Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines, IA (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Des Moines, IA, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you’ll typically spend between and $1,452 to ship your car from Des Moines.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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4.7 |
Best overall value |
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4.5 |
Most accurate pricing |
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4.4 |
Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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4.9 |
Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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4.4 |
Best for Damage Protection |
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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 your car needs to be shipped around Iowa or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in Des Moines:
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 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
Mr. Car Shipper
Mr. Car Shipper (DOT: 2310535) is a reputable car shipping company that offers a variety of reliable services, including damage-free guarantee, classic car shipping, and international shipping. The company is fully insured, provides detailed inspection reports, and allows for both open and enclosed transport options. While they boast an A+ rating from the BBB, Mr. Car Shipper has yet to establish ratings on Google, and holds a Yelp rating of 2.6, suggesting mixed customer satisfaction.
For convenience, they offer services like motorcycle, trailer, and even inoperable car transport, along with expedited and guaranteed delivery options. Despite their wide range of services, a notable downside is the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery and acceptance of cryptocurrency, which might limit payment flexibility and shipping convenience for some customers.
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) is a car shipping company that emphasizes reliability with features such as a damage-free guarantee and fully insured shipping services. They are active in interstate and international shipping, offering shipment tracking and detailed inspection reports for added customer confidence.
The company is noted for its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although its customer feedback on Yelp and Google is mixed, with ratings of 2.0 and 3.0, respectively. While Auto Driveaway does provide storage solutions and open transport, they do not cater to inoperable car transport, which might be a drawback for some clients. Additionally, they accept payments by credit card, but not cryptocurrency or cash.
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
A A All States Auto Transport
A A All States Auto Transport (DOT: 2230973) is a car shipping company that boasts a BBB rating of A+, though it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. They offer a range of services including classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and electric vehicle transport, ensuring the safe and insured delivery of these specialized vehicles.
Despite the breadth of their offerings, they do not provide inoperable car transport, which may be a downside for customers needing to ship cars that don't run. While they offer international shipping and enclosed transport options, benefits such as expedited delivery or discounts for seniors, teachers, and military personnel are not available.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Rush Transport Service
Rush Transport Service (DOT: 3555031) stands out with impressive Yelp and Google ratings, both at 5.0, though they have yet to establish a rating with the Better Business Bureau. They specialize in interstate car shipping and offer transport for multiple cars, making them a reliable choice for bulk vehicle moves. Despite their high ratings, the service does not accept cryptocurrency or provide guaranteed delivery times, which could be a downside for some customers. While they offer a variety of services, their offerings are limited as they do not transport inoperable cars or provide enclosed transport options.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) is an active car shipping company that specializes in services such as motorcycle shipping but does not cater to inoperable vehicles or offer expedited delivery. They have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, but boast a solid Google rating of 4.9, indicating high customer satisfaction.
While IMT Transport RGN Yard provides interstate shipping, it lacks options like a damage-free guarantee and fully insured services, which might be a consideration for some customers. Additionally, customers should note that they cannot pay by credit card or cryptocurrency, which could be a drawback for those seeking flexible payment solutions.
Services Offered
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
Comparing Des Moines car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 0 local car shipping companies in Des Moines, 3 across Iowa, and 518+ nationwide to compare service availability and help you choose the best option for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Des Moines, across Iowa, and nationwide:
- Enclosed transport: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 2 in Iowa (66.67%), 495 nationwide (80.62%)
- Inoperable car transport: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 242 nationwide (39.41%)
- Multi-car shipping: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 415 nationwide (67.7%)
- Real-time tracking: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 337 nationwide (54.98%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 0 in Des Moines (0%), 0 in Iowa (0.0%), 175 nationwide (28.55%)
| Company | Enclosed transport | Inoperable car transport | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Car Shipper | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto Driveaway | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| A A All States Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Rush Transport Service | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| IMT Transport RGN Yard | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Des Moines
With a population of 699,292 and the status of a major Iowa city, Des Moines sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Des Moines compared to smaller towns nearby.
Moving your car from Des Moines, Iowa will vary but usually falls between to $1,452. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Des Moines, Iowa to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iowa to New York | $950 - $1,647 |
| Iowa to North Carolina | $1,039 - $1,584 |
| Iowa to Georgia | $990 - $1,520 |
| Iowa to Michigan | $851 - $1,249 |
| Iowa to Arizona | $1,248 - $1,959 |
| Texas to Iowa | $1,008 - $1,502 |
| Illinois to Iowa | $528 - $728 |
| Florida to Iowa | $1,186 - $1,810 |
| California to Iowa | $1,492 - $2,166 |
| Ohio to Iowa | $897 - $1,235 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Des Moines
As a major city, Des Moines benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Des Moines is 87, which sits close to the national average. As a result, car shipping prices here tend to align with typical market rates across the country.
- Move distance: You'll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Des Moines or within Iowa, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you're moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Des Moines vs. the suburbs.
- 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.
- Shipping method choices in Des Moines: Pick between standard open-air carriers for budget-friendly transport or enclosed trailers for extra protection against the elements. Enclosed shipping costs more but shields your car from the unexpected.
- Gas prices: The going rate for fuel in Des Moines can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Des Moines, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Extreme winter cold, heavy snowfall, and springtime storms in Des Moines can disrupt transport schedules, increase risk, and lead to higher car shipping prices due to added delays and precautions.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Des Moines?
Many car shipping companies in Des Moines, Iowa, provide real-time tracking. Customers often have the option to track their vehicle's progress on the company's website or app. You can check when your car leaves Des Moines, the expected arrival time, and any potential delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Des Moines?
Interstate 35 runs north-south through Des Moines. Interstate 80 runs east-west across the city. Interstate 235 connects central Des Moines to both I-35 and I-80. These highways offer the most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Des Moines.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company’s license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT’s FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Des Moines or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Des Moines?
Most carriers won't need an inspection to ship your car from Des Moines. But if your car is a classic or high-value model, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Make sure to review the inspection laws in the state where you're shipping the car, as rules differ.
Take Iowa regulations as an example. In Iowa, car owners don't have to get emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Des Moines?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It’s a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Des Moines to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Des Moines?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in Des Moines specializing in open carrier delivery include Mr. Car Shipper, Auto Driveaway, and A A All States Auto Transport.
Who ships classic cars out of Des Moines?
Des Moines-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include Mr. Car Shipper and A A All States Auto Transport.
