10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines, IA

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 serving Des Moines. Some are based in Des Moines itself and others operate in the surrounding region:

Compare Des Moines, IA car shippers

Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across Iowa and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Des Moines.

We don't yet have service data for the individual companies serving Des Moines, so here's how common key car shipping services are across Iowa and nationwide:

Here's a closer look at the companies serving Des Moines and which of these services they offer:

Average cost to ship a car out of Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is one of Iowa's major cities, with a population of 699,292 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Des Moines compared to smaller towns nearby.

The average cost to move a car out of Des Moines, Iowa is $698 - $1,369, though it can run higher depending on your route. 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:

Check out all car shipping routes.

Factors influencing car shipping costs from Des Moines, IA

Des Moines's size works in its favor here: more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability tend to keep costs competitive. According to Des Moines's cost of living index, the Iowa city is about 13% cheaper than the national average. That means car shipping prices here tend to be in line with typical rates across the country.

• Distance: Shipping your car within Des Moines or to a nearby city in Iowa usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
• Location: Pickups from busier, higher-traffic parts of Des Moines tend to cost more than pickups in quieter suburban neighborhoods nearby.
• 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. Only 100% of shippers across Iowa handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• 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. Nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport.
• Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Des Moines can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in Iowa is about $2.73 per gallon right now.
• Delivery speed and price: Open transport typically costs $0.60 - $1 per mile, while expedited delivery costs $1 - $1.50 per mile. Expect to pay $200 - $500 more, on average, for expedited or guaranteed delivery out of Des Moines.
• Seasonal pricing: Summer and month-end dates are the busiest time for car shippers, which pushes rates up. Book in the off-season instead, typically fall or early winter, and you could pay 10% - 30% less.

How to ship a car from Des Moines, IA

Use this checklist to compare auto transport companies serving Des Moines and book the right shipper for your move:

1. Establish your route first. Know whether your move stays inside Iowa or heads to another state. Shorter, regional routes cost less than long-distance ones, and the exact ZIP codes involved set your final quote.
2. Understand the local market. Des Moines generally offers more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. Its cost of living lands 13% below the national average.
3. Balance national and local carriers. National partners are a solid pick for long hauls, while the local shippers on this page (5 tracked here) often win on speed for nearby pickups.
4. Pick your transport type: open vs. enclosed. Open transport is the more economical choice for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport better protects classic, luxury, or high-value cars in transit.
5. Double-check MC/DOT numbers. Ask for the carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and run them through the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
6. Request 3+ quotes and dodge peak pricing. Compare written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator, and aim to book outside summer and end-of-month windows when demand spikes. Winter lows around 13°F can delay pickup, so check your carrier's weather policy before booking a winter date.

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