Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines, IA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: If you’re looking for an excellent car shipping company in Des Moines, IA, Sherpa Auto Transport stands out for its impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars rating, affordable rates, and lineup of services. While prices vary, you can usually expect to pay between $676 and $1,418 to ship your car from Des Moines.
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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 you’re shipping your car locally or out of Iowa, these are the best auto transport companies available in Des Moines:
Sherpa Auto Transport
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
Nexus Auto Transport
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
Montway Auto Transport
montway.com
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.
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
SGT Auto Transport
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
Navi Auto Transport
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
Mr. Car Shipper
Mr. Car Shipper (DOT: 2310535) is a versatile car shipping company boasting an A+ rating from the BBB and a modest Yelp rating of 2.8. The company offers an array of services including damage-free guarantees, interstate transport, classic car shipping, enclosed transport, and detailed inspection reports.
Customers can also benefit from specialized shipments such as boat, motorcycle, trailer, and ATV shipping, with additional options for inoperable cars and expedited delivery. However, a notable downside is that Mr. Car Shipper does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which may be inconvenient for some customers.
While the company has yet to establish ratings on Google, their broad service offerings and solid BBB rating suggest reliability and customer satisfaction in the car shipping industry.
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
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) offers a range of services designed to meet various car shipping needs. Customers can benefit from guaranteed delivery, damage-free guarantees, and fully insured shipments, ensuring a stress-free experience for those transporting vehicles, including electric cars and multi-car loads.
The company holds a respectable BBB rating of A+, though its Yelp and Google ratings are average at 2.0 and 3.0 respectively. Despite these ratings, the business remains active and committed to providing service excellence.
It is worth noting that Auto Driveaway does not offer shipping for classic cars or inoperable vehicles, which may be a downside for some customers looking for these specific services. Additionally, they do not provide expedited delivery or terminal-to-terminal delivery options, which might be a consideration for those needing faster or more flexible transport solutions.
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
Bennett Motor Express
Bennett Motor Express (DOT: 92693) specializes in various car shipping services, including interstate transport, international shipping, and expedited delivery. They also handle motorcycle, trailer, RV, and heavy equipment shipping, ensuring flexibility for different types of vehicle transport needs. They boast a strong Google rating of 4.6 but have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
Although Bennett Motor Express provides comprehensive shipment tracking and detailed inspection reports, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a downside for some customers. Additionally, they do not cater to the transport of inoperable cars or offer enclosed transport options, which could be a consideration for those with specific shipping requirements.
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
Rush Transport Service
Rush Transport Service (DOT: 3555031) is a car shipping company known for its commitment to quality service. Despite not offering a damage-free guarantee or shipping for inoperable cars, they ensure efficient interstate transport and are capable of managing multiple car shipments simultaneously.
Although they don’t provide certain specialized services such as classic car shipping or motorcycle transportation, Rush Transport Service has received excellent feedback, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating on both Yelp and Google. However, the company has yet to establish a rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) is a car shipping company known for its reliability, boasting an impressive Google rating of 4.9. They offer interstate and motorcycle shipping services, catering to customers looking to transport various types of vehicles across state lines.
While the company is active and widely trusted, a notable downside for potential clients is that IMT Transport RGN Yard does not provide a damage-free guarantee or fully insured shipping. They also lack other key services such as enclosed transport and expedited delivery, which some customers might require.
The company has yet to establish ratings on platforms like Yelp or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Services Offered
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Average cost to ship a car out of Des Moines
Moving a car out of Des Moines, Iowa typically starts around $676 but can go up to as much as $1,418 or more. Your final price depends on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping your vehicle from Des Moines, Iowa to other states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iowa to Michigan | $903 – $1,249 |
| Iowa to North Carolina | $1,010 – $1,535 |
| Iowa to Florida | $1,272 – $1,790 |
| Iowa to California | $1,491 – $2,188 |
| Iowa to Illinois | $544 – $720 |
| Texas to Iowa | $998 – $1,547 |
| Arizona to Iowa | $1,297 – $1,828 |
| New York to Iowa | $1,020 – $1,647 |
| Ohio to Iowa | $905 – $1,210 |
| Georgia to Iowa | $950 – $1,615 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Des Moines
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Des Moines or to another city in Iowa can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Des Moines to a more suburban area.
- 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.
- Available shipping options in Des Moines: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Des Moines’s fuel prices, especially if you’re planning along haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Des Moines comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: The weather in Des Moines, Iowa includes severe storms and hot summers, potentially leading to delays and increased costs for car shipping services due to challenging conditions.
Tips for choosing the right Des Moines car shipping company
- Get accurate quotes: Pick a Des Moines company that shares total costs upfront. In Iowa, a typical job starts near $1,100.
- Understand your coverage: Make sure your provider explains how they insure vehicles, what’s covered, and how claims are handled.
- Check out reviews: Reviews from real Des Moines customers help highlight reliable companies and expose red flags.
- Verify credentials: The FMCSA’s company snapshot tool can verify if a shipper is properly licensed and safe.
- Compare value, not just price: Check which services are included. Sometimes, premium services are worth the added cost.
- Plan around delivery timing: Ask when your car will be picked up and delivered and whether delays are common for your route.
- Get flexible options: Many Des Moines shippers offer extras like door-to-door transport or rush delivery if you need it.
- Ask someone you trust: A recommendation from a Des Moines local can save you hours of searching and second-guessing.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
FAQ
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