Iowa to Maryland Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,013 miles from Iowa to Maryland ranges from $762 to $1,219. 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland:
- 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 Maryland:
- 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 Maryland
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Iowa to Maryland, 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 1,013 miles to your car on the trip from Iowa to Maryland. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Iowa to Maryland 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
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Iowa to Maryland 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 Maryland. The trip typically spans 1,013 miles and takes about two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Maryland
| From Iowa to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD | $794 – $1,283 | 1,014 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Baltimore, MD | $786 – $1,219 | 1,020 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Columbia, MD | $770 – $1,207 | 1,012 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Germantown, MD | $797 – $1,299 | 990 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $778 – $1,283 | 1,008 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Maryland
| From Iowa to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Washington DC, MD | $784 – $1,229 | 927 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Baltimore, MD | $808 – $1,291 | 933 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Columbia, MD | $824 – $1,278 | 926 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Germantown, MD | $760 – $1,290 | 903 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $784 – $1,278 | 921 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Maryland
| From Iowa to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Washington DC, MD | $784 – $1,173 | 847 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Baltimore, MD | $772 – $1,237 | 853 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Columbia, MD | $816 – $1,245 | 846 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Germantown, MD | $756 – $1,168 | 823 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $784 – $1,197 | 841 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Maryland
| From Iowa to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Washington DC, MD | $882 – $1,313 | 1,191 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Baltimore, MD | $839 – $1,340 | 1,197 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Columbia, MD | $830 – $1,299 | 1,189 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Germantown, MD | $908 – $1,421 | 1,167 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $899 – $1,340 | 1,185 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Maryland
| From Iowa to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Washington DC, MD | $800 – $1,253 | 902 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Baltimore, MD | $800 – $1,278 | 909 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Columbia, MD | $832 – $1,266 | 901 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Germantown, MD | $807 – $1,167 | 878 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $839 – $1,179 | 897 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Maryland
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Iowa to Maryland usually runs between $953 and $1,524.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Maryland
When moving your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Old Line State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Iowa to Maryland.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Maryland spans approximately 1,013 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Iowa and Maryland may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–eight days, while expedited service costs more.
Maryland vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Maryland, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
- Vehicle inspection: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
- Driver’s license: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
- Additional taxes: The sales tax in Maryland is set at 6%. This applies to both new and used car purchases, adding an additional 6% to the cost. Fortunately for Maryland residents, there is no sales tax imposed by any other governing level in the state.
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 Maryland
About 6.2 million people are living in the Old Line State. Maryland has a wide array of climates, due to local variances in elevation, proximity to water, and protection from colder weather due to downslope winds. The eastern half of Maryland — which includes the cities of Ocean City, Salisbury, Annapolis, and the southern and eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore — lies on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, with flat topography and sandy or muddy soil. This region has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a short, mild-to-cool winter
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Maryland?
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 Maryland.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Maryland?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Maryland, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Maryland, 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.
All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Maryland?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Maryland is about 1,013 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 Maryland.
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.
If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Maryland?
As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Maryland after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Maryland after purchasing it.
The sales tax in Maryland is set at 6%. This applies to both new and used car purchases, adding an additional 6% to the cost. Fortunately for Maryland residents, there is no sales tax imposed by any other governing level in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Maryland to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Maryland?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Maryland 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 Maryland?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Maryland costs $762 to $1,219.
