Iowa to Massachusetts Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,270 miles from Iowa to Massachusetts falls between $896 and $1,500. Delivery typically takes three–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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts:
- 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 Massachusetts:
- 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 Massachusetts
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Iowa for a move to Massachusetts, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,270 miles on your car to travel between Iowa and Massachusetts. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Iowa to Massachusetts is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Iowa to Massachusetts auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Iowa and Massachusetts. Average distances are close to 1,270 miles, with delivery usually taking three–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Massachusetts
| From Iowa to Massachusetts | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Boston, MA | $1,040 – $1,496 | 1,300 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Worcester, MA | $896 – $1,357 | 1,262 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Springfield, MA | $952 – $1,443 | 1,218 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Cambridge, MA | $924 – $1,472 | 1,297 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Lowell, MA | $1,040 – $1,496 | 1,304 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Massachusetts
| From Iowa to Massachusetts | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Boston, MA | $887 – $1,386 | 1,213 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Worcester, MA | $890 – $1,299 | 1,175 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Springfield, MA | $821 – $1,353 | 1,132 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Cambridge, MA | $980 – $1,357 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Lowell, MA | $952 – $1,500 | 1,217 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Massachusetts
| From Iowa to Massachusetts | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Boston, MA | $882 – $1,380 | 1,133 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Worcester, MA | $833 – $1,207 | 1,095 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Springfield, MA | $794 – $1,295 | 1,052 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Cambridge, MA | $830 – $1,380 | 1,130 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Lowell, MA | $821 – $1,394 | 1,137 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Massachusetts
| From Iowa to Massachusetts | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Boston, MA | $1,024 – $1,618 | 1,477 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Worcester, MA | $1,109 – $1,509 | 1,439 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Springfield, MA | $991 – $1,571 | 1,395 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Cambridge, MA | $1,066 – $1,587 | 1,474 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Lowell, MA | $1,024 – $1,587 | 1,481 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Massachusetts
| From Iowa to Massachusetts | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Boston, MA | $882 – $1,353 | 1,188 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Worcester, MA | $908 – $1,367 | 1,150 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Springfield, MA | $864 – $1,286 | 1,107 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Cambridge, MA | $839 – $1,408 | 1,186 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Lowell, MA | $839 – $1,286 | 1,193 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts, expect costs to range from $1,120 to $1,875.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Massachusetts
When arranging car transport from the Hawkeye State to the Bay State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Massachusetts than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Massachusetts spans about 1,270 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Iowa, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Iowa to Massachusetts, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–eight days, while expedited service costs more.
Massachusetts vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Massachusetts, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
- Vehicle inspection: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
- Driver’s license: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
- Additional taxes: As a buyer, transferee, or user of a motor vehicle or trailer in Massachusetts, you are responsible for paying a sales or use tax of 6.25%.
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 Massachusetts
About 7.0 million people are living in the Bay State. Most of Massachusetts has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Far southeast coastal areas are the broad transition zone to Humid Subtropical climates. The warm to hot summers render the oceanic climate rare in this transition, only applying to exposed coastal areas such as on the peninsula of Barnstable County. The climate of Boston is quite representative for the commonwealth, characterized by summer highs of around 81 °F (27 °C) and winter highs of 35 °F (2 °C), and is quite wet. Frosts are frequent all winter, even in coastal areas due to prevailing inland winds. Due to its location near the Atlantic, Massachusetts is vulnerable to nor'easters, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Massachusetts?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Massachusetts, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Massachusetts, 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.
Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Massachusetts?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Massachusetts is about 1,270 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Iowa to Massachusetts.
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.
Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Massachusetts?
As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Massachusetts after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Massachusetts after purchasing it.
As a buyer, transferee, or user of a motor vehicle or trailer in Massachusetts, you are responsible for paying a sales or use tax of 6.25%.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Massachusetts to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Massachusetts?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Massachusetts costs $896 to $1,500.
