re paying for: Some quotes don’t include all services. Ask if things like door-to-door delivery or insurance are baked into the price.
- Get realistic delivery dates: Good shippers will give you honest timeframes based on location, weather, and demand.
- Tailor your experience: Look for add-ons like express shipping or door delivery in Des Moines to simplify the process.
- Tap into local referrals: Ask neighbors, coworkers, or family in Des Moines who they’ve used — and what their experience was like.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
FAQ
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