Iowa to Maryland Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,013 miles from Iowa to Maryland usually costs between $805 and $1,367. Transit time is about two–eight days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
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
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Iowa to Maryland:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in Iowa
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Iowa who can get 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
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Maryland, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,013 extra miles on your car to travel from Iowa to Maryland. 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 Maryland. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Iowa to Maryland auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Iowa and Maryland. The typical distance is about 1,013 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and 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 | $813 – $1,275 | 1,014 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Baltimore, MD | $822 – $1,236 | 1,020 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Columbia, MD | $854 – $1,275 | 1,012 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Germantown, MD | $841 – $1,357 | 990 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $789 – $1,236 | 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 | $779 – $1,284 | 927 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Baltimore, MD | $853 – $1,284 | 933 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Columbia, MD | $787 – $1,259 | 926 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Germantown, MD | $845 – $1,322 | 903 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $795 – $1,284 | 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 | $780 – $1,178 | 847 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Baltimore, MD | $800 – $1,218 | 853 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Columbia, MD | $836 – $1,251 | 846 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Germantown, MD | $783 – $1,233 | 823 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $844 – $1,190 | 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 | $850 – $1,442 | 1,191 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Baltimore, MD | $895 – $1,415 | 1,197 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Columbia, MD | $886 – $1,401 | 1,189 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Germantown, MD | $930 – $1,415 | 1,167 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $868 – $1,387 | 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 | $779 – $1,234 | 902 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Baltimore, MD | $861 – $1,322 | 909 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Columbia, MD | $820 – $1,284 | 901 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Germantown, MD | $794 – $1,246 | 878 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Silver Spring, MD | $778 – $1,308 | 897 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Maryland
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Iowa to Maryland, the price usually falls between $1,006 and $1,709.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Maryland
When transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Old Line State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- 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 trip from Iowa to Maryland covers roughly 1,013 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Iowa around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Iowa and Maryland.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Iowa to Maryland should take between two and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Maryland vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Maryland, 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: 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 $805 to $1,367.
