($1,084) Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Anaheim, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,676 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Anaheim, California, will run you about $1,084 to $1,610. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Anaheim to Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Anaheim car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Des Moines to Anaheim:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Des Moines
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Des Moines, IA:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Car Shipper: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.52 out of 5 stars
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
Mr. Car Shipper
1620 Wilshire Dr Suite 300, Bellevue, NE 68005 US mrcarshipper.com3.56 / 5.0
Mr. Car Shipper offers efficient and reliable car transport services, with many customers praising their timely delivery and professional drivers. However, several reviews highlight concerns regarding poor communication and delays in scheduling, resulting in frustration and logistical issues for some clients.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2310535
Auto Driveaway
3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US
autodriveaway.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers report significant safety concerns with the company's delivery drivers, as well as damage to vehicles during transport. Appeals for support have reportedly been dismissed, leading to dissatisfaction.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
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 IA to CA
If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Anaheim, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Des Moines to Anaheim, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,676-mile trip from Des Moines to Anaheim could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Iowa to California is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Des Moines to Anaheim. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Anaheim is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Des Moines to Anaheim car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Anaheim, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Des Moines to Anaheim, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Anaheim, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Des Moines depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Anaheim will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
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 1,676 miles from Des Moines to Anaheim will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Iowa.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in Des Moines and Anaheim play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Anaheim has warm winters with erratic heavy rainfalls, and hot, essentially rainless summer
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Des Moines to Anaheim in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,676-mile journey from Des Moines to Anaheim makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Des Moines to Anaheim typically takes between three and nine days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Des Moines and Anaheim vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Anaheim: Within the updated Permit Parking Program guidelines, below are the major changes adopted by City Council on March 27, 2018: Reduction of the $500 petition fee, so it does not exceed $50 per household and addresses smaller petition areas. Example: for a street segment with six homes, the petition fee would be reduced to $300
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Anaheim: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
Vehicle inspections
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Anaheim: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Anaheim: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Anaheim?
The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Anaheim, CA 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 Des Moines to Anaheim will range from $1,084 to $1,610.
How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Anaheim?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,676 miles from Des Moines to Anaheim. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Anaheim?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Anaheim. 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 Des Moines to Anaheim?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Des Moines to Anaheim 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 1,676-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.
