Iowa to Delaware Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,082 miles from Iowa to Delaware ranges from $745 to $1,254. Expect the trip to take around two–eight days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Delaware to Iowa 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 Iowa to Delaware car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Iowa to Delaware:
- 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 Iowa
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Iowa that can transport your vehicle to Delaware:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nimble Inc: 3.5 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
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.5 / 5.0
While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2230973
Nimble Inc
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US
nimbleinc.net
3.5 / 5.0
Nimble, Inc. is faced with serious concern regarding business practices, particularly around unpaid freight charges and customer service experiences. While there are some positive comments about their staff, numerous reviews highlight major issues related to financial responsibility and operational difficulties during service deliveries.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245757
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Iowa to Delaware
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Iowa to Delaware, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,082 extra miles on your car to travel from Iowa to Delaware. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Iowa to Delaware. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Iowa to Delaware auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Iowa and Delaware. The typical distance is about 1,082 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Delaware
| From Iowa to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Wilmington, DE | $784 – $1,242 | 1,069 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Dover, DE | $820 – $1,377 | 1,100 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Newark, DE | $745 – $1,254 | 1,052 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Middletown, DE | $854 – $1,337 | 1,102 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Bear, DE | $753 – $1,217 | 1,086 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Delaware
| From Iowa to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Wilmington, DE | $827 – $1,283 | 982 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Dover, DE | $815 – $1,267 | 1,015 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Newark, DE | $758 – $1,236 | 965 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Middletown, DE | $776 – $1,305 | 1,015 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Bear, DE | $800 – $1,267 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Delaware
| From Iowa to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Wilmington, DE | $782 – $1,262 | 906 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Dover, DE | $751 – $1,238 | 933 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Newark, DE | $805 – $1,225 | 889 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Middletown, DE | $822 – $1,164 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Bear, DE | $751 – $1,238 | 923 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Delaware
| From Iowa to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Wilmington, DE | $940 – $1,369 | 1,246 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Dover, DE | $922 – $1,468 | 1,278 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Newark, DE | $904 – $1,454 | 1,229 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Middletown, DE | $885 – $1,425 | 1,279 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Bear, DE | $913 – $1,468 | 1,263 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Delaware
| From Iowa to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Wilmington, DE | $750 – $1,212 | 958 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Dover, DE | $811 – $1,258 | 990 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Newark, DE | $822 – $1,164 | 941 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Middletown, DE | $827 – $1,196 | 990 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Bear, DE | $764 – $1,196 | 975 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Delaware
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Iowa to Delaware, expect costs to range from $931 to $1,568.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Delaware
Transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the First State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Delaware.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Delaware spans about 1,082 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Iowa in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Iowa and Delaware.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–eight days, but expedited options cost more.
Delaware vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Delaware, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
- Driver’s license: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain states.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Iowa
More than 3.2 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
Transporting your vehicle to Delaware
About 1.0 million people are living in the First State. Almost all of Delaware is a part of the Atlantic coastal plain, the effects of the ocean moderate its climate. The southern portion of the state has a milder climate than the northern portion of the state.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Delaware?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in Delaware.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Delaware?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Delaware, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Delaware, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Delaware?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Delaware is about 1,082 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Iowa to Delaware.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Delaware?
Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Delaware after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Delaware after purchasing it.
Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain states.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Delaware to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Delaware?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Delaware is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Iowa to Delaware?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Delaware costs $745 to $1,254.
