Iowa to Maine Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,422 miles from Iowa to Maine usually costs between $1,049 and $1,642. Transit time is about three–eight days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Maine 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 Maine car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Iowa to Maine:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Iowa can deliver your vehicle to Maine:
- 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 Maine
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Maine, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,422 miles to your vehicle on the route from Iowa to Maine. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Iowa to Maine 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 service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Iowa to Maine auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Iowa and Maine. The average journey covers about 1,422 miles and takes roughly three to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Maine
| From Iowa to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Portland, ME | $1,025 – $1,549 | 1,399 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Lewiston, ME | $1,071 – $1,530 | 1,429 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Bangor, ME | $1,196 – $1,708 | 1,527 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Des Moines, IA to South Portland, ME | $1,071 – $1,515 | 1,400 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Auburn, ME | $1,060 – $1,610 | 1,428 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Maine
| From Iowa to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Portland, ME | $1,035 – $1,533 | 1,313 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Lewiston, ME | $975 – $1,549 | 1,342 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Bangor, ME | $1,028 – $1,546 | 1,440 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to South Portland, ME | $1,046 – $1,549 | 1,313 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Auburn, ME | $995 – $1,579 | 1,342 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Maine
| From Iowa to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Portland, ME | $995 – $1,493 | 1,236 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Lewiston, ME | $985 – $1,420 | 1,266 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Bangor, ME | $1,015 – $1,564 | 1,360 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to South Portland, ME | $976 – $1,464 | 1,233 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Auburn, ME | $985 – $1,464 | 1,265 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Maine
| From Iowa to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Portland, ME | $1,116 – $1,659 | 1,576 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Lewiston, ME | $1,208 – $1,637 | 1,606 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Bangor, ME | $1,165 – $1,708 | 1,704 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to South Portland, ME | $1,116 – $1,611 | 1,577 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Auburn, ME | $1,172 – $1,790 | 1,605 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Maine
| From Iowa to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Portland, ME | $985 – $1,449 | 1,288 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Lewiston, ME | $1,046 – $1,564 | 1,318 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Bangor, ME | $1,093 – $1,658 | 1,416 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to South Portland, ME | $966 – $1,537 | 1,289 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Auburn, ME | $1,005 – $1,579 | 1,317 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Maine
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 Maine usually runs between $1,311 and $2,053.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Maine
Transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Pine Tree State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Maine.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Iowa to Maine involves roughly 1,422 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Iowa in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Iowa and Maine may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Iowa to Maine takes three–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Maine vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Maine, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
- Vehicle inspection: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
- Driver’s license: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
- Additional taxes: Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
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 Maine
About 1.4 million people are living in the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Maine?
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 Maine.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Maine?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Maine, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Maine, 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.
In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Maine?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Maine is about 1,422 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 Maine.
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.
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Maine?
New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Maine after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Maine after purchasing it.
Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Maine to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Maine?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Maine 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 Maine?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Maine costs $1,049 to $1,642.
