Iowa to Louisiana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,020 miles from Iowa to Louisiana falls between $776 and $1,292. Delivery typically takes two–eight days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Louisiana 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 Louisiana car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Iowa to Louisiana:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Iowa can deliver your vehicle to Louisiana:
- 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 Louisiana
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Iowa to Louisiana, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,020 miles to your car on the trip from Iowa to Louisiana. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Iowa to Louisiana for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
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 Louisiana auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Iowa and Louisiana. The trip typically spans 1,020 miles and takes about two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Louisiana
| From Iowa to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA | $792 – $1,217 | 1,010 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA | $774 – $1,199 | 956 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Shreveport, LA | $764 – $1,053 | 743 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Metairie, LA | $823 – $1,267 | 1,004 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Lafayette, LA | $813 – $1,236 | 958 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Louisiana
| From Iowa to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to New Orleans, LA | $806 – $1,287 | 944 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Baton Rouge, LA | $830 – $1,164 | 933 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Shreveport, LA | $822 – $1,171 | 828 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Metairie, LA | $775 – $1,213 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Lafayette, LA | $772 – $1,234 | 987 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Louisiana
| From Iowa to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to New Orleans, LA | $806 – $1,262 | 940 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Baton Rouge, LA | $806 – $1,275 | 929 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Shreveport, LA | $770 – $1,200 | 822 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Metairie, LA | $822 – $1,226 | 934 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Lafayette, LA | $795 – $1,209 | 983 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Louisiana
| From Iowa to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to New Orleans, LA | $820 – $1,297 | 1,126 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Baton Rouge, LA | $753 – $1,305 | 1,042 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Shreveport, LA | $744 – $1,159 | 830 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Metairie, LA | $871 – $1,297 | 1,120 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Lafayette, LA | $823 – $1,305 | 1,044 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Louisiana
| From Iowa to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to New Orleans, LA | $830 – $1,153 | 920 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Baton Rouge, LA | $767 – $1,262 | 909 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Shreveport, LA | $770 – $1,131 | 802 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Metairie, LA | $782 – $1,177 | 915 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Lafayette, LA | $766 – $1,261 | 963 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Louisiana
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 Louisiana, expect costs to range from $970 to $1,615.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Louisiana
When transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Pelican State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Louisiana.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Louisiana spans approximately 1,020 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- 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 Louisiana.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Iowa to Louisiana takes two–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Louisiana vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Louisiana, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
- Vehicle inspection: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Additional taxes: In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.
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 Louisiana
About 4.6 million people are living in the Pelican State. Louisiana has long hot humid summers and short mild winters. Rain is frequent throughout the year, although from April to September is slightly wetter than the rest of the year. Louisiana is often affected by tropical cyclones and is very vulnerable to major hurricanes, particularly around the New Orleans area. Lousiana averages about 27 tornadoes annually; they are most common from January through March in the south and from February through March in the North.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Louisiana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Louisiana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Louisiana, 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.
The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Louisiana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Louisiana is about 1,020 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 Louisiana.
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 Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Louisiana?
New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Louisiana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Louisiana after purchasing it.
In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Louisiana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Louisiana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Louisiana costs $776 to $1,292.
