($888) Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Augusta, GA

Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,044 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Augusta, Georgia, typically costs between $888 and $1,449. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Augusta to Des Moines car shipping guide.

The best Des Moines to Augusta car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Des Moines to Augusta:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full Nexus Auto Transport review
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full Sherpa Auto Transport review
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full SGT Auto Transport review
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full Ship A Car Direct review

Top local car shippers in Des Moines

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Des Moines, IA:

  1. A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Mr. Car Shipper: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  3. Auto Driveaway: 3.52 out of 5 stars

A A All States Auto Transport

214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0
Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

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

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 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.

Get a Quote (877) 421-1284

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

Auto Driveaway

3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 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.

Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

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 GA

If you’re planning a move from Des Moines to Augusta, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from Des Moines to Augusta, 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 1,044 miles from Des Moines to Augusta 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

Having a driver transport your car from Iowa to Georgia 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 Augusta. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Augusta, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.

Factors affecting Des Moines to Augusta car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from Des Moines to Augusta can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

Transport method

When it comes to moving your car from Des Moines to Augusta, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.

Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Augusta, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

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 Augusta will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,044 miles from Des Moines to Augusta will cost more than a shorter move within Iowa.

Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Des Moines and Augusta often affect the cost of auto transport.

September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.

Augusta had short, mild winters, very hot, humid summers

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Des Moines to Augusta in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,044-mile trip from Des Moines to Augusta, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Des Moines to Augusta takes two to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.

Comparing Des Moines and Augusta 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.
  • Augusta: Motorists would be allowed to park up to two hours at $1.50 per hour on Broad and up to four hours on the side streets.

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.
  • Augusta: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.

Vehicle inspections

  • Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
  • Augusta: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.

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.
  • Augusta: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Augusta?

The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Augusta, GA 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 Augusta will range from $888 to $1,449.

How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Augusta?

It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,044 miles from Des Moines to Augusta. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Augusta?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Augusta. 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 Augusta?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Des Moines to Augusta 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 1,044-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.

Helpful Des Moines resources