10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Iowa (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
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 $623 and $1,398 to ship your car from Iowa, though your final price will vary depending on a few different factors.
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 613 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.
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) 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
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA, 51102
http://autotransport.company
Aaall States Transport (DOT: 2230973) is an active car shipping business that provides a variety of services, including interstate transport, classic car shipping, and motorcycle transport. The company is fully insured, offering peace of mind to its customers, though it hasn't yet established ratings on Yelp and Google; however, it holds an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Despite the array of services offered, Aaall States Transport does not ship inoperable cars, which may be a limitation for some clients. Additionally, the business does not provide services like international shipping, boat shipping, or RV transport, potentially limiting broader shipping needs.
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) is an active car shipping company known for offering a range of specialized services. They provide interstate shipping and cater to classic cars, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment transport. However, they currently do not handle inoperable car transport, which may be a downside for some customers with non-running vehicles.
The company is fully insured and accepts payments by credit card, although they do not offer certain payment options such as cryptocurrency or money orders. While Nimble Inc has a Google rating of 2.0, they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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 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
Average cost of transporting a car out of IA
If you're moving your car from Iowa to another state, expect to pay between $623 and $1,398. 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): $537 and $817
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $848 and $1,092
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,156 and $1,298
Here are some estimated price ranges to give you an idea:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa to Florida | $1,285 | $1,847 |
| Iowa to Georgia | $980 | $1,535 |
| Iowa to North Carolina | $1,040 | $1,551 |
| Iowa to California | $1,553 | $2,257 |
| Iowa to Ohio | $870 | $1,248 |
| Illinois to Iowa | $561 | $787 |
| Arizona to Iowa | $1,272 | $1,978 |
| Michigan to Iowa | $894 | $1,237 |
| New York to Iowa | $950 | $1,583 |
| Texas to Iowa | $1,058 | $1,547 |
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.
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 $623–$1,398, 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 — 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
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?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
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 are not obligated to undergo 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 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.
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?
Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
