($896) Cost to ship a car from Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,165 miles from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, generally falls between $896 and $1,375. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines to Bridgeport car shipping guide.
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
The best Bridgeport to Des Moines car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Bridgeport to Des Moines:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Bridgeport
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Bridgeport, CT:
- Plycon Transportation Group: 3.98 out of 5 stars
- Molloy Bros Trucking Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Roadrunner Auto: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Number 1 Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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.
Car shipping alternatives from CT to IA
Getting your car from Bridgeport to Des Moines can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Bridgeport to Des Moines, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,165 miles from Bridgeport to Des Moines might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Connecticut to Iowa is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Bridgeport to Des Moines. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Des Moines—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Bridgeport to Des Moines car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Bridgeport to Des Moines, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Bridgeport to Des Moines, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Bridgeport are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Des Moines? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Bridgeport. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Des Moines will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,165 miles from Bridgeport to Des Moines will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Connecticut.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Bridgeport and Des Moines.
Bridgeport has long, hot summers, and cool to cold winters, with precipitation spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Bridgeport to Des Moines during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,165-mile trip from Bridgeport to Des Moines, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Bridgeport to Des Moines typically takes between two and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Bridgeport and Des Moines vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Bridgeport: A contractor with a small pick-up truck that is hired by City residents to pick up household or landscaping items must be licensed with the City of Bridgeport. For more information on what licensing entails, please contact this office at 203-576-7790
- Des Moines: special parking permits are issued by the Traffic and Transportation Division of the Engineering Department and are intended to provide for services or needs of an infrequent or unique nature. Examples include utility work, constructions, special events, etc.
Car insurance requirements
- Bridgeport: The basic car insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut is as follow: Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Des Moines: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Bridgeport: In Connecticut, all vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, with a few exceptions. Additionally, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which confirms the vehicle's identity, is required when registering the vehicle in the state.
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Driver’s license
- Bridgeport: As a new resident of Connecticut, you must obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days. Residency is defined as living in the state for over 6 months in a year.
- Des Moines: 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Bridgeport to Des Moines?
The cost to ship a car from Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Bridgeport to Des Moines will range from $896 to $1,375.
How long will it take to ship my car from Bridgeport to Des Moines?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,165 miles from Bridgeport to Des Moines. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Bridgeport to Des Moines?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Bridgeport to Des Moines. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Bridgeport to Des Moines?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Bridgeport to Des Moines than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,165-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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