Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines, IA (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Des Moines, IA, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you’ll typically spend between and $1,397 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.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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Top car shipping companies in Des Moines, IA
Whether your car needs to be shipped around Iowa or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in Des Moines:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.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
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.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
Navi Auto Transport
https://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
SGT Auto Transport
http://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
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
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 with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although it currently has a modest Yelp rating of 2.8 and is yet to establish a presence on Google. The company offers a wide range of services, including interstate and international shipping, and specializes in transporting classic cars, motorcycles, trailers, and inoperable cars. Customers can also benefit from features like guaranteed delivery, detailed inspection reports, and tracking for peace of mind.
While Mr. Car Shipper provides secure options such as fully enclosed transport and damage-free guarantees, it does not accept cryptocurrency payments, which might be a drawback for some tech-savvy customers. Additionally, despite offering storage solutions and expedited delivery, they do not provide discounts for seniors, teachers, or military personnel.
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) is a car shipping company that provides reliable services such as international shipping, electric vehicle shipping, and the transport of multiple cars simultaneously. They offer a damage-free guarantee and detailed inspection reports to ensure peace of mind for their customers. Although they have a respectable BBB rating of A+, their lower customer ratings on Yelp and Google, standing at 2.0 and 3.0 respectively, may concern potential clients.
One possible downside is that Auto Driveaway does not accommodate cars that don’t run, which might be a disadvantage for some individuals with inoperable vehicles. For added convenience, clients benefit from services like open transport, guaranteed delivery, and shipment tracking. However, the company does not provide discounts for students, seniors, AAA members, or military personnel.
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
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. They provide classic car shipping and have options for enclosed transport, making them a good choice for vintage or luxury vehicle owners who require extra protection. Additionally, they handle motorcycle and electric vehicle shipping, catering to a diverse set of transport needs.
However, the company does not offer services for transporting inoperable cars or provide storage solutions, which may be a limitation for some customers. A A All States Auto Transport is fully insured, ensuring peace of mind for their clients, but they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. They boast a commendable A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating a strong track record for reliability and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Rush Transport Service
Rush Transport Service (DOT: 3555031) is a specialized car shipping company focusing on interstate and multi-car transport services. They boast exceptional customer satisfaction with a perfect 5.0 rating on both Yelp and Google, and they are known for their reliable service.
While they efficiently handle logistics for moving multiple cars, potential customers might find it a limitation that they do not offer services like inoperable car transport, enclosed transportation, or damage-free guarantees. Furthermore, they have yet to establish a rating on the BBB, which could be a point of consideration for some customers.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) offers car shipping services with a particular focus on transporting motorcycles across state lines. Customers can rely on their solid performance, as evidenced by the high Google rating of 4.9, although the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.
While the company does not offer inoperable car transport or enclosed transport services, which may be a downside for some clients, they maintain an active status and uphold certain standards for their operations. Despite not providing a damage-free guarantee or accepting cryptocurrency, IMT Transport RGN Yard provides essential vehicle shipping solutions for those who prioritize straightforward interstate transportation needs.
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, 3 across Iowa, and 518+ 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%), 2 in Iowa (66.67%), 494 nationwide (80.72%)
- Inoperable car transport: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 242 nationwide (39.54%)
- Multi-car shipping: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 415 nationwide (67.81%)
- Real-time tracking: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 338 nationwide (55.23%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 176 nationwide (28.76%)
| Company | Enclosed transport | Inoperable car transport | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Car Shipper | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto Driveaway | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| A A All States Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Rush Transport Service | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| IMT Transport RGN Yard | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Our team conducted a comprehensive analysis of 2,400 car shipping firms across the nation, examining and ranking them by key criteria utilizing our exclusive methodology.
We took into account the following factors:
- Service diversity: We assessed the array of services available from each company. This review included checking if they provide open, enclosed transport options, or both. Further, we looked at whether they offer door-to-door service or terminal-based delivery, and the types of vehicles they handle. Companies that cater to unique vehicles like RVs and motorcycles ranked higher than those focusing solely on cars.
- Add-on services: Companies offering premium optional services, like quick shipping, fixed pickup times, complimentary car washes, and reimbursement for rental cars, received additional points.
- Service evaluation: By analyzing comments on platforms such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot, we determined if a car shipping company upholds prompt service, good communication, and cost efficiency. We further evaluated each company’s position in the industry by validating their USDOT credentials and their engagement with trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: Our review considered how simple it is for customers to arrange services and calculate costs with clear quotes, price comparison, flat-rate pricing, and other advantages. Car shippers that offer binding estimates or guarantee prices received higher marks than those lacking transparency in their pricing.
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.
Moving your car from Des Moines, Iowa will vary but usually falls between to $1,397. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Des Moines, Iowa to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iowa to Florida | $1,020 – $1,556 |
| Iowa to Texas | $824 – $1,278 |
| Iowa to Georgia | $770 – $1,219 |
| Iowa to New York | $778 – $1,283 |
| Iowa to Arizona | $991 – $1,571 |
| California to Iowa | $1,221 – $1,920 |
| Illinois to Iowa | $428 – $577 |
| North Carolina to Iowa | $778 – $1,321 |
| Ohio to Iowa | $724 – $969 |
| Michigan to Iowa | $675 – $944 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Des Moines
As a major city, Des Moines benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Des Moines is 87, which sits close to the national average. As a result, car shipping prices here tend to align with typical market rates across the country.
- 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.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you’re moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Des Moines vs. the suburbs.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Des Moines might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Shipping method choices in Des Moines: Pick between standard open-air carriers for budget-friendly transport or enclosed trailers for extra protection against the elements. Enclosed shipping costs more but shields your car from the unexpected.
- Gas prices: The going rate for fuel in Des Moines can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Des Moines, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Severe winter snowfalls and spring thunderstorms in Des Moines, Iowa, can increase car shipping prices due to higher risks and potential delays. Hot, humid summers may also contribute to elevated rates by putting extra strain on transport equipment.
Tips for choosing the right Des Moines car shipping company
- Request quotes: Look for Des Moines companies with clear pricing so you don’t get stuck with surprise fees. In Iowa, expect to pay about $1,100 to ship a standard vehicle.
- Check insurance details: Look for companies offering strong insurance options, multiple coverage plans, and a clear claims process. Some may even provide a damage-free guarantee.
- See what others are saying: Reading real reviews from people in Des Moines will help you find trustworthy transporters and steer clear of scams.
- Vet the companies: Before booking, check the FMCSA company snapshot for USDOT numbers and compliance status.
- Compare value, not just price: Check which services are included. Sometimes, premium services are worth the added cost.
- Understand delivery timelines: Review pickup and drop-off expectations carefully. They’ll vary based on location, route, and carrier type.
- Ask about add-ons: Carriers in Des Moines may offer extras like door-to-door or expedited shipping. These can help tailor your move to your exact needs.
- Ask around: Referrals from friends, family, or coworkers in Des Moines are one of the most trusted ways to find a good shipper.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Des Moines?
Many car shipping companies in Des Moines, Iowa, provide real-time tracking. Customers can usually follow their vehicle’s journey via the company’s website or app. You can track when your vehicle departs Des Moines, its expected arrival time, and any transit delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Des Moines?
Interstate 80 runs east-west through Des Moines for coast-to-coast shipping. Interstate 35 runs north-south, connecting to Minneapolis and Dallas. Interstate 235 provides local access through central Des Moines to I-80 and I-35. Interstate 380 connects to eastern Iowa.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company’s license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT’s FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Des Moines or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Des Moines?
Most carriers won’t need an inspection to ship your car from Des Moines. However, if it’s a classic or high-value car, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Be sure to check the inspection laws of the state where you’re delivering the car, as rules differ.
Take Iowa regulations as an example. In Iowa, car owners aren’t required to have emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Des Moines?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It’s a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Des Moines to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Des Moines?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in Des Moines specializing in open carrier delivery include Mr. Car Shipper, Auto Driveaway, and A A All States Auto Transport.
Who ships classic cars out of Des Moines?
Des Moines-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include Mr. Car Shipper and A A All States Auto Transport.
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