10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines, IA
Fact Checked by:
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 $713 and $1,488 to ship your car from Des Moines.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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4.7 |
Best overall value |
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4.5 |
Most accurate pricing |
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4.4 |
Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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4.9 |
Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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4.4 |
Best for Damage Protection |
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Iowa car shipping guide.
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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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- 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 cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. 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
- 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
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Mr. Car Shipper
Mr. Car Shipper (DOT: 2310535) is a car shipping company providing a wide array of services, including damage-free guarantees, interstate, and international shipping. They boast an impressive Google rating of 4.6 and a top-notch BBB rating of A+, though their Yelp rating sits at 2.6, suggesting mixed customer reviews. Notably, they offer the transport of inoperable cars and classic car shipping, which are attractive to niche markets.
A downside for some customers may be the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery service. Despite this, Mr. Car Shipper ensures fully insured shipments with detailed inspection reports, offering peace of mind to their clients. While they don't accept cryptocurrency or offer senior discounts, their extensive service range makes them a solid choice for many vehicle shipping needs.
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
3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE, 68134
http://autodriveaway.com
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) is a car shipping company offering a range of services to meet diverse customer needs, including interstate and international shipping, damage-free guarantees, and transport for electric vehicles. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is bolstered by their fully insured services and guaranteed delivery. Despite these strengths, they do not offer shipping for inoperable cars, which could be a limitation for some customers.
The company holds an A+ rating with the BBB, indicating a strong commitment to reliability, but their Yelp and Google ratings are lower, at 2.0 and 3.0 respectively, suggesting a mixed customer experience. While they provide convenient payment options, including credit card payments, discounts for groups like seniors and military personnel are not available, which may impact budget-conscious clients.
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
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA, 51102
http://autotransport.company
A A All States Auto Transport (DOT: 2230973) offers a variety of specialized services such as classic car shipping and enclosed transport. They are fully insured and provide the capability to handle international shipping and electric vehicle transport. The company has earned an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
While A A All States Auto Transport provides diverse services, they do not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or transport for cars that don't run, which could be a disadvantage for some customers looking for these specific options.
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 car shipping company known for facilitating interstate vehicle transport and handling multiple-car shipments effectively. Despite these convenient offerings, they do not provide services for cars that don't run or motorcycles, which could be a downside for some customers needing more specialized transportation.
Their reputation is marked by exceptional ratings, with a perfect score of 5.0 on both Yelp and Google. However, they have yet to establish a rating with the Better Business Bureau. Overall, Rush Transport Service is a reliable option for customers looking to move multiple cars across state lines while valuing customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) provides specialized car shipping services and currently holds an impressive Google rating of 4.9. Although the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the BBB, they are noted for their motorcycle shipping capabilities, making them a good choice for motorbike transport needs.
One potential downside is that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers looking for extra assurance during transport. Additionally, they do not provide services like terminal-to-terminal delivery or inoperable car transport. Despite this, their active status and focused service offerings can still meet specific transportation needs.
Services Offered
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
Comparing Des Moines, IA 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%), 495 nationwide (80.75%)
- Inoperable car transport: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 242 nationwide (39.48%)
- Multi-car shipping: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 415 nationwide (67.7%)
- Real-time tracking: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 338 nationwide (55.14%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 176 nationwide (28.71%)
| 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 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Des Moines, IA
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 $713 and $1,488. 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 North Carolina | $1,040 - $1,551 |
| Iowa to Michigan | $911 - $1,164 |
| Iowa to New York | $980 - $1,567 |
| Iowa to Arizona | $1,260 - $1,922 |
| Iowa to Illinois | $561 - $780 |
| Florida to Iowa | $1,210 - $1,828 |
| Ohio to Iowa | $888 - $1,210 |
| Georgia to Iowa | $990 - $1,583 |
| California to Iowa | $1,569 - $2,211 |
| Texas to Iowa | $1,058 - $1,547 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Des Moines, IA
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: Demand-driven price swings are common in auto transport — summer and month-end dates cost more due to high volume. Booking early or in the off-season can help keep costs down.
How to ship a car from Des Moines, IA
Use this Des Moines-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper.
- Confirm your route from Des Moines — Confirm whether you are shipping within Iowa or to another state. Local and regional routes from Des Moines are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
- Factor in Des Moines market conditions — Des Moines is a major metro with more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. The cost-of-living index is 87 (100 = national average).
- Compare national and local carriers — Compare national auto transport partners with the local Des Moines shippers listed on this page. National carriers often cover long interstate routes, while local companies may offer faster pickup in the Des Moines metro.
- Pick open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the budget option for standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need extra protection during loading and transit.
- Verify MC/DOT registration — Ask for each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Get 3+ quotes and schedule off-peak — Request written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator. Book off-peak when possible — summer and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. Des Moines's summer highs reach 86°F, which can slow loading and raise peak-season demand. Winter lows around 13°F can delay pickup; confirm your carrier's weather policy before booking a winter ship date.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Des Moines?
Many car shipping companies in Des Moines, Iowa offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves Des Moines, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
Is it cheaper to ship a car from a big city like Des Moines?
In many cases, yes. Des Moines is a major city with more car shipping carriers, which usually means lower prices and faster pickup times due to high demand and route density.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Des Moines?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Des Moines follow the major interstate corridors running through Iowa. Carriers on high-traffic routes between large metros generally offer faster transit times and better pricing than those on less-traveled roads. Ask your carrier which interstates they use and whether your destination falls on a primary or secondary route.
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 don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Des Moines. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take Iowa regulations as an example. In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo 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.
