10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Iowa (2026 Cost Guide)
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Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick for car shipping in Iowa, chosen for its rates, reliability, and reviews. Our team rated them 4.7 out of 5 stars. Your final price depends on distance and shipping method, but the range runs from $642 to $1,364 to ship your car from Iowa.
Iowa car shipping facts
- 100% of Iowa car shipping companies 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, and Iowa has no shippers that offer it. 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's enough data to confidently point you toward the best car shipping companies near you.
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.
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
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) provides fully insured open and enclosed vehicle transport, including classic cars, motorcycles, and electric vehicles.
The company also offers international shipping, though it does not advertise discounts; it has an A+ BBB rating, while Yelp and Google ratings have yet to be established.
A potential downside for some customers is that it does not transport inoperable cars or provide expedited delivery and shipment tracking.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA, 51102
http://autotransport.company
Aaall States Transport (DOT: 2230973) provides interstate vehicle shipping with fully insured open and enclosed transport options.
The company ships classic cars, motorcycles, and trailers, and accepts credit card payments.
It does not transport inoperable vehicles, offer shipment tracking, or provide guaranteed delivery, which may be a downside for some customers.
Aaall States Transport has an A+ rating with the BBB and has 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
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA, 52241
http://nimbleinc.net
Nimble Inc (DOT: 2245757) offers interstate, fully insured open transport for classic cars, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment.
The company has a 2.0 rating on Google and has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
Some customers may find the lack of expedited delivery, enclosed transport, shipment tracking, and listed discounts to be a downside.
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) offers interstate car shipping and multi-car transport.
The company has a 5.0 Yelp rating and a 4.9 Google rating, while no BBB rating is listed.
However, it does not offer enclosed transport, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, or transport for inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some customers.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) provides interstate vehicle shipping and motorcycle transportation.
The company has a 4.9 rating on Google, while it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
However, it does not offer enclosed transport, shipment tracking, or transportation for cars that do not run, which may be a drawback for some customers.
Services Offered
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
Average cost of transporting a car out of IA
If you're moving your car from Iowa to another state, costs run between $642 and $1,364. 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): $527 - $838
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $846 - $1,186
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,168 - $1,280
Here are some estimated price ranges:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa to Georgia | $940 | $1,445 |
| Iowa to Florida | $1,162 | $1,755 |
| Iowa to Michigan | $816 | $1,152 |
| Iowa to North Carolina | $912 | $1,430 |
| Iowa to New York | $940 | $1,445 |
| Texas to Iowa | $892 | $1,441 |
| California to Iowa | $1,432 | $2,102 |
| Ohio to Iowa | $860 | $1,104 |
| Arizona to Iowa | $1,104 | $1,790 |
| Illinois to Iowa | $538 | $698 |
What affects car shipping costs from Iowa
- Your move distance: Shipping within Iowa or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
- Location: Shipping from a rural part of Iowa often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Des Moines or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
- Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Iowa cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 100% of Iowa shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Shipping options in the Hawkeye State: 100% of Iowa auto transporters offer open transport, and 66% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Iowa's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
- Gas prices: Fuel costs in Iowa factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.73 per gallon right now.
- Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
- Discounts: In Iowa, 3 companies offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. 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.
How to ship a car from Iowa
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Iowa.
- Estimate your shipping cost. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Iowa typically costs $642 - $1,364, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- Choose open vs enclosed transport. Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. This is especially relevant given Iowa's weather patterns.
- Verify MC/DOT licensing. Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes. Compare at least three of the 3 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Iowa. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
- Book an off-peak ship date. Schedule outside peak season when possible. Summer weekends and month-end dates command premium rates. For Iowa routes, expect 1 - 3 days for in-state delivery and roughly 7 - 14 days for long interstate hauls.
FAQs
Do Iowa car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or other specialty vehicles?
Yes, plenty of Iowa shippers handle specialty vehicles. 66% ship motorcycles. None ship RVs. None ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when requesting quotes.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Iowa?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Iowa depends on the services and transport type you choose, so use our car shipping calculator to compare rates for your specific move. Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best one. 3 car shippers in Iowa offer discounts like military, student, or AAA savings that can help lower your total cost.
Does weather in Iowa impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Iowa. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
How many car shipping companies operate in Iowa?
moveBuddha tracks 3 car shipping companies operating in Iowa. Comparing at least three quotes among them can help you find the best combination of price and service for your route.
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 range of services, pricing accuracy, and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
