Best Car Shipping Companies in Iowa (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick for car shipping in Iowa thanks to their competitive rates, reliable services, and impressive reviews. We rated them 4.7 out of 5 stars. Expect to pay between $761 and $1,265 to ship your car from Iowa, though your final price will vary depending on a few different factors.
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Iowa Car Shipping Facts
- 100% of Iowa auto transport providers rely on open transport, making it the go-to and most economical choice.
- Enclosed transport is available from 66% of car shipping companies in Iowa.
- Just 28% of car shippers nationwide guarantee delivery dates. For reliable scheduling, check out Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
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
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Iowa
We’ve carefully reviewed 612 car shippers across the U.S., dedicating more than 400 hours to comparing services, quotes, and availability. Among them are 3 car shippers operating within Iowa. That effort allows us to recommend the best car shipping companies near you with accuracy and confidence.
If you need to ship a car out of Des Moines or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in Iowa:
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
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
Aaall States Transport
Aaall States Transport (DOT: 2230973) is a car shipping company dedicated to providing reliable services such as interstate shipping and motorcycle transport. They cater to classic car enthusiasts with their offering of dedicated classic car shipping and ensure vehicles are fully insured during transit. Unfortunately, the company does not facilitate the transport of inoperable vehicles, which may be a limitation for some customers.
The business also offers options like open and enclosed transport, giving customers flexibility based on their preferences. Although Aaall States Transport holds an A+ rating from the BBB, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. Potential clients should consider these factors when deciding if this service meets their needs.
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 a car shipping company that provides a variety of transportation services, including classic car shipping, open transport, and heavy equipment shipping. They are fully insured and capable of transporting electric vehicles. Although Nimble Inc does not offer damage-free guarantees or expedited delivery, they are notable for not requiring a deposit, which could be appealing to some customers. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, but they have a Google rating of 2.0, which suggests potential areas 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 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
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
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
- Standard services: We assessed the range and type of services offered by each company. This includes determining if they provide options for open or enclosed transport, or both. We also evaluated companies on whether they offer door-to-door delivery versus only terminal pickup and the range of vehicles they can ship. Those capable of transporting RVs, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles received higher scores than those limited to standard car shipping.
- Optional service enhancements: Extra points were given to companies that offer special optional services, including fast-track shipping, reliable pickup appointments, car cleaning services, and coverage for rental vehicles.
- Customer satisfaction: We looked into customer opinions on major platforms such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to assess if car shipping companies execute services punctually, communicate clearly, and adhere to the estimated price. In addition, we gauged each company’s industry reputation by validating their USDOT license and inspecting their association with and reputation among trade bodies.
- Availability: Points were assigned to companies according to their service territories. Companies extending their services to both Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the continental U.S., fared better in scoring than those restricted to the Lower 48 or fewer areas.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
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
Average cost of transporting a car out of IA
If you’re moving your car from Iowa to another state, expect to pay around $1,214. Your actual price might be higher or lower based on things like the transport distance and whether you pick open or enclosed shipping.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $551 and $849
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $868 and $1,127
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,127 and $1,336
Here are some estimated price ranges to give you an idea:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa to Ohio | $740 | $951 |
| Iowa to Illinois | $444 | $612 |
| Iowa to North Carolina | $802 | $1,245 |
| Iowa to California | $1,271 | $1,792 |
| Iowa to New York | $778 | $1,283 |
| Arizona to Iowa | $1,040 | $1,526 |
| Florida to Iowa | $1,010 | $1,436 |
| Georgia to Iowa | $754 | $1,232 |
| Michigan to Iowa | $675 | $944 |
| Texas to Iowa | $808 | $1,204 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Iowa:
- Mileage matters: The farther your car needs to travel, the more you’ll pay. Moving your ride within Iowa or nearby states usually costs less than shipping it across the country.
- Location: City versus country makes a difference. Moving your car from busy Des Moines or major hubs tends to be less expensive, while pick-ups or drop-offs in remote parts of Iowa can bump up your costs.
- 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 type: You can choose between open-air (more budget-friendly) or enclosed carriers, which are great if you want extra weather protection for your car at a higher cost. Consider what works best for unpredictable Iowa conditions.
- Fuel costs: Gas prices are always shifting, so longer moves within or out of Iowa can become pricier if fuel costs spike.
- Delivery speed: Need your car by a certain date? Expedited or guaranteed delivery options come with added costs, so plan ahead if you’re watching your budget.
- Discounts: Many Iowa auto shippers offer deals for military members, students, and customers moving more than one vehicle. Check out our discount guide for all the ways to save.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Iowa car shipping routes.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Iowa?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Iowa, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Iowa?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Iowa will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in Iowa, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Iowa?
If you move to Iowa and have an out-of-state license, you need to get an Iowa license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Go to the DMV with your old license, as you will have to give it up for the new one.
Do Iowa car shippers offer discounts?
In Iowa, there are no car shippers that provide law enforcement discounts. There are no car shippers in Iowa that provide military discounts. Students won’t find shipping discounts from any car shippers in Iowa. AAA members won’t find rebate programs from car shippers in Iowa.
Does Iowa require a vehicle inspection?
In Iowa, car owners aren’t required to have emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Does weather in Iowa impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Iowa. Iowa experiences a humid continental climate. Snow often falls across the state. Spring marks the start of severe weather. Iowa sees around 50 days of thunderstorms each year and has a tornado season. Summers are hot and humid. Before moving, especially in spring, check the weather conditions.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Iowa?
Car shipping delivery times within Iowa are influenced by both the distance and the chosen path. For shipments within the state, you can usually anticipate delivery within one to three days. For extended routes that span several states, particularly coast-to-coast journeys, it tends to take around seven to 14 days.
These time frames can be impacted by factors like traffic, the weather in Iowa, and the precise points of departure and arrival. To get the most accurate estimation, it’s best to discuss with your shipping provider how these variables might affect your situation.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in Iowa?
In Iowa, you must have liability insurance. It should cover $20,000 for injuries or death to one person, $40,000 for injuries or death to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage in a crash.
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