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Best Iowa Car Shipping Companies (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Sherpa Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Iowa, giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars.

4.5 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Ships inoperable vehicles
  • Clean Car Guarantee
4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV
  • Easy online booking
4.4 / 5
  • Services all 50 states
  • Ships most vehicles
  • Discounts available

Key takeaways

  • While there are several factors that influence the cost of transporting your vehicle, the average cost of shipping your car out of Iowa ranges from $607 to $1,181.
  • 78.6% of Iowa auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most common (and cheapest) method of shipping your vehicle out of state.
  • Only 23% of car shipping companies in Iowa offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Sherpa Auto Transport.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

Our data team has spent more than 400 hours collecting and analyzing information unique to vehicle transport, including pricing quotes. We routinely evaluate that data to give you relevant, accurate, and unbiased recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.

If you need to ship a car out of Des Moines or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in Iowa:

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.5 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (833) 775-1461

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

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5.0

After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.

Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.

Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.

Get A Quote (224) 206-5633

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Additional insurance provided on every shipment
  • No deposit required, pay at delivery
  • Expedited delivery available
  • Guaranteed delivery available
  • Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
  • Special discounts for return customers and military
  • Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers

Cons

  • Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Long-distance and international shipping
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

AmeriFreight

4.4 / 5.0

AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.

Get A Quote (770) 501-9057

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last minute car shipments
  • Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
  • Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
  • Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available

Cons

  • Must contact to receive a formal quote
  • Require deposit at booking

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

SGT Auto Transport

4.9 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (864) 492-1221

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

Easy Auto Ship

4.8 / 5.0

Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.

Get A Quote (888) 259-6046

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free contingency cargo insurance
  • No deposit upfront to schedule
  • Expedited Shipping Available
  • Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
  • Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
  • Military, Senior, and Student discounts
  • Free car wash on delivery
  • Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days

Cons

  • Do not ship boats or heavy equipment

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Long-distance and international shipping
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

A A All States Auto Transport

214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA, 51102
3.78 / 5.0

A A All States Auto Transport (DOT: 2230973) offers a range of specialized car shipping services, including classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, electric vehicle shipping, and enclosed transport, ensuring your valuable vehicles are protected during transit.

While the company is fully insured and active, it does not offer service for inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some customers needing to transport vehicles that don’t run.

The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, although their BBB rating is a reputable A+.

Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Classic Car Shipping

Bennett Motor Express

906 W Crystal Lake Rd, Forest City, IA, 50436
3.76 / 5.0

Bennett Motor Express (DOT: 92693) offers a variety of car shipping services, including interstate and international shipping, open transport, and trailer shipping. They also cater to the transport needs of motorcycles, RVs, and heavy equipment. Customers have given the company a favorable Google rating of 4.6, highlighting their satisfactory service offerings.

Despite these services, Bennett Motor Express does not provide a damage-free guarantee, which might be a drawback for customers seeking this assurance. Moreover, they do not accept cryptocurrency payments, which could be a limitation for some. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.

Get a Quote (800) 866-5500

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Multi Car Transport
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery
  • Detailed Inspection Reports

Aaall States Transport

214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA, 51102
3.72 / 5.0

Aaall States Transport (DOT: 2230973) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services including interstate and classic car shipping. They are fully insured, ensuring customers that their vehicles are covered during transit. Although they boast an A+ rating with the BBB, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.

While they provide options such as open and enclosed transport as well as motorcycle and trailer shipping, a downside is that Aaall States Transport does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery. Additionally, they do not cater to shipping inoperable cars or provide expedited delivery services.

Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

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
3.62 / 5.0

Nimble Inc (DOT: 2245757) offers a range of specialized car shipping services. The company handles interstate relocations, classic car shipping, and heavy equipment transport, emphasizing versatility in their offerings. They also cater to electric vehicle owners, ensuring environmentally-friendly options are covered.

While Nimble Inc does not provide services like international shipping or transport for inoperable cars, they remain fully insured, offering peace of mind to their customers. However, potential customers should be aware that the company does not have a damage-free guarantee or detailed inspection reports.

Nimble Inc has established a Google rating of 2.0, indicating some room for improvement, and currently lacks established ratings on Yelp and with the BBB.

Get a Quote (866) 700-0770

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Classic Car Shipping

Rush Transport Service

1535 19th St, Des Moines, IA, 50314
3.42 / 5.0

Rush Transport Service (DOT: 3555031) is a car shipping company that provides interstate and multi-car transport services. While they excel with a perfect Google rating of 5.0, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.

One of the notable advantages of Rush Transport Service is that they do not require a deposit, making the booking process simpler for their customers. However, it’s important to note that they do not offer services for inoperable cars, which could be a downside for some clients.

Get a Quote (515) 499-8995

Services Offered

  • Multi Car Transport
  • Interstate

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.

Here’s what we considered:

  • Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
  • Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
  • Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation 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: 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.

Average cost of transporting a car out of IA

The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in Iowa is about $947 but the exact amount you pay could be more or less, depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.

For example:

  • Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $414 to $879
  • Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $719 to $879
  • Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $759 to $1,318

Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Hawkeye State:

Route Open Enclosed
Iowa to North Carolina $784 $1,229
Iowa to California $1,243 $1,897
Iowa to Texas $751 $1,189
Iowa to Ohio $724 $998
Iowa to Georgia $800 $1,204
Florida to Iowa $930 $1,522
Illinois to Iowa $418 $600
Michigan to Iowa $694 $932
New York to Iowa $753 $1,204
Arizona to Iowa $939 $1,434

Cost factors for shipping your car from Iowa:

  • Your move distance: Distance matters. Shipping your car within Iowa or to nearby states usually costs less than transporting it across the country.
  • Location: Whether you’re sending items from busy Des Moines to a smaller Iowa town or out of state, location affects cost. Urban areas might have better rates, while remote Iowa locations could increase the price.
  • Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Compact cars usually cost less to ship, but if you’re moving a classic car from Iowa, expect a higher price because it needs special care.
  • Shipping options in the Hawkeye State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is wallet-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for Iowa’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
  • Gas prices: With changing fuel prices, keep in mind this can impact your total costs. Iowa’s current gas prices may influence your shipping expenses, especially for long trips.
  • Delivery time frame: You will end up paying more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or faster service.
  • Discounts: Some Iowa auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. 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.

FAQs

What is the most reliable car shipping company in Iowa?

Sherpa Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Iowa, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Sherpa Auto Transport a 4.5 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 have 30 days to get an Iowa license after moving. To get the new license, go to the DMV and bring your old state license, which you will need to turn in.

Does Iowa require a vehicle inspection?

In Iowa, car owners don’t have to get emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.

Does Iowa’s weather impact car shipping?

Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Iowa. Iowa experiences a humid continental climate all over the state. Snowfall is frequent. Spring marks the start of severe weather season. Iowa sees about 50 thunderstorms each year and has a tornado season. Summers are hot and humid. Before moving, check the weather, especially in the spring.

What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Iowa?

Delivery times for car shipping in Iowa depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days.

Factors like traffic, weather conditions in Iowa, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular needs.

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 law mandates minimum liability insurance with $20,000 for injury or death per person, $40,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.

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